Just wondering if any of you have any experience with regard to Voyager (or Regent in general) allowing one to upload photos via their computer center. We have been on several Regent cruises, and I have used the computer center for checking emails and general web stuff, but have never inquired regarding whether they would let us upload photos, and if so, what programs they used. I am debating on whether or not to lug my lap top on our next cruise (which would entail taking it overseas) - if Regent would allow me to upload photos, I probably would not hazzle with the lap top. Thanks!

Cindy: Those in the know will correct me BUT we had computer lessons with help uploading on V and M - not Navigator - I was D student but not due to Regent instructor - anyone???

I've always carried my laptop on trips, so I haven't tried uploading from the computer lab. I'm not really sure I understand your question. You want to be able to upload your photos to a photo sharing web site like Flikr or Shutterfly? Most such sites allow uploading via a web browser without any special software, so I'm not sure what software you're referring to. To me, the issue is hardware: how do you get your photos into the lab computer to upload. If you have a USB cord to connect your camera to the computer, I'm assuming the computer will recognize the camera and let you navigate to your photo files via the web browser.

But there's a more basic issue at work here which may resolve your question: bandwidth. The computer connections on the ship are slow, at best, and painfully slow-to-sometimes-nonexistent at other times. If your goal is to upload a few photos to show family and friends a little of your trip, you'll be able to do so. If your goal is to upload hundreds of photos to empty your memory cards for more pictures, you're almost certain to be disappointed, frustrated and ultimately unsuccessful because of the very limited speed.

-- Eric

I agree with Eric. Take your laptop so you can transfer your photos and catagorize them while you still remember where they were taken. Wireless is throughout the ships so you can upload to Shutterfly or some other program for showing a few photos to friends & family. I could load about 20 photos on Shutterfly and add them to the share site in about 5 or 10 minutes on the ship (compared to a minute or so at home.) Additionally, with your laptop you don't have to wait for an open computer lab machine in order to be online.

There's no problem taking a laptop overseas anymore - you don't have to declare it in any country unless you plan to sell it there.
Jim

I am with Eric and jim. I have been taking my laptop with me for several years now, albeit a small, inexpensive one for travel only. That way, I can download my pictures on to my computer, and check my email and surf the internet if I want from my cabin. Of course it helps that I have unlimited computer access with Regent.
Lynn

Thanks for the input everyone. I guess I will probably just try taking my laptop. I always take it when we are flying domestically, but it's such a hazzle going thru security with it, I was afraid it might be even more problematic overseas.

In response to Eric, I have all the hardware I need, but my question was related to what photo editing programs might be available on the onboard computers. I take my photos at very high resolutions, so I would need to edit them down to a reasonable pixel size or they would never upload at the slow bandwidth onboard! I usually use Picasa, but could probably adapt to whatever they had. Basically I just wanted to be able post a few photos in my blog as we are cruising for family and friends, but taking the laptop would also allow me to transfer everything as we go and keep things organized, while freeing up the camera for more space. Plus, I like the idea of checking my emails in my room while I am still in my pajamas!

I don't think you will be sorry taking your laptop. Security no more problematic on international flights than domestic ones, you still just take it out of the case and it travels through with everything else. I won't leave home without mine, because I like having in-cabin access to empty my memory cards and keeping up with home via email.

Got it -- and I can't answer your question, because I haven't used the ship's computers very much. (Aside from the fact I carry my laptop each trip, I'm a Mac user, so I don't spend much time on the PC's onboard!) I'm not sure if they have any photo editing software installed -- hopefully someone else here can answer that for you.

-- Eric

The ships' computers generally have some version of Photoshop and Picassa, but, unless they've upgraded recently, they're older versions.
Jim

If I remember correctly, couldn't you take your camera to the photo guy and he could make a CD of your photos for a fee. I can't remember the price but it may be a lot easier than taking a computer you wouldn't need for anything else. I have not idea what software is used or how to retrieve the pix from the CD. We just take enought pix to fill a camera card.

Colleen, All the photo shops closed on Regent ships in December, so no more "photo guys" are available to do this service. Maybe the computer experts on the ship can assist with that know.

Photo shops closed? Does that mean no photographer? I need to get out more.

You are correct, Colleen. No more photogs and I think I am the only one who misses them. We used to love to look at the pix of us that were so bad. It was always good for a laugh!

The people in the computer lab will make a CD/DVD of your images for you if you don't want to bring a laptop. Not sure what software onboard since I bring my own. Oceania has Photoshop and they teach classes onboard.

I'll miss them too, Karen. The couple on the Navigator this past fall, became good friends over three years. I would try to hide my bad pix.

We'll have to get somebody to take a few group shots of all of us on MOOSE.

Oh my - that's sad news! I did not know there were no longer any photographers on board! Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but my husband and I actually bought quite a few photos from them - yes, I know they were terribly overpriced, but it gave us something on which to spend our onboard credits, and they were a nice addition to the photo albums my husband likes to put together when we get home. Too bad...

On our canal cruise (17 days) they had a deal $99 for any and all pix with you in it. I have a bunch. We also managed to get one or two on the Paul Gaugin but I just totally forgot to look this past summer. Way too port intensive. Never had time to just browse around the ship. I know we had our picture taken in most ports as we debarked.

We also miss the photogs. They were absolutely non-intrusive. We often purchased a few photos and always enjoy the memories they stir.

FYI, the gift shop does NOT carry batteries or other camera supplies so be certain to bring all that you will need.

There were no computer classes on our recent Voyager cruise. I'm unknowing re: the tech loading your photos to a CD,etc. It might be safer not to count on this.

The computer person who was on the WC for most of the trip did do computer classes. I can't comment on the though - I didn't go to any.

By the way, Marco has left the company - I heard early in the trip that he had taken a land-based job in Bermuda.

Oh no Peggy, Marco has always been my favorite of all, such patience! We will be on Voyager in less than 3 weeks but I have a feeling we won't recognize any of the crew.

marcie,

You'll recognize many, many people - not to worry.

There were going to be a number of crew changes at the end of the WC (normal procedure)but a number of people came back in Manila in early March and many of them were staying during dry dock.

Marco (and Angela) were due back in Singapore - we were all disappointed that he left. I think Marco was everyone's favorite.

The computer person was new and I haven't clue if she stayed during drydock or not.

The Captain is the man who was on for the Panama Canal cruise (can't remember his name)and I don't know who the CD, GM or Dining room Manager will be.

If you want to ask about anyone specifically, maybe I can answer . . .

Peggy

Good to hear Peggy that we may know some crew members otherwise we'd feel like we were on a different cruise line all together. Marco and others who are no longer with Regent were some of our favorites!!

So many great "former" crew members sure will be missed!

BTW, BIG WELCOME HOME to you and Cy.

The crew and the staff were wonderful on the trip - were there changes? Yes but that is always the case.

People move on for a variety of reasons - family, better job opportunity etc.

I'm not telling you anything you don't know.

Having said that, did we miss some of the "special" people? Of course. Still everyone was great.

I know I'm sounding Pollyanna-ish but it really was the case.

Marcie, We were on the last leg of the WC. Many of the crew members were planning on rejoining the ship in Anchorage so I am sure that you will see and enjoy many familiar people. Service on our segment, aided in part by the ratio of crew to pax, was excellent...and it was delightful to be able to get to know better some of the staff. I do know that the GM indicated that he would be vacationing as of mid-May so that may be a new face.
Ah,yes..Marco....patient...and handsome too!

Anchorage :eek:
I hope there's crew joining in Genoa or Reykjavik, we're on the Voyager May 21st...first trip after pod is fixed (fingers crossed)

Sorry Marcie..I meant Reykjavik! None of the crew members I spoke with were returning in Genoa. We even spoke to the chef who indicated that he would be returning in R.....however, obviously I didn't speak w. everyone and there may be management personnel on board as Voyager sails out of Genoa.

For those without a laptop, or not wanting to lug it around, there is another alternative. I purchased a MediaGear Flash-HD several years ago to be able to upload photographs and clear my memory cards. It reads the cards directly and has a USB cord for subsequent transfer to my computer at home. It is battery operated but comes with a charger, and is only 1.25 x 3 x 5 inches. I used it successfully on our 2006 Safari with Ngaire. I feel sure there are newer and larger-capacity or faster models available now.