Thoughts From a Clicker
By Tiny Ruisch
I’m writing this article on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. I know the pandemic isn’t over, but the wife and I like to cruise and we’ve been getting a little antsy sitting around home. We haven’t been gone out much for the last two years. I feel fairly safe here. Before boarding (a Carnival ship), all passengers were required to have proof of vaccination. A negative Covid test two days prior to boarding had to be shown. Masks are required on elevators and while waiting in lines.
Don’t worry. This article is about technology, not cruising. I’ve been reflecting on how technology has changed since the wife twisted my arm and took me on our first cruise in 1991. Way back then, a ship required one or more tugboats to push it to the dock so they could moor. Modern cruise ships have an interesting technology. Thruster pods in the bow and stern of the ship can rotate 180 degrees and maneuver the ship to the pier. To me, it is amazing to watch a ship move sideways without a tugboat pushing it. These pods also enable the ship to do a complete turn in the harbor before mooring or getting underway.
Cell phones were not all that common thirty years ago. On the modern cruise ship, they are a necessity. The dining room has hardly any menus. If you want to see your meal choices, you need to check the app on your cell phone. Speaking of eating, the first time we went to the dining room, we had to wait for a seat. Turns out that patrons are expected to make a reservation. The ship then notifies you when your table is ready. You need your phone for many other things such as viewing the ship’s schedule, booking shore excursions, locating places on the ship and many others.
Besides the official photographers, I only saw two people with actual cameras on the ship. I’m sure there were more, but almost everyone just used their cell phone camera. Another thing that has changed over the years is how many people are using some type of e‑reader, I‑Pad or other tablet. There were some passengers with an actual book that was made out of paper. It seemed to be a real oddity.
Sadly, there is one technology that definitely has not changed or improved. I’m an internet junkie and subscribe to the ship’s ISP package. It is a satellite service and is often intolerably slow. When I e‑mailed the Clicker Quizzler to Pat, it took about six minutes to send. When I’m at home, I start to get frustrated if I have to wait for six seconds. At least I’ve been able to slowly follow some of my favorite sites. We’re cruising during Christmas week, so I’m not missing much.
I hope everyone had a be-yule-tiful Christmas.
Thanks for reading and keep on clicking.