Richard - I don't specifically know the answer to your question. Based on the letter, I interpret it to mean up to 120 minutes of in-cabin phone service to the gold members. I agree it's a terrific value as we also have elderly relatives to keep tabs on during our trips away from home. Otherwise, I would be using that service very sparingly indeed.

As to the complimentary alcohol for platinum members, I view it as a benefit to them as soon as the tier benefits begin in April 2006. RSSC's intent (per Cindy and David's recap of Mark Conroy's comments) is to go all-inclusive; but one doesn't know when in 2007 that will happen. Until then, it's a benefit. I'll assume they will tweak their tier program as they see fit between now & then.

Now onto the cell phone service. Let me share our recent experience on the Panama Canal itinerary re: the satellite hookup for cellphones while onboard. Gary's got the international roaming service included on his T-Mobile plan. On PARTY, we needed to use the cell phone as Gary's mom was having a health meltdown during that trip. The press release is correct that we were billed directly by T-Mobile for use of our cell phone while onboard. The T-mobile bill showed we had connected with Cingular Cellular. T-Mobile evidently does not have a reciprocal roaming arrangement with Cingular. I have not called T=Mobile to verify this assumption as I'm still up to my eyeballs in helping Gary's mom. Cost was $5+ per minute + roaming charges. Total cost for 52 minutes of total talk time over ten days was over $300 over and above our monthly billing plan. The signal, just like the internet service on the computers, was intermittent. I found (but can't remember where) that if we'd been on Cingular the cost would have been $1 or $1.50 per minute without the roaming charge. Big difference.

My conclusion was this service is a good alternative to the $15/minute ship-to-shore option, but you can't count on it for seamless service. It also will vary depending on the carrier when you place the call. It also told me to use the service outside of the satellite hookup while in port; those charges are far less. Better than not having it, but for us a whole lot more expensive than a phone card on land.

Hope that helps. Good to hear from you again, Richard! Please give our best to Carol. Cheers, Anne