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15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

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Are you going on a cruise & wondering if you need to buy the cruise internet package, use an international plan or simply go without?

Cruise ship WiFi has changed over the years, making it more accessible, less expensive, and faster than ever. However, many cruisers are making huge mistakes when it comes to cruise ship WiFi.

In this post I share what to expect on a cruise, when it comes to WiFi & internet service. We also go through how to get faster internet speeds, free WiFi and the best ways to keep in touch with other cruise passengers & people back home!

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Cruise Ship Wifi – Everything You Need to Know

1. cruise ship wifi is slower than on land.

Whether you’re on a cruise ship with Starlink internet or a cruise that claims to have the “fastest WiFi at sea”, the WiFi speed will still be slower than on land. Unfortunately, even with the enhancements, cruise ship WiFi just isn’t 100% reliable at all times.

It’s important to have low expectations the WiFi may lose connectivity and will certainly be slower on a cruise ship. Often, cruise ship WiFi speed depends on the cruise line and ship you are sailing on, as well as your itinerary.

In my experience and that many other cruise passengers, the internet is usually better on Caribbean cruises than in other destinations. Mountainous regions like the Norwegian Fjords are notorious for having bad wifi connections.

2. The Cost of Wi-Fi on a Cruise

Unlike most hotels on land, cruise ship internet isn’t usually free. Internet prices and packages vary by cruise line. The cost ranges from $8 a day for the least expensive plan with Carnival Cruises, to $34.99 a day for an unlimited premium internet plan with Norwegian Cruise Line.

3. How to Get Free Wi-fi on a Cruise

Wi-fi can be expensive, so getting Wi-Fi or internet for free on a cruise is always good. Unfortunately, most cruise lines don’t include unlimited Wi-Fi in the cost of the cruise. However, there are some exceptions.

Luxury cruise lines like Viking Ocean and Silversea Cruises include WiFi for the duration of your cruise. When it comes to mainstream cruise lines, Virgin Voyages includes basic internet with the cost of the cruise.

4. Get an All-Inclusive Package That Includes Wi-Fi

If you’re not cruising with those cruise lines, there are some great options if you need wifi while cruising. Look for all-included cruise packages or WiFi bundles.

All-Inclusive Packages

For example, if you’re sailing with Princess Cruises, you can purchase Princess Plus at the time of booking. With Princess Plus, you’ll get WiFi for one device per person, a beverage package, the crew gratuities included. If you do the math, this is a great value.

Other cruise lines that offer a similar all-inclusive plan are Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

Celebrity’s all-included plan includes basic WiFi, a beverage package and tips for the crew. Holland America’s Have it All promotion is all-inclusive plan consisting of WiFi , a beverage package, and specialty restaurant.

Free-Wifi Perks

If you book with Norwegian Cruise Line, take a look at the Free At Sea promotion . This includes perks such as a beverage package, specialty dining, a shore excursion credit and 75-350 minutes of Wi-Fi, depending on the length of your cruise.

Wi-Fi Package Bundles

Even if your cruise line does not have an all-inclusive package, you may have the option of purchasing two items together, bundling internet with another package. For example, buying the Wi-Fi and beverage package together is often less expensive than buying each on its own.

5. Purchase Your Internet Package in Advance

By purchasing your WiFi plan in advance on the cruise line’s website, you can save 15% or more on the internet package. Many first-time cruisers make the mistake of waiting until they board their cruise to purchase wi-fi, and then they have to pay the price.

It’s best to purchase your WiFi, specialty dining, and drink packages on the cruise website’s cruise planner before you go. This is a good way to save some money on your cruis e.

6. Cruise Line Loyalty Discounts

Cruise lines have loyalty programs which reward their guests with points that accumulate. Once cruise passengers reach higher levels, they are often able to get access to some loyalty perks and discounts.

This can include discounts on the Wi-Fi package, or even on an upgrade from the basic internet package to a high-speed internet package.

Depending on the cruise line, cruise loyalty rewards can also include free laundry, specialty dining, and discounts on the drink package.

7. Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode

Many people wonder how to use Wi-Fi when their phone is on Airplane mode. However, when you are in airplane mode, you can still access the cruise ship’s Wi-Fi.

Forgetting to put your cell phone onto airplane mode, can be a huge mistake for cruise ship passengers . Once away from land and out to sea, you can can be faced with the cost of international roaming charges, which can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

To connect to the cruise ship’s WiFi and onboard app, first put your mobile phone in airplane mode. If you need help with this, you’ll find crew members at the internet help desk that will be glad to assist.

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8. Cruise Line App

Even if you don’t want to purchase the cruise ship WiFi, you can still access the cruise line app. The cruise ship will have a wi-fi network so that you can access their app.

Nowadays, cruise line apps are more important than ever for seeing the daily activities , making reservations, and booking shore excursions.

You can often look look at the dining room menus, order room service, and even order food to your location or to pick up (on certain cruise lines).

Some cruise lines have a control which allows you to access controls in your cabin. For instance, on Celebrity Beyond I was able to open the blinds in my Infinite Veranda cabin , open and close lights, and even adjust the temperature from the cruise line app.

9. Messaging & Chats

Messaging people on your cruise.

Wondering how to keep in touch with family member and friends onboard your cruise? Many cruise lines offer free messaging to other passengers through the cruise line app. Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival charge a small fee ($5-10).

This is a great way to reach your friends, family, and other passengers you meet on the cruise ship.

Messaging People Back Home

If you purchased the cruise ship’s Wi-Fi, you could message your friends and family on the cruise or back home by using Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or iMessage.

You can even use FaceTime or FaceTime Audio to make calls while on your cruise vacation.

10. Cellular at Sea

These days many people are asking about ways to use a mobile phone on a cruise and wonder if Cellular at Sea programs are good options.

It’s possible to purchase an international phone plan. However, this doesn’t mean that using your phone will be free while you’re at sea.

Verizon and AT&T have Cellular at Sea plans. With At & T, plans start at $50 for 30 days, with up to 50 minutes of talk and unlimited texts.

Something to note is that Cellular at Sea is not available on all cruise ships. If you go over your limits, fees can be costly.

It’s a good idea to check the available plans, ask questions and read the fine print, to see what is best for you.

11. How to Save Money on Cruise Ship Wi-Fi

It’s no secret that cruise ship WiFi can be expensive. However, in recent years cruise lines have been making an effort to lower the cost of onboard internet.

Most cruise lines offer a couple different WiFi packages. Basic packages often allow access to popular social media platforms, text messages and email. Premium packages have faster speeds and usually allow uploads and streaming, in addition to social media and email.

If you don’t plan on streaming videos while on your cruise, consider purchasing the basic or cheaper packages. This is a great way to save money on cruise ship WiFi.

The other thing you can do is share a WiFi plan with the other people in your cabin. Rather than buying a multi-device plan, you can buy a plan for one single device. This is great for those who plan on using wi-fi on only their phone rather than on their tablets or computer.

13. Save Time By Downloading Before Your Cruise

If you like to read books on your mobile device, listen to audiobooks, or watch Netflix while you’re on a cruise, then be sure to download them before your cruise.

Since the cruise ship WiFi can be slow, it can take very long to download your online content. You will save tons of time by downloading your e-books, audiobooks, podcasts, and movies in advance.

14. Wi-fi Is Usually Faster Early in the Morning or Late At Night

If you’re using the wi-fi for work or streaming, use it early in the morning or late at night. From our experience, we’ve found that when fewer people are on the WiFi, the internet works faster.

The wi-fi tends to be slower during the day, as many people are using the internet at the same time and there is some congestion. If you need to use the WiFi for work or school, you will want to go on the internet in the morning or in the evening.

15. Look for Free Public Wi-Fi in Ports of Call

Often, most cruise ports will have places, like restaurants and cafes, where you can find free public Wi-Fi. If you like to disconnect while you’re on vacation, this is the perfect way to send a quick message or email to your family to let them know you’re safe.

Tip: When you’re in port, you will see groups of crew members on their phones hanging out by the places that offer free internet. You can also ask crew on your ship, as they often know some good spots at the cruise port.

16. Can You Use a VPN on a Cruise?

Many people are concerned about using public wi-fi. However, many cruise ships do not allow passengers to use a VPN while on board (an exception is Norwegian, with it’s premium plan).

Cruise lines tell us cruise ship WiFi is safe. However, you may want to consider using a VPN if you’re accessing public WiFi during your travels.

Video: 15 Cruise Ship Wifi Tips, Tricks & Things to Know

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Final Thoughts on Cruise Wi-Fi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

Well, there it is, all the cruise wi-fi tips, secrets, and mistakes you must avoid!

Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or a new cruiser, there is so much to know about cruise wi-fi. Knowing these cruise ship internet tips will be helpful for your next cruise.

Cruise internet is changing. Do you usually get a Wi-Fi plan on a cruise? Please let me know your questions and tips in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

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Home » Cruise Tips » Guide to Cruise Ship Internet and WiFi

Guide to Cruise Ship Internet and WiFi

We explain everything you need to know about cruise ship internet and WiFi, as well as the costs and plans available for each cruise line.

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In the not so distant past, travelers would embark on cruise vacations to truly escape the world back home. In the rare case of emergency, landlines were available on cruise ships to make a call for several dollars a minute. How quickly things change! Now, most people can’t go a day without their smartphones nevermind a week-long cruise. The days of the “unconnected cruise” are officially over. So, we explain everything you need to know about cruise ship internet and WiFi, as well as the costs and plans available for each cruise line.

If you are new to cruising, you should be aware that cruise ship internet is a hidden cost associated with your cruise vacation. That way, you can budget accordingly.

Important Things to Know About Cruise Ship Internet and WiFi Speed

One of the most important things you should know about using your smartphone at sea is to turn on airplane mode. If you don’t do this, you will rack up insane charges from your cellphone carrier while out to sea. Some carriers do offer specific cruise ship packages, but general international plans do not apply to cruise ships.

You can still use your mobile devices on a cruise ship by purchasing a WiFi plan from the cruise line.

All major cruise lines now offer internet packages, though the types of plans and connection speeds do vary. You should be able to use these packages to access the cruise ship internet for basic tasks like checking email and posting on social media.

However, completing tasks like WiFi calling, FaceTime, and streaming movies and music while out to sea are not a guarantee.

While cruise ship internet is getting faster and has improved leaps and bounds over the past few years, it will probably never be as reliable as your internet back home for a number of reasons. Cruise ship internet depends on satellite connections and geographical location. The ship’s distance offshore as well as interference from landscapes and weather can all cause variable cruise ship internet speeds.

Related Post: Top Cruise Destinations

The infrastructure on the cruise ships themselves also play a role, with older ships often having slower connection speeds.

Cruise Ship Internet and WiFi Options

As mentioned previously, WiFi on cruise ships does come at a cost on most major cruise lines. The price varies by the type of plan and the cruise line. Most cruise lines offer internet packages at per day prices that allow for unlimited use over the duration of your cruise.

Some cruise lines also offer smaller packages for occasional usage. These are usually either good for 24 hours or a certain number of minutes.

Prices can vary from $8 per day for social media packages up to $34.99 per day for unlimited premium WiFi packages. Be sure to check your online cruise planner for the exact pricing of internet packages on your cruise.

However, many cruise lines now offer smartphone apps. These apps CAN be used without purchasing an internet package. Guests can use these cruise line apps to check the daily activities, make reservations, and more.

Cruise ship apps will be even more important once cruising resumes to allow for QR menus, virtual queues, and more contactless options. Some apps do offer a chat feature that can be purchased for a small fee.

Of note, cruisers should keep an eye out for promotions. Cruise lines will often run sales, and travel agents will often offer perks, that may include free WiFi for booking a cruise or discounted rates for packages when purchased pre-cruise. Other perks may include onboard credit, free gratuities , free drink packages, free specialty dining, and so on.

Related Post: Best Cruise Ships for 2021

Cruise Ship Internet Packages by Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean – Royal Caribbean proclaims that its VOOM internet is the fastest internet at sea. The VOOM Surf + Stream Package allows for all your basic surfing, social media, and email needs in addition to streaming movies and music. The VOOM Surf Package is the cheaper of the plans and offers all the basics without steaming abilities. These packages work onboard the ship as well as on the private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests can also receive a discount when booking pre-cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of cruise ship internet packages . These options include Unlimited WiFi, Unlimited Premium WiFi, Unlimited Social Media WiFi, and 250 Minutes Anytime Internet. As the name implies, the Unlimited Premium WiFi package is the most inclusive allowing for unlimited surfing, social media, and streaming options. Only one device at a time can be used with these packages. Further, cruisers will save 15% off onboard prices when purchasing online.

Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Cruise Line offers three different internet plans . These plans include the Social WiFi plan, the Value WiFi plan, and the Premium WiFi plan. The Premium plan promises the fastest possible connection, at speeds up to 3 times faster than the Value Plan, and supports Skype video calling. This plan does not include streaming of music and movies, though some newer ships are Netflix-app enabled. Cruisers can save 15-20% off these internet packages when purchased pre-cruise.

Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises offers two internet packages, Stream and Surf. The Stream package allows for full WiFi access including video chat and streaming of music and movies. The Surf package is the cheaper of the plans but does not include streaming, the ability to send or receive photos, or use technology such as FaceTime.

Update: Celebrity Cruises announced that beginning November 17, 2020, basic Surf internet will be included in the standard cruise fare. This new Always Included pricing structure aims to provide a more all-inclusive cruise vacation. Upgrade packages are available that include upgraded Stream internet.

Princess Cruises – Most ships in the Princess Cruises’ fleet have upgraded MedallionNet internet capabilities . The cruise line claims this is the best WiFi at sea – fast, reliable, unlimited, and affordable. Guests can purchase Unlimited MedallionNet packages for the duration of their cruise that include the ability to surf, stream, FaceTime, and more. If purchased online at least 3 days prior to your cruise departure, you can secure rates as low as $9.99 per day.

Holland America Line – Holland America Line Connect is the brand’s version of satellite internet at sea. Guests can chose a Social plan, Surf plan, or a Premium plan. As you would suspect, the social plan allows for checking social media apps, while the surf plan allows for checking your email and browsing the web. The Premium plan is the most inclusive allowing for streaming and the use of apps like YouTube and Skype. Guests can purchase voyage-long or daily plans onboard via the cruise line’s Navigator app.

MSC Cruises – MSC Cruises offers a variety of internet packages. The Unlimited internet package provides unlimited access to the web on one device for the duration of your cruise but can only be purchased onboard. The Premium package lets you connect up to 4 devices with a usage limit of 6GB. The standard internet package lets you connect up to 2 devices with a usage limit of 3GB. The Chat & Social Apps package can also only be purchased onboard and allows access to social media on one device for 1.5GB of usage. Finally, the 24 hour package is valid on one device for a 24 hour period. This package allows unlimited usage but can only be purchased onboard. Video streaming is not available with any of these packages.

Disney Cruise Line – Connect@Sea offers Disney Cruise Line guests WiFi packages based on usage. The pay as you go package costs $0.25 per megabyte. There are also three bundle packages available. The Small package allows for 100 megabytes of usage for $19. The medium package includes 300 megabytes for $39, and the Large package includes 1,000 megabytes for $89. Needless to say, there won’t be any streaming with these cruise ship internet packages! Of note, cruisers can chat with other onboard guests via the Navigator app free of charge.

Virgin Voyages – Virgin Voyages has announced that unlimited WiFi browsing is included for all Sailors . So, there’s no charge for social media, email, web browsing, or messaging. An upgraded premium internet package will be available for an extra cost. This package will offer the fastest speeds to support streaming. Pricing is not yet available at the time of this posting.

Viking Cruises – Like many of the other luxury cruise lines, WiFi is included in the cruise fare on all Viking cruises. In order to ensure fair usage for all, the cruise line states they reserve the right to limit heavy-bandwidth applications, downloads, or software upgrades.

Related Post: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Should I Buy Cruise Ship Internet?

Now that you know the various internet packages and prices offered by the cruise lines, it is up to you to decide whether you purchase one of these plans. While some cruisers still disconnect while on vacation, many of us can not do without this modern convenience.

Whether it is to check in on family back home, post on social media, or reply to some work emails, most cruisers do purchase some form of a WiFi package on a cruise. Luckily, cruise lines offer various plans to accommodate all your needs.

If you are looking to save money, perhaps you forego the cruise ship internet completely and wait until you go ashore. Depending on your cellphone carrier and plan, international coverage may be included or plans may be available for purchase to use when going ashore. Often times, these rates will be cheaper than cruise internet packages.

You can also look for local restaurants or facilities with free WiFi hotspots in your ports of call.

Do you buy a cruise ship internet package? Do you think these plans are worth it? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences using cruise WiFi while at sea.

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Adrift at Sea No More—Wi-Fi on Cruise Ships Gets a Serious Boost

Internet connectivity on cruise sailings isn’t known for being super reliable. a new satellite-driven wi-fi technology could change that..

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It’s getting easier and more affordable to stay connected out on the open seas.

Photo by Tom Woodhouse/Unsplash

As a frequent cruiser, I’ve witnessed numerous internet connectivity meltdowns: the lawyer trying to download case files; the consultant anxious to examine a new contract; the reporter frantically working to send a story on deadline, complete with high-resolution images.

The main takeaway from all these encounters is that cruise ship internet service is often not as fast or reliable as broadband on land, and this can be frustrating even for the average traveler just trying to post their amazing photo of a cresting whale on social media. The importance of fast and dependable internet at sea goes beyond guests’ needs and preferences, too. Crew rely on ship Wi-Fi to stay in touch with their families back home, as they can spend months at sea.

Well aware of how important connectivity has become to travelers in a modern world, cruise lines are constantly racing to get ahead of the competition. The latest example is a recent partnership between Royal Caribbean Group —which includes the cruise lines Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises , and ultra-luxury line Silversea —and Elon Musk’s high-speed SpaceX Starlink . Royal Caribbean Group has historically had some of the best at-sea satellite access and is working to improve connectivity even further via this new technology.

Starlink is the first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to decrease the distance information travels and deliver faster internet. Exact speeds and bandwidth that Royal Caribbean expects have not yet been disclosed.

Deployment of the high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet access has already begun across the Royal Caribbean fleet, with all the installations expected to be completed early in 2023. The rollout on Celebrity Cruises started with the line’s newest ship, Celebrity Beyond , and will be included on all of its Edge-class ships by the end of this year—and the rest of the fleet by May 2023.

According to Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the new technology will be a game-changer for internet connectivity on cruise ships by allowing for, among other things, “more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls.”

Royal’s agreement is only the beginning of Starlink’s bid for cruise ship business. A week after Royal Caribbean announced its Starlink deal in late August came news that SeaDream , the luxury line with two 112-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II , would also rely on Musk’s technology for high-speed connectivity, making it the first boutique cruise line to do so.

What kind of Wi-Fi connection can you expect on your cruise ship?

Cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corporation (which include brands Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , and Seabourn ) have made significant improvements in connectivity in recent years hoping to delete the anxiety cruise passengers feel when they can’t stay as connected on ships as they do on land.

While Royal has relied on satellites, including SES’s O3b medium orbit satellites, Carnival developed a hybrid system that uses a combination of satellites and land-based towers, which improved connectivity, especially in the Caribbean and Bahamas, bread-and-butter destinations for the cruise industry.

Princess Cruises, which in 2020 dramatically improved its internet access with O3b in medium Earth orbit and a geostationary network, as part of what it calls its MedallionNet, bragged in a press release that on its MedallionClass ships, passengers can work remotely with “access to their cloud-based enterprise applications such as storage, videoconferencing and email . . . without any frustrating signal drops.”

All these advancements cost cruise companies big time—up to hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

But the reality remains that on many ships service can still be spotty at times. Consider that ships are always moving and satellite service can be disrupted by geography (there may not be a clear so-called line of sight), weather, and other factors. Expedition ships in remote destinations have frequent service disruptions, despite the best efforts of cruise lines.

Add to that the fact that bandwidth is limited. You can imagine what happens when thousands of passengers on a cruise ship decide to log on at the same time. The other issue is that in order to gain access to better connectivity, passengers often have to pay a hefty sum.

The good news is that in addition to working to improve speeds, cruise lines have brought the cost of service down in recent years.

Tips for using Wi-Fi on cruise ships

Unlock unlimited internet access with a premium package.

If you know you are going to want to have the fastest access and to have the option of, say, making calls on FaceTime or Zoom and streaming your favorite Netflix shows, spring for the best package the ship offers. Prices vary by sailing. Royal Caribbean, for instance, charges about $20 to $24 a day for its VOOM Surf & Stream service, which lets you access messenger services, browse the web, send emails, video chat, live stream, post on social media, and stream videos, movies, music, and TV shows (whether and how that pricing will change with the SpaceX deal is still unclear.) While that may sound pricey, consider that only a decade ago the standard rate for any internet on ships was about 75 cents a minute. Buy a package for the entire length of your cruise—as opposed to daily—and you’ll get a discount of up to 15 percent off of the daily rate and won’t need to always remind yourself to log off.

The benefits of a basic package

With a basic package, you can expect to pay about $13 to $18 per device per day (you can save up to 20 percent if you book in advance of your cruise). That allows for some web browsing, social media posting, and checking email. But don’t expect to be able to stream anything, and prepare to get frustrated if you try to download a large file of any kind.

Find out what kind of Wi-Fi might be included

The good news is that an increasing number of cruise lines—Celebrity Cruises and Viking among them—are including at least a basic internet package in their cruise fares. Lines such as Holland America, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises also run promotions that include free Wi-Fi. On river cruises, Wi-Fi is included, with ships relying on cell towers (because they are always near land), but it can be rather slow at times. Luxury ships also tend to include some Wi-Fi, with the option of upgrading to a premium package. Silversea, for instance, includes premium access for guests in its Medallion, Silver, Royal, Grand, and Owner’s suites and standard access for those in Vista and Veranda suites (in the latter you’ll have to pay if you want upgraded service). Seabourn includes complimentary basic Wi-Fi for one device per guest, or you can pay to upgrade to a streaming package.

Consider the best time to go online

One way to ensure you make the most of your connectivity is to go online when other passengers are less likely to be clogging the system. Want to show off your photos and videos to the folks back home? Log on in the wee hours or while others are busy with a popular event, such as a lecture or show, or are ashore.

Put your phone on airplane mode

A big mistake that freshman cruisers make is not putting their phone in airplane mode. Yes, you may get a connection, but at-sea roaming charges can be exorbitant. Horror stories of cruise passengers receiving bills from cell phone companies in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars are not uncommon. Logging onto the ship’s Wi-Fi is really your best, and cheapest, way to stay in touch. AT&T cell service subscribers also have the option of talk, text, and data on a $100 plan (with overage charges after 200 MB). Check with your cell service provider about international data and roaming options so you know what to expect.

Home » Cruise Ships & Wifi (Free Internet on Cruise Ships?) Updated 2024

Cruise Ships & Wifi (Free Internet on Cruise Ships?) Updated 2024

Last updated on March 9th, 2024 at 08:40 pm

We live in a digital age where social media is prevalent in many aspects of our lives.

Whether we are chronicling our travels, advertising our business interests, getting remote work taken care of, sharing vlogs , or engaging with friends and family – few can go a day, much less extended time periods without Wi-Fi access or means of getting to their accounts.

Especially in this remote-work-driven world, business has become a work-from-anywhere endeavor where you can be cruising the world and still keeping a finger on the heartbeat of your other ventures.

Table of Contents

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?

The short answer is yes…but it differs from cruise line to cruise line.

What follows is a breakdown of the advertised services around Wi-Fi by the cruise line and previous cruiser insights on these services for many cruise lines sailing vacationers are considering.

Things to remember about the internet onboard cruise ships:

Ships offer internet via satellite, which will be slower than the internet you will find on land. This also means that weather can affect connectivity.

Ships also will deal with bandwidth and data issues, which means the more people that are using it at the same time, the slower it will generally be.

A common question people ask is if they will be able to work a bit from the ship, i.e. do a Zoom call, etc. The answer is usually “maybe,” but you won’t likely know until you go to actually use it.

It will depend on where in the world/ocean you are, where in the ship you are, how many other people are using at the same time, etc. It’s best not to bank on it.

Royal Caribbean WiFi Packages

After a successful trial of Starlink satellite internet on Freedom of the Seas, RCL says it will be rolling it out to the rest of the fleet soon (2022/2023). A timeline has been set that will see Starlink installed on all Royal Caribbean ships by the end of Q1 2023!

This should vastly improve the speed and reliability of the internet onboard, but for now, RCL’s internet is still touted as the “fastest internet at sea.”

From my own personal experience, I tested StarLink internet onboard the Brilliance of the Seas in January 2023. Download speed was 97.7Mbps while upload was 16.5Mbps. For most users, even heavy users, this speed is more than fast enough for streaming as well as work applications.

Royal Caribbean offers VOOM high speed internet you can add to your cruise to stream and stay connected, but costs will vary based on number of devices you wish to connect as well as your ship and sailing.

The VOOM Surf Voyage Package on average starts at $15.99/day for one device and allows you to surf the web and send emails.

If you want to be able to stream as well as browse the internet, the VOOM Surf and Stream package would be for you at an average of $22.99/day. Again, these prices vary based on ship, sailing and number of devices you wish to connect.

Watch for package deals prior to your cruise and check if your Crown and Anchor member level offers a discount on internet service.

Overall, users have good things to say about the service, though it does appear there can be some spotty coverage depending on your itinerary. You can also use Royal’s app without having to pay to connect to their Wi-Fi.

Celebrity Cruises WiFi Packages

**StarLink Internet has been installed on some Celebrity ships as of mid-2023.

With Celebrity, Premium Wi-Fi is the top-tier package you can add to your cruises on Celebrity for near-constant coverage while cruising. This package is great for those wishing to stream movies and such while underway and seems to have fairly good reviews from previous customers.

Basic Wi-Fi is for those needing some basic email and messaging services for a more value-added cost. This is included in Celebrity’s “ Always Included.”

Costs will vary based on ship, sailing and number of devices, but they do note that Wi-Fi packages are not available on ships sailing from the Galapagos.

Celebrity suggests if you book it in advance, you’ll save 10% than if you were to wait and purchase it on board, but often there will be additional deals when paired with other upgraded packages.

In 2023, Celebrity will be installing StarLink Satellite internet on its ships, which will provide a much faster experience. Stay tuned for more details as they roll out the system across all their ships.

MSC Cruises WiFi Packages

MSC Cruises, following suite with Virgin Voyages and other cruise lines,  will be rolling out Starlink across their vessels. Other major cruise operators including Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnibal have also been making the switch to Starlink.

The satellite internet , called Browse (just surfing websites), or Browse & Stream (allows for streaming Netflix) packages on MSC Cruises offer the ability to bring your own devices for public area and café spot coverage.

When added to a cruising package, it is available 24/7 with no data caps, which is nice considering others throttle when available if you read the fine print. The packages vary in price based on the length of the cruise and number of devices you wish to connect, but you can expect to pay approximately $12/day per device for the Browse internet package for a week-long cruise.

They also have cafes with printers and full screens and keyboards to facilitate work or other activities.

You can get discounts on the packages if you purchase them before boarding, or when adding multiple devices because each package is attached to a certain device, so you’d need a separate package for each device you wish to access the internet.

They do advise that if you want to use the internet when it’s fastest, to avoid doing it first thing in the morning, or when the majority of passengers return from shore excursions .

Carnival Cruises WiFi Packages

Carnival is pretty transparent in the three levels of Wi-Fi offered:

Social Plan – $6.80/person per day (can save 15% if purchased online pre-cruise) – allows access to social sites/apps, and airline websites, presumably to allow the user to check in for their flight while aboard, but may not allow access to other websites/apps

Value Plan – 10.20/person per day (can save 15% if purchased online pre-cruise) – allows surfing on websites and access to email, but does not allow for streaming (i.e. Netflix or Spotify) or for video calls (i.e. Skype or Zoom)

Premium Plan – $13.60/person per day (can save 20% if purchased online pre-cruise).  boasts three times faster connection to allow for streaming and video calling (where coverage allows).

Check the fine print and ensure that you pick the right package as there are some pre-purchase restrictions that are enforced before embarking .

*Carnival Cruise Lines will be installing StarLink Satellite internet on their ships in 2023. This will be a much faster experience. Stay tuned for more info on when it will be installed on all ships in the fleet. 

Holland America WiFi Packages

HAL offers satellite internet through the ship’s Wi-Fi or at workstations in the Explorations Cafe. There are three packages available, all with varying levels of data available:

Social – allows you to access popular social sites and apps, but may not allow for streaming or audio/video calls – $14.99/day

Surf – the most popular option which allows for broader internet surfing including news and sports sites, accessing your e-mail, but also may not allow for streaming or audio/video calls – $24.99

Premium – this has the highest amount of data which allows for everything including streaming and video calls.

The caveats with their internet, however, are that it won’t be as fast as internet on land (and current customers agree), and because it’s provided via satellite, physical blockages will affect connectivity (i.e. inclement weather or mountains).  Also, they do have a select number of free sites under “Complementary Browsing.”

*As Holland America is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Princess Cruises WiFi Packages

MedallionNet is the Wi-Fi service of Princess cruise lines, and recently they announced some improvements to their service even to help accommodate those that might need to work while onboard.

They boast their services being “The Best Wi-Fi at Sea,” and they have several unlimited day packages for as little as $9.99 a day for a one device package. If you are a Platinum or Elite guest, you’ll get 50% off, or if you purchase Princess Plus , your Wi-Fi will be included.

It must be added that there is a lot of good reviews out there that might back this claim but again, read through all the data to make the best-informed decision.

*As Princess is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Norwegian Cruise Lines WiFi Packages

Norwegian’s services onboard are offered in internet cafes onboard , with some stateroom access on certain ships.

Laptop rentals, email access, and other items for this coverage can be found on their website, but for those needing streaming services or more robust coverage for work, you must take a hard look at this one before booking.

Unlimited  Wi-Fi Package – 1 device is $25.50/day when purchased prior to your cruise. This allows you to browse websites, use social media apps (except for TikTok), and access email (no VPN).

Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package – 1 device is 34.99/day when purchased prior to your cruise. This allows access to streaming sites, like YouTube, Netflix, etc. as well as if you need to use a VPN to access your email.

Unlimited Social Media Wi-Fi – 1 device – 12.50/day when purchased prior to your cruise allows access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, but not TikTok.

Norwegian also has an option where you can purchase 250 minutes of internet for use any time during your cruise for the price of $105.00 if purchased in advance of your cruise. If you want to purchase it onboard, it will be $125 plus a $3.95 activation fee. It can be used only on one device at at time.

NCL offers different perks on different cruises, so many bookings come with some complimentary minutes of internet and it’s easy to upgrade your package once on board.

*Norwegian has experimented with StarLink internet on their ships so plan on upgrades coming in 2023. 

Disney Cruises WiFi Packages

Connect@Sea is the program covering all of Disney’s Internet packages at sea options. You will pay for the data you use, not by the minute, so if you’re looking to stream Netflix or just upload a few pictures to Instagram, you’ll be able to find the package right for you.

You can also share the package between devices simultaneously, as Disney’s technology will combine the amount of data. There is no discount for purchasing packages before your cruise, as Disney advises to look for a current price list in your cabin, or by talking to Guest Services.

There is free access to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, which is also accessible to view other data packages.

Virgin Voyages WiFi Packages

Wanting to stay ahead of the game and to keep current with their innovative approach to cruising, Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to incorporate SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO services.

SES is a global leader in satellite communications and Virgin will combine Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite coverage in their bid to deliver the fastest internet speeds for their cruise passengers.

The cruise line will be offering speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, well above the standard offerings. The pandemic changes the way the world does business, and has opened up remote working opportunities for many.

The world has also become acutely aware of the importance of connectivity. While most people don’t want to work on a vacation, the ability to remain connected, even for short periods, has made it apparent that combining business and pleasure can work out very well for all concerned.

Younger guests, such as those attracted to Virgin Voyages, tend to attract, feels that connectivity is paramount.  Having a reliable internet connection allows for cruisers to check in at work or home with confidence that those important connections will be ready and available when needed. 

Passengers will be able to keep up on messaging, emails and make video calls. This valuable service will help keep a cruiser current with business obligations and also give the peace of mind that being able to connect with home brings. 

Costa Cruises WiFi Packages

Costa features a Data and Social package for their internet, with access available in all public areas and cabins throughout their ships. They have an Internet Point area where you can use onboard devices or bring your full ship usage.

Additionally, their packages range from 250 MB to 3 GB. Their social package has a list of sites it allows access to in a more economical fashion – or you can pay as you go if you aren’t sure of your needs before sailing.

*As Costa Cruises is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Viking Ocean Cruises WiFi Packages

Internet access onboard is free , but there are some significant limitations on bandwidth for such activities as streaming. The ships do have a Business Center on board with computers or use your device, but the other amenities onboard are the draw – internet access due to itineraries, and locations along with onboard setup make access to the internet not as spectacular as on other cruise lines.

Oceania WiFi Packages

Wavenet is the internet service provided by Oceania, and the basic levels are free to all sailing with them. Additionally, a Prime option can be tacked for $9.99 a day to more robust access to allow for such things as streaming and the like.

Passengers in the premium Owners and Vista suites even get provided an iPad ensuite for the duration of the voyage for their use in accessing social media, email, and other internet options.

Azamara WiFi Packages

Azmara offers packages that start at $0.33/a minute with one-hour passes to one-day or full cruise packages. Several spelled out limitations to their services, such as Skype and others, so it’s important to go through their exceptionally detailed and transparent services listings before setting expectations for your cruise.

Silversea Cruises WiFi Packages

Silversea has unlimited complimentary internet for all those sailing. Speed limitations depend on the package level and ship, so checking to ensure you have the right service may include additional service level add-ons, but basic levels remain free.

They also feature onboard cafes where you may use their computers and other devices or bring your own and access the internet throughout their ships.

Seabourn WiFi Packages

Seabourn, the luxury cruise line is the newest cruise line to be equipped with Starlink internet . Expect fast internet speeds while you’re cruising to exotic locations offered by Seabourn. Learn more about complimentary WiFi on Seabourn .

A Word of Caution About Cruise Line Wi-Fi

Certain apps, a variety of service options, port of call , and destinations along your cruise can all impact the internet service on a ship.

If these services and having access to friends, coworkers, work, or even social media feeds are important to you, do your research before embarking as not all cruise lines have given their online services the same consideration.

Can you stream movies on a cruise ship?

Wi-Fi is getting better for certain and more readily available. While the speed of an individual cruise ship might be enough to stream movies, you might end up going through your available bandwidth quickly.

Additional charges in most cases will apply for streaming or higher/longer coverage periods and can have a significant impact on the cost of your cruise experience if not booked in advance.

That being said, it is not the same on every ship, and the costs are specific to each cruise line, so don’t make assumptions that just because you sail on one two years ago and want to pick a new line, the services may not be the same.

Why Is StarLink Internet a Game-changer for Cruise Ship Internet?

One of the primary advantages of Starlink Internet is its exceptional speed. Traditional satellite internet systems often suffer from latency issues due to the long distance signals must travel to reach the orbiting satellites and back to Earth.

However, Starlink employs a novel approach by deploying a constellation of thousands of small, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites are positioned much closer to the Earth’s surface, significantly reducing the latency and providing faster internet speeds.

Early tests and user reports have shown that Starlink offers download speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps, with latency typically under 50 milliseconds. This makes it comparable to, and sometimes even surpassing, land-based broadband connections.

These innovations are good news for ALL cruise lines passengers. Cruise lines are striving to meet the need of cruisers to maintain a reliable connection with home and work. This will be a benefit for all. 

What’s the Verdict on Cruise Ship WiFi?

Depending on the destination, cruise ship capabilities, and even your stateroom location, the variances in coverage can be significant.

Look at the cruise line websites and reviewers on popular websites like the CruiseCritic Forums who can be brutally honest in reviewing such amenities. Real-life examples may help you from being frustrated mid-cruise and not enjoying a hard-earned vacation due to slow internet when you are already out to sea.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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How fast is the internet on a Crystal Cruises ship? We put it to the test

Looking for an expedition cruise ship with internet service fast enough to let you do video calls with your office back home?

Your short list should include Crystal Endeavor , the hardy new expedition vessel from Crystal Cruises .

As I found in recent days during a series of speed tests, the internet on Crystal Endeavor is surprisingly fast for an expedition ship, allowing for lengthy video calls without hiccups and the streaming of some (but not all) video content.

Just don't expect to be able to do bandwidth-hogging activities such as gaming. While fast by cruise ship standards, the internet service of Crystal Endeavor remains far slower than what you're probably used to at home.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

I put Crystal Endeavor's internet service to the test as it sailed on one of its first departures with paying passengers -- a 10-night voyage around Iceland that included landings by Zodiac boats in remote areas and a brief foray above the Arctic Circle.

It was the sort of off-the-beaten-path voyage for which small expedition ships are known -- and that sometimes can present problems for cruisers trying to stay connected. Small expedition ships sailing on this type of voyage are known for having spotty internet service at times.

Unveiled in July , the 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor is the newest Crystal Cruises vessel, and -- as I'll explain below -- that's a factor in the internet speeds it's able to offer.

How internet works on cruise ships

I'll get to the results of my speed tests on Crystal Endeavor in a moment. But first, for those of you who haven't cruised before, here's a little primer on internet on ships:

Unlike at resorts on land, the internet on cruise ships is often quite expensive -- more than $20 a day on some lines. You could easily spend upwards of $100 a week on cruise ship internet just to connect with one device. You'll often pay even more if you want to have multiple devices online at the same time.

RELATED: 5 amazing adventures you can take on Crystal Endeavor

Internet on cruise ships also generally is much more sluggish than what you've experienced on land. On many cruise vessels, you'll be lucky to get download speeds of 5 megabits per second (Mbps). Where I live in North Carolina, the local cable company's least-expensive internet package promises download speeds of 200 Mbps.

Cruise lines really are doing their best to deliver fast, affordable internet just like you'd find at home. And they've made great strides in recent years.

But delivering fast, inexpensive internet to people on ships that are on the move in the open ocean is neither easy nor inexpensive . Remember, there are no high-speed cable lines connecting to moving cruise ships, or line-of-sight transmitters, except when they're close to ports. When you're getting internet on a cruise ship, you're getting it via a very expensive satellite system that's designed to be compatible with a moving target like a cruise ship.

Crystal Cruises internet service at a glance

Unlike some lines, Crystal Cruises doesn't offer multiple grades of internet service on its ships. There is no "fast service" available as an alternative to a "regular service" or a "slow service." There is just one speed of internet available on each of the line's vessels.

Once you're on board a Crystal ship, you'll be able to access the internet relatively easily from a computer or a smartphone by connecting to the ship's Wi-Fi signal and then entering in your name and cabin number. There are no complex passwords to remember to get online.

In general, you will be able to do most of what you can do at home through the internet on Crystal ships. But the line does block some applications that use a heavy amount of bandwidth. On its website, the line specifically calls out Skype as a service that is "currently not available/supported" on the line's ships and also says "certain streaming services" are not supported.

In testing, we noticed that Netflix did not load when we tried to use it. But we were able to watch video found on various other sites including news sites.

What does Crystal's internet service cost?

Here's what may be the most notable thing about internet access on Crystal ships: It's entirely free.

That's right, you won't pay a single cent to surf the web or check your emails while sailing with the line.

This is unusual in the cruise industry, where -- as noted above -- internet access often comes with an enormous daily charge. On a recent sailing that I did with Celebrity Cruises , top-speed internet service came with a sky-high cost of $34.99 per day for a single device. That worked out to $244.93 for a week-long voyage .

Crystal Cruises is one of just a handful of very high-end luxury lines that include internet access for free as part of an all-inclusive fare structure.

RELATED: Why the cabins on Crystal Endeavor blew me away

While the base fares for Crystal sailings are notably high, the line includes not only shipboard Wi-Fi, but also most premium drinks as well, including a wide choice of fine wines and spirits, plus gratuities in its base fares.

On Crystal Endeavor voyages, guided expedition landings by Zodiac and other expedition-type activities such as guided kayak trips also are included in the fare.

How fast is Crystal's internet service?

I ran speed tests of Crystal Endeavor's shipboard internet many times during the sailing, at different hours of the day, using the website speedtest.net both on my laptop and on an iPhone. What I found was that the service usually offered download speeds of between 4 Mbps and 12 Mbps. The upload speeds typically were around the same amount, which surprised me. During a recent test of the internet on a Royal Caribbean ship in the Caribbean, the upload speeds only were about half of the download speeds.

Here's a speed test I conducted at about 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 when Crystal Endeavor was docked at Seydisfjordur, a small settlement of about 700 people on the eastern coast of Iceland. It recorded download speeds of 11.24 Mbps and upload speeds of 10.80 Mbps.

Below is another speed test I did later the same day as Crystal Endeavor was sailing in open water off the southeast coast of Iceland on its way from Seydisfjordur to Reykjavik, Iceland.

As you can see, both the download and upload speeds for the internet on Crystal Endeavor at this point (down at 6.78 Mbps; up at 7.13 Mbps). were significantly lower than they were while docked in Seydisfjordur. But they still were quite high compared to the speeds I've recorded recently on some other vessels that tout high internet speeds.

In the speed tests that I did recently on the Royal Caribbean ship, for instance, I found that download speeds rarely went far above 3 Mbps. The upload speeds typically were around half that amount.

In comparison to internet speeds at resorts on land, the internet speeds that I measured on Crystal Endeavor may still seem notably slow. But I found Crystal Endeavor's internet fast enough to do pretty much everything that I wanted to do with it.

That is, when it was operating correctly. There was one period early in the sailing when the internet was completely down for a good part of a day. We were warned in advance that this would happen, and it was blamed on the need for adjustments to the system by technicians (something that is likely specific to the ship's recent start-up).

There also were quite a few other times during the sailing when the internet seemed to go out for just a few minutes before coming back up.

As noted above, I also wasn't able to stream Netflix while on board Crystal Endeavor.

In theory, the ship has enough bandwith to allow for such streaming (Netflix says the minimum speed required to stream is 0.5 Mbps. Netflix recommends 3 Mbps for standard definition streaming and 5 Mbps for high-definition streaming). But Crystal blocks some streaming sites to conserve bandwith, which it says it does to make sure everybody on board is able to benefit from the free WiFi that the line offers.

By contast, I had no problem using the internet on Crystal Endeavor to participate in a nearly four hour video staff meeting on Zoom while the ship was far away from land in the open water. This, to me, was impressive, given that the vessel also was sailing through some unusually rough seas at the time (the waves were around 22 feet), which was rocking the ship -- and its satellite dishes -- significantly.

Over the four-hour period, my screen only froze a few times -- in most cases, when small groups of participants were split out into breakout sessions for discussions.

Factors affecting internet speed

Internet service on cruise ships is generally faster on newer vessels, and Crystal Endeavor is by far the newest Crystal ship sailing on the world's oceans. Newer ships have been wired from the beginning with higher-speed internet in mind.

Internet speed on cruise ships also can be affected by where they are located at any given time, and also by the weather -- both factors that can affect the connection to satellites.

It is likely that there will be some very-remote places that Crystal Endeavor will go, particularly in the polar regions, where passengers may lose internet for a time due to a lack of satellite coverage. As I have experienced first-hand, there are parts of the Russian Arctic, for instance, where pretty much every expedition ships loses internet connection for a time.

Bottom line

Crystal Endeavor, the new expedition ship from Crystal Cruises, may not offer internet that is as fast as you get on land. But for a cruise vessel, it boasts a surprisingly strong internet service -- and one that comes at no extra cost, to boot.

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Virgin Voyages Wi-Fi Internet: What to Know (Speed, Cost, and More)

 If you’ve booked a cruise on Virgin Voyages, then you likely know that a number of perks — including gratuities, all food and wi-fi internet — are included in the fare.

Of course, for so many of us online access has become a necessity more than just something that’s nice to have. Whether it’s as simple as checking in back home or more complex like still getting a few hours of work in while on your cruise, the need to stay connected has never been stronger.

That’s why having internet access included with your cruise is a nice feature of sailing Virgin Voyages. Before you get on the ship, however, you might have some questions about access. Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Voyages wi-fi service during your trip.

In This Article...

What Wi-Fi Packages Are Available on Virgin Voyages?

As mentioned, every passenger that sails on the cruise line has wi-fi included as part of their fare. What you may not know is that there are actually two different levels of service.

All passengers receive the basic package with their cruise. This is suitable for casual browsing, text, wi-fi calls, and more, but you can’t stream music or video.

For those wanting more speed and the ability to stream, Virgin also has a “premium” level of service. There is a charge for this upgrade, but it allows you to stream and is offers data speeds about four times faster than the basic level of service .

How Much Does Wi-Fi Cost?

As mentioned, the basic wi-fi internet is included with the cost of the cruise. There are no fees or extra costs associated with it. Simply board the ship and connect.

If you want to upgrade to the premium service, however, there is a charge. On a recent cruise the cost was $15 per day. You could choose to upgrade for the entire cruise or just for a single day.

How Fast Is Virgin Voyages Wi-Fi?

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to suffer through a slow internet connection. And on a cruise, that can sometimes be the case. Any cruise line will have slower service than you’re used to on land, but we’ve noticed some services feel slower than others.

In the case of Virgin Voyages, we tested both the basic service and the upgraded premium level.

The basic service consistently measured 1.5 Mbps . That’s common for a lower-tier cruise connection. However, in our actual usage, we were surprised with the feel of the speed. You would definitely notice a difference from browsing at home or with 5G, but service was relatively quick. As well, it also seemed to be consistent. There were no swings in speed like we normally see on cruises where the connection works fine one minute and seems much slower the next.

We also upgraded to the premium service during the cruise in order to stream football games. Doing speed test on this plan, the speed hovered around 6 Mbps . Streaming was no issue at all as far as stopping or buffering. It did take a couple of minutes of watching before the clarity improved to HD quality, but then it stayed clear the rest of the time.

Can I Connect Multiple Devices at Once or Switch Between Them?

Yes. Even the basic plan gives you two connections. So you can connect your laptop and phone at the same time. Need to connect more devices? You have two options.

First, you can add a third device for $5. So if you need to connect three devices at once, then it’s only a few bucks.

Second, you can switch between devices. So if you already have your laptop and phone connected and need to connect another device, you can simply select to disconnect one of the others that’s currently in use.

No matter which way you decide, you can connect multiple devices and switch between them if needed.

Can I Stream Movies, TV, or Music?

As we covered above, if you want to stream on Virgin Voyages then you absolutely can. You will, however, need to upgrade to the premium wi-fi plan that costs $15 per day.

We tried to stream on the basic plan and weren’t able to do so (although YouTube would work on our laptop, but not on our phone).

Upgrading to the higher-tier plan, there were no issues at all. Sports streamed seamlessly with no buffering once started. It did take a few minutes until HD quality was running, but once it did, there were no lags, glitches or changing of the picture quality.

Can I Make FaceTime Calls?

One great way to keep in touch back home is with video calling using an app like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

Being iPhone users, we tested FaceTime out on the cruise. To our surprise, the service worked relatively well using the basic internet plan that’s included. We expected to have to upgrade to the premium tier in order to make these sorts of video calls.

That said, there were some instances of the video part of the call pausing or having a lower quality picture. Even so, it was still plenty good enough to have a conversation.

Can I Text or Make Phone Calls Over Wi-Fi?

In addition to FaceTime calls, we also tested out the service with both text messaging and phone calls.

The basic plan did both, giving you a simple way to keep in touch back home or even with others on the ship. We especially liked being able to send pictures of the cruise to friends and family, which was possible even on the included plan.

Does the Wi-Fi Work at The Beach Club?

If you sail Virgin Voyages from Miami, then your cruise will make a stop at The Beach Club. This spot is the cruise line’s private destination on Bimini in The Bahamas. It features a private beach area, large swimming pool, hammocks, loungers, food, and more.

This spot is about a mile from where the cruise ship docks and you’ll take a shuttle from the ship to the entrance.

Given the distance, you might think the ship’s wi-fi wouldn’t work here. In fact, Virgin offers internet service at The Beach Club, just as if you were onboard . You can surf the web, text, and check email just like you were still on the ship.

Can I Use a VPN?

For some users, a VPN is needed. For example, maybe you’re concerned about privacy or you want to work and your employer requires it. Not every cruise line allows VPNs to be used when connecting, however, it is allowed on Virgin.

We used a VPN to connect and experienced no issues or slowdown in service.

Can I Work or Do School Work With the Wi-Fi on the Ship?

The big question with cruise wi-fi is if it can be useful for work and/or school. Often the slower speeds and unreliable connections on a cruise can cause issues.

We mentioned above that we consistently hit speeds of 1.5 Mbps (basic) and 6 Mbps (premium). Those speeds are nothing to write home about, but we were actually surprised at how fast they felt. Pages loaded slower than they would on land, but still relatively quickly. We were able to stream in HD using the higher-tier plan.

What we really liked, however, was the consistency of the connection. Too often on cruises the speeds fluctuate or have trouble with disconnecting and then reconnecting. On Virgin Voyages, the internet just worked without the headaches.

Given the speeds, you likely won’t be able to do tasks that require a lot of bandwidth. So while streaming a video would be fine, we’d be wary of attending a large video conference or having to download large files.

But if you simply need some internet access to send/receive documents, sending email, or watching videos, then we think you’d have no problem on Virgin Voyages.

More on Sailing Virgin Voyages:

10+ Virgin Voyages Tips and Things to Know Before You Sail

• What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)
• Can You Work Remotely While Taking a Cruise? Here’s Everything to Know

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