Are you wondering if it’s possible to stay connected aboard the ship? Internet access at sea is a bit tricky. Find out if purchasing cruise wifi packages is worth it and some alternatives to consider!
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While cruise trips are meant to be enjoyed which for some people means not being glued to your mobile phone, some travelers do need wifi to check important emails, navigate port destinations, chat with friends, and contact loved ones back home.
Personally, I always make sure that I have internet access especially when I travel alone because I need to use Google Maps and update the parents of my whereabouts. For my cruise vacation, wifi was essential because I had to work. Internet on board was expensive, so I looked at other options and adjusted accordingly.
An overview of internet options at sea
Internet access at sea is generally not cheap and reliable. There are per minute and package options to choose from. Usually, it ranges from $0.20 to $1.00 per minute. Wifi connection may not be available throughout the cruise ship, even in your cabins. If you don’t have a device, you can use the computers onboard.
Here’s how the internet works at sea, according to Wikitravel: “Cruise ship internet access works by sending a signal 22,000 miles to a satellite, then 22,000 miles again back to earth. This limits what applications can be used. Generally, high-data applications, such as video and VOIP services do not work.”
For Royal Caribbean, the price was $65 cents per minute. There was a package of $35/60 minutes and $150/500 minutes. I remembered there were daily packages too so don’t forget to check the cruise line’s offerings before your trip.
What are your other wifi options?
The convenience of paying for internet through the cruise line is something to consider. But, with a bit of preparation and research, you will find more affordable options. The catch is—you have to manage expectations and schedule your wifi use accordingly.
Here’s what I did to access the internet while on the Royal Caribbean’s 7 Night Spice of Southeast Asia cruise.
Buy a pocket wifi
This is standard practice for me. I do a lot of DIY traveling so internet connection for Google Maps is always part of my packing list. I didn’t have any particular brand in mind, but my credit card has a promo with Skyroam, and so I tried that.
Like most global hotspot providers, you have the option to choose how many days and which country you will be using the wifi for. Then, Skyroam will deliver the device to you before the trip or you could pick it up from their office. Here’s the summary of my receipt:
I didn’t have a photo of the device itself because I didn’t know I was going to write about it… a few months after. I know, fail.
Anyway, so yeah, I got the device and paid only P4,207.50 (around $85) for 11 days of data shared by up to five people. Great deal compared to the packages offered by the cruise.
Roaming on mobile
Another option is to use data roaming. This is perfect for those who don’t need to use the internet often. Some network providers don’t allow you to do this instantly, so you have to call and ask your network provider to activate roaming services on your phone.
I usually turn on the roaming on my phone when I need to call restaurants for reservations, reach out to Airbnb hosts, or be reachable for delivery or ride-hailing apps.
Data roaming is convenient but if you’re not careful with usage, your total bill could add up! So, make sure you monitor the data you consume, or you have an alert set up for when you exceed the data limit you set for yourself or your plan includes.
Find the right spot
Having your internet gears ready is one thing, but what about the connection? On cruise ships, it sucks—but not everywhere and not every time. For the first few days I was on the cruise, I struggled to find the right spot with the fastest wifi.
Eventually, I learned that with Skyroam, the open deck and the buffet restaurant delivered decent speed. Sometimes, I got messages in my cabin, but most of the time, I needed to be outside to get connected.
What’s the catch? We were essentially near land all the time. I’m not sure if the same would apply for ships cruising in the middle of the sea or ocean. In any case, I was able to do light work and upload videos on social media during our cruise.
Get connected at port destinations
If accessing the internet aboard the ship fails, then the next option is to get connected while at port destinations. On land, our data hotspot and roaming worked for sure. If you don’t have an internet device, then café will be your go-to.
This is what I did when my family and I needed to split up and they had to bring the Skyroam data hotspot device with them. I ordered a coffee and dessert, which I’m always happy to do, connected to the café wifi, and had a short work call.
The next time you go on a cruise, do research the nearest cafés to your ports of call, read reviews if the wifi is good, then you surely will not only enjoy the free wifi but also the added local food experience and relaxation.
Enjoy the cruise
Do you know what the best thing is? Disconnect while on vacation! If you have the choice of not having to work or check up on things online, why not take the time to completely be in the present? I bet it will be great for your mind and body!
Cruises are usually jampacked with activities to do on board and at port destinations. Make the most out of what you paid for by fully enjoying the experience. 🙂
As for me, I was lucky enough that for the bottom half of my Royal Caribbean 7 Night Spice of Southeast Asia cruise trip, my boss asked me not to work anymore and just have fun on my vacation—which I did!
There you have it! Accessing the internet on a cruise is possible but you have to manage your expectations and as always prepare beforehand. What is your experience getting connected while on a cruise trip? I would love to know!
