The world of sea travel is changing rapidly, and one of the major improvements in these changes has been the convenience of onboard Wi-Fi. Nowadays it is available with greater convenience, cheaper cost and faster speed. But if you’re not armed with the right information, cruise ship Wi-Fi can still be high cost and a low point. Don’t worry, we’ll give you some great tips, secrets and home remedies that will improve your cruise ship Wi-Fi experience.
Understanding Cruise Ship Wi-Fi
First of all, it is important to understand that internet speed at sea can never match the speed at land (over-water), even with state-of-the-art technology like Starlink. An interesting fact: Wi-Fi speed varies not only on every ship but also depending on the cruising area. For example, in the Caribbean you get better connectivity, whereas in mountainous regions like the Norwegian fjords you do not.
Free Wi-Fi Options
If you are afraid to spend money for Internet at sea, cruise lines that are more luxurious, such as Viking Ocean and Silversea, include Internet access in their cruise costs. Among the mainstream options, Virgin Voyages offers basic internet along with cruise fares.
Bundle and Save
If you do not want to have Wi-Fi enabled lines, consider bundled plans. Princess Plus (Princess Cruise Line), Celebrity’s all-inclusive plan, and Holland America’s package all offer pay packages with internet and shore excursions at better prices than if you buy Wi-Fi only. I am lying down.
Plan Ahead
The golden rule to save costs is to purchase your Wi-Fi plan in advance. By doing this, you can save approximately 15% or more compared to signing up for the board every day.
Leverage Loyalty Programs
Are you included in a cruise ship loyalty scheme? You can get discounts on internet packages, including premium Wi-Fi plans.
Connectivity Essentials
Remember to put your phone on airplane mode when you’re about to board a ship, so you can avoid international roaming charges and be confident that Wi-Fi will still be available.
The Power of the Cruise Line App
Even without any paid plan, the Cruise Line app provides you with many useful features like remote control of daily activities, reservation systems, and cabin amenities at no extra charge.
Stay Connected Onboard
Sending messages through the Cruise Line app is often free; But few lines are available with minimal charges. If you have a paid Wi-Fi plan, you can use familiar platforms like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and even FaceTime.
International Plans and Cellular at Sea
Caution should be exercised when considering an international phone plan as it may not work as expected on board a ship. Certain providers have mobile cellular plans but check carefully for limitations and fees.
Cost-Cutting Onboard Wi-Fi Strategies
Cruise ships are famous for Wi-Fi. Choosing a basic plan, sharing plans between cabin users, or switching devices can all save you a lot of money. To save time, consider using the internet during non-peak hours like early morning or late at night.
When Ashore
If you want to access the internet without using the ship in port plan, see mat. Free Wi-Fi is often found at local cafes, restaurants, or libraries. Pay attention to where the ship’s crew is located – they know where the best connections are found!
The VPN Question
Security concerns arise when using public Wi-Fi; But, it’s important to keep in mind that most cruise ships do not support the use of VPNs, with a few exceptions.
