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MedallionNet ® The Best Wi-Fi at Sea

Fast. reliable. unlimited. affordable. now on all ships..

MedallionNet Wi-Fi is included in your fare when you book Princess Plus or Princess Premier!

Wi-Fi wherever you are

Access the internet everywhere on board so you can text, post photos, video chat and stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports with ease. Read on to learn just how revolutionary MedallionNet Wi-Fi is and how popular it is with our guests.

Fast and reliable internet

MedallionNet Wi-Fi sets the industry standard for internet at sea, and it's now even better with Starlink access and 5G. FaceTime your pooch in the morning. Stream your favorite shows by the pool in the afternoon. Post your picture-perfect dessert from your dinner table. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, you can now stay connected with Wi-Fi coverage as you sail.

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Unlimited and affordable internet

Choose from one-device or four-device packages starting from just $24.99 USD. Packages are available with additional savings as part of our Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages. They can also be purchased pre-cruise and on board through the Princess® Cruises App. Platinum and Elite guests get an exclusive discount of 50% off*.

*Discount will be applied on board in the form of an onboard credit.

What our guests are saying about MedallionNet Wi-Fi

"I was so incredibly impressed with how well the internet worked and how fast it was too! It was so convenient to use and ended up being really cost effective too." –  Lauren V. from Vandifair

"With the rollout of MedallionNet, Princess Cruises is completely changing the game for internet at sea – with blazing fast speeds – and it is now much more affordable." –  Courtney O. from Sweet C's

"Knowing we could access and successfully respond to any pressing work stuff was probably the greatest benefit of all…we wouldn’t be leaving colleagues in the lurch or incurring the wrath of overworked bosses." – from the Kerrie B. blog

"I barely noticed a difference from my home internet…and knowing that I was going to have the internet at sea is probably what made me feel so comfortable leaving [my daughter] for the first time when she was just 6 months old." – Rebecca H. from Sugar & Soul

All about MedallionNet Wi-Fi

Learn how MedallionNet Wi-Fi works and discover how speed and connectivity may be affected while sailing in different regions.

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Your Guide To Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi

Demystifying your internet options onboard a cruise.

By Robert Schrader | Published on February 16, 2024

These days, getting away doesn't have to mean feeling disconnected — even on a cruise. The answer to the question "Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?" is, thankfully, a resounding "Yes." Here's how to set your expectations for what internet packages cost and what service will be like during your sailing.

Do Cruise Ships Have Wi-Fi?

Did you know that cruise ships have had internet access for more than 20 years? However, internet access on ships wasn't originally reliable or affordable. Then, in 2014, Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi changed the internet access game with its Voom® internet service, which used satellites that were originally designed to bring Wi-Fi to less-developed countries to offer internet access that was six times faster than any other cruise line.

Today, Wi-Fi at sea is better than ever across the industry. Although cruising is the ultimate getaway, there are more options available now for staying connected. Whether that means checking your stocks or work email account, sharing selfies at the beach on Instagram and videos of you crew nailing it on the ice-skating rink on TikTok or streaming your favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix or Hulu, you can do it from the comfort of your ship. After all, this is your vacation, and if your perfect sea day ends with a sushi-and-sake dinner at Izumi followed by a night in spent watching latest episode of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" on Amazon Prime Video — no judgment!

The best news? While every Royal Caribbean ship offers VOOM internet service, some ships in the fleet have been upgraded to SpaceX Starlink, which is the same price and even faster. Royal Caribbean is currently in the process of upgrading more vessels to Starlink, so you can check to see if your ship has it before you set sail.

Where Will Your Wi-Fi Work?

Once you've paid for a Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi package, you can expect to be connected for the duration of your plan, wherever you are onboard. That's true from your stateroom to the buffet and even the spa — though you should probably try to unplug when you're in the sauna. The onboard internet will start working as soon as you've signed in with your credentials and until your time expires.

Since all Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi is satellite-powered, you don't need to worry about service disruptions based on sailing location. Geographically speaking, this means that Wi-Fi should work everywhere in the world, whether you're hundreds of miles from shore or about to dock at a port of call. While there are certain parts of the globe where satellite transmissions are blocked for security reasons or are weak due to magnetism (such as more remote parts of the polar regions), most cruise ships don't sail in these waters. Likewise, while weather conditions can weaken satellite signals, these disruptions tend to be fleeting.

If you're sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay® , you'll be happy to know that Wi-Fi works there, whether you're laying out in a lounge chair by the pool at Oasis Lagoon ® , holding you're toddler's hand as they walk the plank at Captain Jill's Galleon℠ or waiting in line for a waterslide at Thrill Waterpark ® . Perfect Day at CocoCay is in The Bahamas, so your cell service will work there, too, though your carrier might charge you roaming fees depending on your plan.

This raises another question: If you don't use Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi , can you still access the internet on your cruise through your cell service provider? The answer — and the cost — depends on your carrier, so it's worth reaching out to them before your trip to get rates. Most cell plans offer international data roaming, some for free and others at a per-day cost. Keep in mind that speeds and coverage in these cases can be variable, and some services (such as mobile hotspot tethering) might not always be available. If you absolutely must stay connected, it's a good idea to purchase a Wi-Fi package.

If you choose to leave your laptop and tablet at home and your phone in your safe, you can go to the iCafe, which is located on every ship and offers wired internet stations for a fee. This is a good choice for those who prefer to surf with a larger screen, rather than on their phone.

How Much Does Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi Cost?

Prices and availability before you sail are different than what they are once you're onboard. Before departure, you'll receive an option to pre-pay for Wi-Fi for the entirety of your cruise. This not only gives you the best price on a per-device and per-day basis, but ensures you can get connected the moment you are onboard the ship.

As is the case with your home internet plan, the cost of internet on your Royal Caribbean depends on your needs and the package you choose. As of April 2023, for example, you can pay as little as $15.99 per device, per day for a plan that allows you to surf the internet — browsing websites, reading articles and sending emails. Surf + Stream packages, meanwhile, tend to cost more, usually around $4 extra per device, per day, and those allow you to stream videos on sites such as YouTube.

Of course, you don't have to buy Wi-Fi in advance. You can choose to set sail with the intention of going off the grid for a while and decide only to access the internet once or twice during your sailing. In this case, you can purchase a 24-hour pass, which allows you to connect for 24 consecutive hours. Note that prices for options such as this are generally more expensive than pre-paid plans and plans for the duration of your cruise.

Some travelers accumulate points or onboard credit in their Crown & Anchor® Society account — a loyalty program for cruisers — that they can later use to pay for onboard Wi-Fi. There might also be circumstances in which you receive a specified amount of free Wi-Fi in the form of a promo code. And if you book even a segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠, you get a complimentary VOOM Surf + Stream package — among other treats, such as complimentary laundry service, gratuities and a deluxe beverage package. For the most part, however, there's no Royal Caribbean® Wi-Fi "hack" to staying online as you sail the sea. As in much of life, you get what you pay for.

Stay Connected As You Sail Away

Whether you're planning to get a little work done during a sea day while you sun by the pool, FaceTime with the grandparents as you put the kids to bed at night or just stay on top of your Fantasy Baseball league status, it's a relief to know you can stay connected if you choose to with Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi. Parents with little ones who can't live without their afternoon dose of "Blippi's Treehouse" or "PAW Patrol" after naptime, take notice. After all, it's not just grown-ups who have grown accustomed to having uninterrupted internet access. However, if you don't want to buy your teenagers a Wi-Fi package to indulge their video game habits, it's good to know that when they're done having fun in the sun you can send them to the Teen Hangout to spend some time in the gaming lounge, free of charge.

While internet access might not be your primary focus as you shop for cruises or plan your trip, choosing a cruise line with state-of-the-art technology means you never have to miss an episode of your favorite show or your best friend's engagement post on Instagram, even when enjoying a sea day.

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog   Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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Wi-Fi on a Cruise Ship: Cost of Internet for Each Cruise Line

Tips and ideas for getting the most out of a cruise ship internet package

Can you really get Wi-Fi on a cruise ship? Absolutely, yes. Is it as fast and reliable as it is at home? Not yet, but things are changing fast. Internet access on a cruise will soon be just as seamless as connecting from your living room.

On the many cruise ships I’ve sailed on, I’ve experienced both blazing fast internet and internet so slow it made me wish for dial-up speeds. (Forgive me if you’re too young to know what “dial-up” internet is. You can check out a local museum for details.)

Cruise lines realize how important it is for their passengers to stay connected at sea. Plus they know they can make a few extra dollars by offering it to passengers.

Uploading photos of your trip, using messaging apps with friends and family, and checking in on pets and loved ones back home is all easier than ever with most internet plans on a cruise ship. And now with streaming plans you can even keep up with your favorite shows through streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Even video calls can be clear and lightning fast if conditions are right on a cruise.

Related: 10 Ways Rookies Waste Money on a Cruise

In this article we will cover everything you need to know about Wi-Fi internet on a cruise ship, including how much it costs for each major line. We’ll keep this post updated as changes take place.

How does Wi-Fi on a cruise ship work?

Cruise ships are equipped with a variety of technologies to provide passengers with reliable and convenient Wi-Fi access. In most cases, cruise ships get Wi-Fi through satellite technology. This type of internet connection uses satellites in space to connect the ship to the internet. Additionally, some cruise lines may also use cellular networks or land-based wireless networks to supplement the satellite connection.

Cruises often install multiple antennas on board that are able to receive signals from multiple sources. Passengers can then access the Wi-Fi network on their own devices, such as phones and tablets. The cost of Wi-Fi may vary depending on the cruise line and package purchased, but we’ll cover more on that later on.

What slows down internet speed on a cruise ship

The primary factor that can slow down internet speed on a cruise ship is the limited satellite bandwidth available to the ship. Cruise ships are often in remote areas and away from land-based networks, making their access to internet speeds more limited than on land.

This can cause websites and applications to load slowly, or even not at all. The spinning wheel of death is all too common on voyages in remote locations.

Additionally, cruise ships may also experience congestion due to multiple people attempting to access the same network simultaneously, leading to slower speeds. Other factors such as weather conditions and technical issues can also contribute to slower internet speeds. Even mountain ranges can limit the line of site needed for reliable internet connectivity.

Don’t forget, you’re on a moving vessel. This means connection to the internet can be spotty and is much more reliable when you’re in port.

Why is that? Some cruise line like Carnival will combine satellites with land-based towers for internet when the ships are close enough to use them. The reliability of land-based towers will be much better as well, and this is more cost-effective for cruise lines.

Starlink on Cruise Ships

Starlink could be a game-changer when it comes to internet on a cruise ship. Operated by SpaceX, this revolutionary satellite internet service that has the potential to bring high-speed internet access to millions of people around the world who currently do not have reliable connectivity. And now it’s being implemented by cruise lines. By using a network of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink aims to provide fast and affordable internet to just about anywhere on the planet. On cruise ships sailing all around the world passengers will be able to get online with speeds never dreams of at sea before.

In an effort to improve their reputation for unreliable Wi-Fi, cruise lines are turning to Starlink, a high-speed broadband internet service developed by SpaceX. Hurtigruten Expeditions has already equipped its entire fleet with Starlink, and other cruise companies like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are also adopting the technology. Even luxury line SeaDream Yacht Club has added Starlink to their ships.

These are the beginning stages of this technology on cruise ships, so stay tuned to see how this effects both price and performance of Wi-Fi at sea.

Using Wi-Fi on a ship without paying for a package

Whether you sign up for the paid Wi-Fi or not, you should still connect your phone or tablet to the ship’s Wi-Fi. This will allow you to see all of the relevant information about your cruise the the cruise line’s app. You will be able to see the program for the day, the shows and events scheduled, and even the menu for the restaurants on board.

In fact, one of the first things you should do when you get on the ship is to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi so you can make any reservations for shows or check out your account for adding any additional amenities to your journey.

How much does it cost to get Wi-Fi on a cruise?

In the “old days” of cruising you would pay for internet access by the minute. Today you pay for unlimited internet by the day, but you still typically pay for only one device. If you want more than one device connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi you will have to upgrade or buy a different internet package.

The price of Wi-Fi on a cruise ship can range from $15 to $30 and more per device per day. On luxury cruise lines or even some premium lines there is free Wi-Fi included in the cost of the cruise fare. Some cruise lines that offer complimentary internet include Viking, Virgin Voyages, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. You can also sometime buy a package combo that includes free internet access with some lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess.

We’ll have some tips for saving money when using Wi-Fi later on in this post.

Cost of Wi-Fi for Main Cruise Lines

Carnival offers three different internet packages that vary in speed in restrictions. Keep in mind that if you pre-pay for internet access before your cruise you will save money. The prices listed below are for pre-cruise prices. If you decide to wait and buy a Wi-Fi package after you get onboard the ship it will cost a few dollars above the listed price.

• Social Wi-Fi Plan ($12.75, per day) : As the name suggests this package only allows you to access social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. You can also use some of the most popular messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger. While most websites will be inaccessible with the Social plan you will be able to access popular airline sites so you can check on your flights. What you can’t do with this plan is access any streaming services, most websites, email, Skype, and even Facetime services cannot be used. It really is only a good choice for updating your status or posting a photo on social media and not much else.
• Value Wi-Fi Plan ($17.00, per day) : The Value plan allows all of the above with social media sites and also allows passengers to access other websites such as news, finance, sports, weather etc. This plan is more suitable for surfing the internet. Speeds will be a little faster with this plan, allowing you to post pictures online faster than the Social plan, but services like Skype, Facetime, and streaming will not be accessible.
• Premium Wi-Fi Plan ($18.70, per day) : Carnival states that the Premium plan is up to 3 times faster than the value plan. With Premium you can access social sites, browse the web, and use services as Skype and Zoom. Streaming capabilities for services such as Netflix are only available on certain ships.

Carnival allows you to change your plan and upgrade if you need to. You can even use multiple devices per plan so you can switch back and forth between your cell phone and tablet with one plan. But with one plan you can only use one device at a time.

Celebrity now has “XCelerate” Internet at Sea, a cutting-edge Wi-Fi service that boasts faster speeds compared to typical internet access on cruise ships. This new service is now available on all ships in Celebrity’s fleet, except for those on Galapagos sailings.

Celebrity offers two internet packages for basic internet and streaming: Basic Wi-Fi and Premium Wi-Fi .

• With Basic for $20 per day you can use messaging apps, check your email, and browse the web. You cannot send large files via email nor can you upload photos and videos to social media accounts with this package.
• With Premium for $35 per day Wi-Fi passengers can use streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu and upload photos and videos to social media accounts. The unlimited Wi-Fi service allows users to use video chat apps as well like Skype and Zoom.

When you choose Celebrity’s “Always Included” fare option, your base fare will come with complimentary Basic Wi-Fi , gratuities, and the Classic Drinks Package included.

Costa Cruises

Costa offers internet packages in different sizes based on how much data you will be using and how you will be using it. There is a data package in which you pay for a set data amount and a social package where you pay a flat fee but can only access popular social media applications. There are three different amounts of data you can purchase with a data package: 250Mb, 500Mb, and 3GB.

Prices may vary but you can expect to spend about 35 euros for the 250Mb plan, 45 euros for the 500Mb plan and 110 euros for the 3GB plan. The social package can usually be purchased by the day and will cost about 5 euros for one 24-hour period.

For those just wanting to check something online and get right back off there is a Quick Check plan as well, in which you pay by the minute. Typical costs are .25 euros per minute.

Disney Cruise Line has different Internet plans for you to choose from on their ships through Connect@Sea. You can pick a plan that works best for you based on how often you want to use your phone or other devices while on the cruise.

Through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App passengers can sign up for Wi-Fi service. With Disney you pay by the data you use. While you can use as many devices as you want on a single plan, all of the data accumulates and is charged against your account.

If you want to pay as you go rates can be around .25 cents per Mb of usage. Or you can buy larger amounts of data for less. A 100Mb package may cost $19 while a 1,000 Mb package can go for $89.

Concierge guest categories can get 100Mb of internet usage for free while others may get free unlimited internet for the duration of the cruise.

Holland America Line

Holland America has three different internet packages from which to choose. They call come with unlimited usage along with the restrictions of what apps or websites you can use with them. No video streaming services are supported with any of the packages below. So apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime video and Hulu will not be able to be used.

• Social, $10 per day : This package is mainly for using messaging apps only and keeping up with friends and family on popular social media sites. No audio or video features are supported on this plan.
• Surf, $15 per day : Along with what the Social package offers, Surf will let you browse the internet, check your email, and check on various sports apps. This package comes complimentary with the ‘Have It All’ fare.
• Premium, $20 per day : Audio and video streaming are supported with this package, including everything from the above two packages.

MSC offers both streaming and browsing internet services on their fleet of ships. There are two packages to choose from and you will save 20% off the price if you book before your cruise rather than waiting until you board the vessel. The pricing can vary depending on the number of days in the itinerary, the number of devices being used, and which package is selected.

• Browse Internet Cruise Package : This package allows you to browse the internet, send and receive emails (including attaching photos), and using popular chat messaging services like Whatsapp. You will not be able to use a video chatting app or streaming service like Netflix or Hulu with this package. The price starts around $12 per day .
• Browse & Stream Cruise Package : With this plan you can do all of the above, including use video streaming services, video chat, and live stream on social media websites. Prices start at $16 per day for this plan, but again, the itinerary and length of cruise may vary the price.

You will save about 15% off the price of Wi-Fi on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship if you buy the package before the cruise. There are basically two types of internet plans with Norwegian: one for browsing and one for streaming. You can determine how many devices you want to have access for those two types of packages and find a plan just right for you.

As you add on more devices you will save some money so let’s list all the packages and prices here.

The plans below are for browsing the internet, checking email, and checking social media sites. Video streaming services are not accessible with these plans.

• Unlimited Wi-Fi for 1 device: $25.50, per day .
• Unlimited Wi-Fi for 2 devices: $44.99, per day .
• Unlimited Wi-Fi for 4 devices: $84.99 per day .

The premium plans listed below allow for video streaming and video chatting. Services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Youtube can be used. The line states that a VPN may also be used with the premium packages.

• Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi for 1 device: $34.99, per day .
• Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi for 2 devices: $57.99, per day.
• Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi for 4 devices: $109.99, per day .

Princess claims to have some of the best Wi-Fi at sea, and you might be able to get it for free as well.  MedallionNet Wi-Fi is complimentary for those who book Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Wi-Fi on a Princess ship will cost $15 per day for one device and $40 per day for a 4-device plan.

You will be able to post videos and photos, use streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu, browse the internet and FaceTime with friends and family back home.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean has been a pioneer of innovation in the cruise industry, and that is also the case with how the line has implemented Wi-Fi on their fleet of ships. VOOM is the name of their high-speed internet service that the company claims is 6 times faster than any other internet at sea. The technology allows for passengers to use the internet from just about anywhere on the ship as well, so even staterooms should get a great signal for connecting online.

The VOOM service uses a combination of satellites and cellular networks to provide guests with fast internet speeds and low latency, making it possible to do things like stream videos and make video calls while at sea.

Recently, Royal Caribbean announced that some ships will start using Starlink technology for internet as well. It is only on select ships right now but should be fleet wide in the near future.

There are two types of internet plans to choose from with Royal Caribbean: VOOM Surf and VOOM Surf & Stream. These packages are made available for up to 4 devices.

• VOOM Surf (Around $22 per day): This package allows you to browse the internet, send and receive emails, and chat on popular messaging apps like Whats app.
• VOOM Surf & Stream (Around $27 per day): This package allows you to stream from video services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as live video chat, stream, and post videos and pictures on social media.

Royal Caribbean’s “ The Key ” program includes complimentary internet of surf & stream package for one device.

Virgin Voyages

Access to the internet is complimentary on Virgin cruise ships. With basic Wi-Fi included there is an option for “sailors” to upgrade for some faster download speeds if they’d like as well. For $10 extra you can get access to streaming services and carry out video chats with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Tips for getting better Wi-Fi speeds on the ship

• Use the Wi-Fi during non-peak hours. Early mornings and late nights can be the best times to use the Wi-Fi, but anytime you can get on the internet when most people are doing something else will allow for faster speeds. The more people on the network the slower it will be.
• Find areas of the ship that have a better signal . Whether you try the internet cafe or other public areas of the ship, there are always some parts of the ship with a better signal than others. You can even ask crew members about this since they will usually know where the best locations are.
• Try your stateroom balcony to see if there’s better signal. Even if your cabin gets a weak signal you might find that outside on the balcony you have a better connection.
• Disable background applications on your devices. This is always a good idea if bandwidth is limited. You don’t want all those background devices hogging the internet when you’re trying to check your email or send out a social media update. You can block these background apps in your settings.
• Turn off automatic updates of applications. In addition to turning off background apps it’s a good idea to make sure your phone will not start updating apps while you’re using the internet. Again, this will just slow down whatever you’re trying to do, and since Wi-Fi speeds can be unreliable you have to make every megabit count.
• Wait until you’re in port . As stated above, cruise ships will typically have a much better connection when in port because they can tap into some land-based towers for internet connections. Of course, if you’re in port you have some other options for connecting to the internet as well that we’ll talk about below.

Tips for saving money on Wi-Fi while on a cruise

• Check for promotional offers: Some cruise lines offer promotional deals on Wi-Fi packages, or even early bird specials if you buy a plan by a certain time.
• Use the Wi-Fi in port: If you are planning to spend time in port, you may be able to find free Wi-Fi in port towns. This can help you save on Wi-Fi costs while you’re on the ship. Some ports even have Wi-Fi for just $5 for the entire day so if you want to check all your email or download a few movies while in port you can save some cash.
• Use your phone’s data: If you have an international data plan, you may be able to use your phone’s data for internet access instead of purchasing a Wi-Fi package. I have T-mobile and love the free international data and texting. Just be sure to know what your plan covers so you don’t get a surprise bill when you get back home.
• Share a package: If you are traveling with friends or family, consider purchasing a larger Wi-Fi package and sharing the cost. This can help you save money on a per-person basis.
• Wait for deals: Some cruise lines and travel agencies offer different deals depending the period of the voyage and the advance you book it, look out for them.

FAQ on Wi-Fi on a Cruise Ship

Can i stream movies or music on a cruise.

Most cruise lines these days offer a streaming package that will allow you to stream with Netflix, Hulu, Youtube TV and other services. This plan will typically cost more than the basic package and keep in mind that the signal strength of the connection may not always allow for streaming. You should expect some buffering if you’re ship is out at sea. It’s usually best to download the movies you want to watch ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about signal strength during your cruise.

Can I use a VPN on the cruise ship?

It really depends on the cruise line and which VPN you are using. Some cruise lines state on their websites if they allow VPNs or not and others are more elusive. Here are a few things we know about cruise lines that mention using a VPN on their ships.

According to Carnival’s website, “VPN connections are not supported. Discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. We are not able to change your settings on board”.

Celebrity’s websiteclaims that VPN’s may not work on their ships, saying that any applications that use a lot of bandwidth or require a dedicated connection may not be supported.

Norwegian Cruise Line states on their Wi-fi package page that VPN support is only offered with the premium internet packages and not with the basic offerings.

On Royal Caribbean ships users have reported a mixed bag of results. While most are not able to connect to the Wi-Fi on Royal Caribbean ships others have had limited success. This may depend on the VPN you are using as well, but for now just assume you will not be able to use your VPN with this line.

Why is cruise ship Wi-Fi so expensive?

Wi-Fi on a cruise ship can be expensive for a few reasons. One reason is that the cost of setting up and maintaining the necessary infrastructure to provide internet access on a ship is quite high. The ship needs to have special equipment on board to connect to satellite networks, and this equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain.

Additionally, because the ship is constantly moving, it can be challenging to maintain a stable internet connection, which can add to the cost of providing Wi-Fi. It’s also a way for cruise lines to generate revenue, and with more people feeling like connecting to the internet is a necessity rather than a luxury it can bring in a substantial amount of money.

Can I bring my own Wi-Fi on a cruise?

I’ve traveled with my own hotspot on a cruise before. And while it’s nice to have another access point to the internet if the ship’s Wi-Fi is acting up, you have to keep a few things in mind. That hotspot is really only useful while you are near land or a port. Out at sea you probably won’t have much of a signal at all. When walking around a port of call, however, it can be nice to have that internet connection so you don’t have to find a coffee shop or internet cafe to check emails and post to social media. After all, the ship’s Wi-Fi is only good if you’re actually on or near the ship.

Are there computers on the ship I can use for internet access?

Some ships have done away with internet cafes for using the internet, so you will want to check with the specific cruise ship you will be sailing on. Many of the newer or refurbished ships have gotten rid of this feature since most passengers bring their own devices on board. That being said, if your ship does have computers onboard you can usually expect a pretty good Wi-Fi signal in that area.

What happens if you don t put your phone on airplane mode on a cruise?

If you don’t put your phone on airplane mode on a cruise, it will continue to try to connect to cellular networks, even though you are far out to sea. This can result in high roaming charges depending on your network in addition to a significant drain on your battery. Nothing wears out a phone batter faster than not having any bars.

Some cruise lines will let you connect your cell phone to their networks as well and even offer packages for this, but it’s usually very expensive and I don’t typically recommend it.

Can you text on a cruise ship without Wi-Fi?

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10 cruise Wi-Fi packages compared – and how to save $20 a day

Whether you’re wanting to stay connected with family during your holiday or need to get a bit of work done during your sailing, all cruise lines offer internet services – and most charge a daily fee for access..

But not all WI-Fi packages are equal. Recently, Royal Caribbean partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink to power its internet connections.

Cruise Passenger decided it’s time to compare onboard Wi-Fi options.

Some services are better – more reliable – than others and there’s no doubt that on-board internet services work better when ships are close to the mainland, rather then when they are crossing The Atlantic.

There’s also no doubt that purchasing your internet package prior to sailing will save you money. In some cases it can save you as much as $20 per day.

You can also include internet plans as part of a bundle with specialty dining, drinks packages and shore excursion credits. Always ask your travel agent for details of what packages are available because they will save you money.

If you are not a heavy internet user, don’t even worry about buying a package. You can always check your emails while enjoying a drink at a café when the ship is in port.

It’s also possible to share access with your roommate if internet access if offered per cabin, rather than per person. Doing that cuts the price in half.

It’s hard to say which cruise line offers the best internet service at sea. Most offer a very similar service but that could be about to change thanks to the deal Royal Caribbean has struck with one of Elon Musk’s companies.

Royal Caribbean

Price:  $12.99 per day

Royal Caribbean has signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network that it hopes will counter the age-old problem of poor internet connectivity at sea. Royal Caribbean will install the new software across all ships by early next year. Royal CEO Jason Liberty said the new service will “improve and enable more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls”.

The line currently offers Voom-branded internet packages that it boasts are the fastest at sea. The Voom Surf package offers almost everything except streaming and is available from $12.99 per day, per device. Access on additional devices costs a further $8.99 per day. Royal’s Voom Surf and Stream package costs $17.99 per device, per day.

Price: $11.05 per day

Carnival offers passengers a three-tier internet access service. Guests are able to buy a Social package for $8.50 per person per day which allows you to text and check social media.

Then comes the Value package for $11.05 per person per day which provides access to everything except streaming services. The Premium package is $14.45 per person per day which gives passengers full access.

P&O Cruises

Price: AU$12

P&O also offer a similar three-tier plan starting with the Social package priced at $9 (AUD) which includes texts and access to social media platforms when bought pre-cruise. The Social Talk+ packages at $12 (AUD) adds voice calls and access to music streaming sites.

The Premium package is $15 (AUD) per person and it includes video streaming services and access to newspapers The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail and The Herald-Sun.

Price: $9.99 per day

On Princess, MedallionNet Wif-Fi is included in your fare when you book Princess Plus of Princess Premier. The Princess Premier package bundles internet access with specialty dining experiences, photo packages and drinks packages with WI-Fi access on up to four devices per guest for $85 per day.

If you only want internet access the best way is to buy it pre-cruise through the MedallionClass app with prices starting at $9.99 per day.

Price: $29.95 per day

Azamara has three internet offerings starting with the 60-minute package for $19.95. A one-day pass costs $29.95 and Full Voyage access costs $19.95 per day.

Price: $20 per day

Celebrity has simplified its offering to two distinct packages. The Basic Wi-Fi offerings costs $20 per day and includes web browsing, text messaging and email access.

The Premium package ($35) adds the ability for guests to share photos and videos, stream videos and engage in video chats.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Price: $12.50 per day

Norwegian Cruise Line has eight different internet packages starting, with its Unlimited Social Media Wi-Fi packages at $12.50 per day. For a flat price of $105 you can purchase 250 minutes of internet access that can be used at anytime during your cruise.

The top end offering is the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi packages for four devices that costs $109.99 per day when bought pre-cruise. If you buy this on the ship it costs $129.99 per day.

Oceania Cruises

Price: Free

High-end cruise lines like Oceania Cruises include Wavenet free unlimited Wi-Fi in their fares. Guests can access the internet anywhere on the ship. Each suite or stateroom is given one log-in which can be used on one device at a time.

Additional log-ins can be bought if required. Regent Seven Seas Cruises also offer guests free internet access.

Silversea Cruises offers free standard internet to all passengers.

For and extra $29 per day though guests can upgrade to a premium package that offers enhance speed and features.

Seabourn’s Surf Wi-Fi package is free to all guests. It is certainly good enough to browse the web, read and send emails and access social media but if you want to stream movies or make video calls you would need to pay for the Stream Wi-Fi service at $19.95 per day.

Before buying anything, work out what kind of internet user you are because matching the package to your actual needs is important – and will ultimately save you money.

Prices are listed in USD unless noted.

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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.

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Cruise Wi-Fi Plans & Internet Packages

Stay connected at sea with our cruise Wi-Fi plans. Choose from options based on your browsing needs—simply surf the web, call your friends on a messaging app, or stream your favorite shows and movies.

Surf – Have It All

Read the news, check your email and keep up with your favorite sites.

• Web surfing, emails, news & sports apps
• Messaging apps (audio/video features not supported)

Only available with ‘Have It All’ fare

Access the sites and apps in the Surf Wi-Fi plan, plus make audio and video calls.  

• Audio & messaging apps
• Web surfing, sports, emails & news
• Messaging apps (basic audio/video features are supported, video streaming services are not supported)

US $34.99** per day.

Stream your favorite movies and shows right from your Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Max, and other accounts. 

• Binge-watch endless entertainment at sea using your streaming service accounts
• Enjoy all the benefits of our other two Wi-fi plans including internet access, Wi-Fi calling and video messaging

US $45.99** per day

*PRICES ARE IN USD AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE **DISCOUNT MAY APPLY FOR LONGER SAILINGS. DAILY PACKAGES NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FOR ANY PLAN PRE-CRUISE. DISCOUNT MAY APPLY FOR LONGER SAILINGS. 7- DAY SURF VOYAGE PRICING BEGINS AT US $17.15 PER DAY AND 7- DAY PREMIUM VOYAGE PRICING BEGINS AT US $22.86 PER DAY, 7-DAY STREAM PRICING BEGINS AT $35.00 PER DAY. PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE UP TO 135 DAYS.

What Wi-Fi is included in the 'Have It All' fare and can I upgrade?

Yes – upgrades are available for our Surf Wi-Fi plan, the plan included as part of the Have It All fare. Once on board, guests can upgrade to Premium or Stream, higher service level packages or to multiple devices. Premium is available for a 24-hour or daily purchase once onboard. Stream is only available for the length of the guest’s voyage or remaining days in voyage and not available for a 24-hour or daily purchase.

How much usage is allowed per day per user?

With the introduction of content-based plans guests no longer have to worry about running out of minutes or megabytes – they can use their device to access included sites all day. After certain daily limits guest data may receive lower prioritization but guests will not be prevented from accessing sites included in their package.

What is the available upload and download speed per user?

We are unable to guarantee a specific upload or download speed to our fleet. As our ships operate in a maritime environment sometimes far from shore, we rely on a complex satellite system for our internet service and speeds vary around the world. While our fleet is utilizing some of the most modern satellite constellations available in the maritime industry, speeds can be impacted by weather, ship location, local topography, satellite availability, other technology blockages, etc.

Is Wi-Fi available reliably around the ship including in my stateroom?

Wi-Fi is available in all guest areas aboard Holland America Line ships including in guest staterooms and suites. Holland America Line has invested over the past few years to expand onboard Wi-Fi service to satisfy growing guest demand for digital access at sea.

It was very slow on my last cruise, has quality improved?

Holland America Line has made improvements to the plan options, service to the ships, and Wi-Fi access throughout the ship. With the changes we have made we aim to improve guest’s digital experiences compared to prior cruises aboard Holland America Line. This is a direct reflection of listening to guest feedback.

What happened to minutes-based pricing?

Based on guest feedback we have moved away from pricing based on minutes or megabytes. Our aim is to reduce friction in the guest experience by ensuring guests do not have to monitor their usage – they only need to purchase the package which includes the sites they want and enjoy. If guests need temporary access to more sites they can upgrade seamlessly from the same device they’re using to access Wi-Fi.

Does everyone in the stateroom need to purchase or can they share?

The base Wi-Fi package  included  with Have It All  includes  access for one device for each of Guest 1 and 2 on a booking. If guests would like to have more devices individually or for a 3rd or 4th guest on their booking, guests can purchase upgrades to multiple device plans onboard. This can be done seamlessly from their first device just like upgrading service level package. Guests on a multiple device plan will all have the same service level package.

The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

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The Cost of Internet on Cruise Ships

By Polina Myagkov

Cruiseline.com

If you’re expecting the same speed of connectivity as you have at home, however, you’re out of luck. Satellite connections are spread pretty thin, and the result is an aggravatingly slow link (think dial-up era). Use Internet onboard to send a quick email home or browse your Facebook feed, but leave the heavy lifting (image uploads and streaming video) for your high-speed internet at home. Here’s the breakdown:

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Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?

No matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you're keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.

In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.

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A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.

Will your next cruise offer landlike Wi-Fi speeds? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.

How does Starlink work?

Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit from 22,000 miles away, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit the atmosphere from about 340 miles above the Earth's surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink's data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.

The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 5,400 satellites currently in orbit and plans in future years to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the ocean's most remote areas. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, with near-complete coverage of all the world's oceans and waterways.

The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels positioned on upper decks, replacing the now antiquated domes often placed near the ship's funnel and radar masts.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

How fast is Starlink internet access?

Starlink's website estimates download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These are wide-ranging estimates that don't factor in cruise ship-based throttling, cruise ship capacity, global positioning and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.

The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industry-wide challenge. There will be patches on a ship, regardless of which line you're sailing, where you'll find a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.

Similar to traditional satellites, severe weather can be a factor in Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can bring temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.

Cruises with Starlink

Here's a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG's guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.

Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help to identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.

Azamara 's fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Cunard 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink Wi-Fi.

Holland America

Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet, with two-thirds of the line's ships currently sailing with the upgraded service. The ships in the fleet that do not have the service include MSC Opera and MSC World Europa (both will receive Starlink in the coming weeks) and MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida (scheduled to receive Starlink before the summer 2024 season.)

There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Browse Internet Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse & Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet this year, with select ships presently sailing with the upgraded service. Currently, the ships with upgraded internet include Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl.

NCL offers two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package and the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. As part of the line's Free at Sea promotion , guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on all its ships and will have its entire fleet outfitted with the service by the end of 2024. Oceania Cruises offers fleetwide basic complimentary internet with a premium option available for streaming.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' fleet features MedallionNet, the only Wi-Fi network in the cruise industry that combines multi-orbit satellites — Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink) with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Starlink Wi-Fi can currently be found on two Regent Seven Seas ships, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur. The entire Regent Seven Seas fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2024. There are two levels of bandwidth available on Regent Seven Seas: A complimentary basic package for emails and news and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage that's available for a fee.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.

Viking 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging. There is an upgraded Premium bandwidth option available for streaming and high-bandwidth usage for an additional fee.

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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

I've taken 4 Disney cruises without kids. Here's why they're actually the perfect adults-only getaway.

• Out of the 15 cruises I've been on, Disney Cruise Line is my favorite company to travel with.
• Disney cruises offer the perfect getaway for adults without children.
• From animation classes and private islands to Broadway-style shows, I never run out of things to do.

After taking over 15 cruises on most of the major lines , one stands out as my favorite company to travel with — Disney Cruise Line. Disney cruises combine what I love about the theme parks with relaxation and stellar dining, making them the perfect getaway.

I also love that Disney continues to invest in its cruise line. For example, the company's newest ship, Disney Treasure , plans to embark on its maiden voyage in December.

And next year, Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure will set sail for the first time. The company also invested between $250 million and $400 million in a new island in the Bahamas, which I was lucky enough to visit.

Although some may think of Disney Cruise Line as a company that caters to kids, I've had an incredible time on adults-only vacations with my sister, mother, friends, and husband. Here's why I think Disney cruises are the perfect choice for travelers without children.

I’m never bored on a Disney ship.

On most of the cruises I've been on, the main activities include eating and drinking. However, that's not the case on Disney cruises.

In addition to having great pools, Disney ships are known for having a wide variety of activities throughout the day. My favorites include trivia, mixology classes, panel discussions with Disney animators, and animation classes.

The food is by far the best I’ve had at sea, and I’ll always splurge on the specialty restaurants.

Food plays a big role in determining where I vacation, and I've had some of the most incredible meals on board Disney ships. In addition to the food, the restaurants are well-themed and detailed. While there are plenty of elevated eats, there are also casual bites, like pizza, and Disney favorites, including Mickey waffles.

While the main dining rooms are delicious — and included with the cruise fare — I'll always splurge on one of the specialty restaurants that charge an additional fee.

These upcharge restaurants offer a more intimate experience with super personalized service and a greater variety of dining options. My favorite is Palo, which is open for both brunch and dinner. Here, I've enjoyed fresh pasta, standout wine, and high-quality wagyu.

I love the themed bars, and the drinks are surprisingly affordable.

While Disney doesn't offer a drink package that includes cocktails, the well-themed bars are worth the splurge.

From a Star Wars-themed watering hole to a Peter Pan-themed speakeasy, I really enjoy the inventive cocktail programs and immersive settings. Each bar also has its own unique themed drinks, which keeps things exciting.

As a regular at Disney World, I was also surprised to find that drinks are much more affordable on a Disney Cruise, with prices consistent across the ships I've been on.

For example, my favorite Dole Whip spiked with rum was $9 on board, compared to the exact same version priced at $14 at Disney World .

There are plenty of adults-only spaces.

While I tend to spend much of my day at the lively main pool, which features Disney movies and live entertainment, there are also plenty of adults-only spaces, including pool areas exclusive to guests 18 and older.

Some ships even have bar districts with multiple venues exclusive to adults.

The rooms are spacious and practical.

I've found the rooms on Disney cruises to be the most spacious — and practical in design — I've encountered.

Most rooms on Disney ships also have a split bathroom, which means the toilet area is separate from the shower. This is a vacation lifesaver when multiple adults are trying to get ready at once.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy Disney Magic.

I love Disney ships because, from dressing up for pirate night to meeting my favorite characters, there are plenty of opportunities to feel like a kid again.

The shows on board are Broadway-quality.

I'm a sucker for live entertainment, and each Disney ship offers at least one Broadway-style production. From "Frozen" to "Beauty and the Beast," I always make sure to check out these high-quality musicals, which are included in the price of the cruise.

Disney’s private islands are very relaxing.

I've been to several cruise-line private islands, but Disney's are by far my favorite. Castaway Cay , located in the Bahamas, exudes relaxation. The island is home to one of my favorite activities, the Castaway 5k, which is included in the cruise fare and allows participants to earn an exclusive race medal.

Disney's newest island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is located near the southern tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. The beaches here blew me away and were some of the best I've experienced after dozens of trips to the Caribbean and Mexico.

Disney Cruise Line is the perfect adults-only vacation, and I can't wait to plan another trip.

As a big fan of the parks, Disney Cruise Line takes those magical elements and upgrades them at sea with incredible food, live entertainment, and relaxation — making for the perfect adults-only vacation.

Its ships are home to some of the most exciting, highly themed lounge options I've encountered, and I love the Broadway-quality productions. While on board, I'm able to do as much or as little as I want.

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10 Best Cruise Lines For Every Type Of Traveler

• Choose from the 10 best cruise lines based on your preferences, whether you're a foodie, thrill-seeker, or mature traveler.
• Each cruise line offers tailored experiences, from cultural encounters to luxury amenities, ensuring a memorable trip at sea.
• Whether you're a solo traveler looking for new friends or a family seeking nonstop fun, there's a cruise line that caters to your needs.

A memorable vacation at sea is a dream for almost every type of traveler, whether it's a short trip lasting a few hours or an extended getaway of several days or even weeks. Fortunately, the best cruise lines around the world provide a wide range of cruises, so there is certainly a suitable option for any kind of traveler. Having said that, with so many options available, it might not be as simple to find the best one!

To make the selection a bit easier, this list features the 10 best cruise lines for every type of traveler, ranging from the best cruise for families to the one catering to only adults, like Viking Cruises , the luxury ones to the super cheap cruises worth booking , and more. Each of these cruise lines offers tailored experiences catering to a wide range of preferences.

UPDATE: 2024/05/09 12:14 EST BY COCO DOLLANGANGER

These ten best cruise lines for every type of traveler offer tailored experiences and cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a memorable trip. Each entry has been updated with more vibrant photos and more detailed experiences for smooth sailing across the ocean!

Each cruise line on this list has been hand-picked based on a variety of standards, including price, destinations, and experience. We considered US News Cruise Lines rankings, and reviews on cruisecritic.com , a TripAdvisor company, while choosing the best cruise lines. We included a variety of cruise lines, including adult-only, solo, family, luxury, and many other options. Simply choose the one that most fits your needs and have an amazing seaside vacation.

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Oceania cruises, best for foodies.

Looking for the cruise line with the best food? Oceania is the answer! It has won numerous awards for its dining and is also one of the best luxury cruise lines in the US , with a 3.8/5 rating. The cruise line's executive culinary director has also helped the line achieve culinary perfection.

While specialty restaurants serve a variety of international cuisines, hands-on cooking classes and the Culinary Center allow guests to learn the art of fine dining, and Culinary Discovery Tours enable foodies to visit regional markets and enjoy real culinary experiences at different ports. Along with that, great amenities, activities, and entertainment, as well as personalized service with attention to detail, contribute to an unforgettable sea vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for entertainment.

The atmosphere on Norwegian's ships is nonstop excitement and thrills, with features like the longest go-kart track at sea, an outdoor nightclub, and original Broadway musicals. There is the Donna Summer Musical and the world's first free-fall dry slide at sea on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima , a thrill-seeker's dream. Every ship has several dining options; even dinner shows are part of the line's theatrical dining experience.

Add to this, numerous bars, discos, bowling alleys, family entertainment, and whatnot, and a Norwegian journey is loaded with fun and amusement. With all of this and more, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a leader in cruise entertainment, providing a wide range of innovative options to suit the preferences of each guest.

Holland America Line

Best for mature travelers.

Holland America Line is a popular option for elderly passengers (50+) seeking a memorable and relaxing vacation because of its outstanding service, fine dining, and sophisticated onboard experience. The mid-sized ships in its fleet, which can accommodate up to 1,400–2,600 guests, ensure a more individualized and intimate experience.

Another benefit for senior passengers is Holland America's "As You Wish" dining option, which allows them to select the time and location of their meals every evening. While itineraries focus on history, arts, and local traditions, the onboard Rolling Stone Rock Room, Explorer's Lounge, and many other recreation opportunities enhance the whole trip experience.

Furthermore, a 3.9/5 rating highlights its excellence, making it the perfect option for seniors looking for a sophisticated and culturally immersive cruise experience.

Best for cultural experiences

When it comes to providing innovative itineraries and cultural encounters, Azamara is among the best cruise lines in the US . It has an excellent rating of 4.2/5 as well. With overnights and late departures, it provides the longest possible stay in port.

Another benefit is the AzAmazing Evenings Ashore Program , which includes private concerts or cultural performances in unique venues, helping its guests dive into the world's different cultures and traditions. While docked at different ports, Azamara cruises offer immersive shore excursions, such as walking tours, museum visits, and wine tastings.

It is likewise renowned for its intimate ships (with a capacity of around 700 guests), plush staterooms, fine dining, fitness facilities, lounges, and nightly dance and music events.

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Cunard cruises, best for solo travelers.

Single and ready to mingle? Cunard , with a rating of 3.8/5 , is surely one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers looking for a rejuvenating escape or to make lots of new friends. Throughout the trip, the cruise line offers a plethora of free activities, especially for single passengers, including coffee mornings and drink receptions.

Solo travelers can enjoy meals and shore excursions, either alone or with fellow travelers. There are single cabins available without any additional expenses. The line's famed White Star Service assures that solo guests receive personalized attention. Its worldwide itineraries make it an unrivaled option for independent travelers, allowing solo adventurers to explore the world in style.

Celebrity Cruises

Best for budget travelers.

Celebrity Cruises offers the latest luxury amenities, exquisite experiences, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service. It ranks #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money because its fares on the Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries are significantly lower than those of rival cruise lines while providing excellent value for the amenities.

Furthermore, its great rating of 4.1/5 attests to its excellence. Also, many onboard packages are available, ranging from dining to all-inclusive, that don't compromise enjoyment or entertainment. An all-inclusive package is the best option for individuals on a limited budget, with savings ranging from $200 to $800.

Also, many 3-day trips are under $300, so options are unlimited for a budget sea vacation, making it one of the cheapest cruise lines in the world .

Seabourn Cruises

Best for luxury.

Seabourn offers the ultimate cruise experience with its intimate ships that welcome only 458 to 600 guests (depending on the ship) and a selection of luxurious amenities. Luxuries like all-oceanfront suites, world-class recreation, top-rated entertainment, upscale dining options, including menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and personalized service rank it #2 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines and give it a 4.1/5 rating.

The best part is that everything is included in the cruise price, including meals, enrichment activities, fitness classes, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), making a trip hassle-free. Furthermore, Seabourn's itineraries also focus on immersive cultural experiences and provide optional shore excursions.

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Virgin voyages, best for value.

Ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money by US News, Virgin Voyages offers luxury experiences not offered by other cruise liners on the market. Its ships exude magnificence with their lively ambiance, upscale dining, luxuriously designed staterooms, wellness programs, recreation, and entertainment.

The cruise line sails to over 100 destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, and the Transatlantic. Its superb all-inclusive experience makes a seaside holiday hassle-free and goes beyond the typical cruise experience.

The cruise company, with a rating of 4.1/5 , is an excellent option for anyone seeking a romantic getaway or a chance to spend some time away from children, as it is exclusively adult-only, welcoming guests 18 years of age and older, and passengers need to follow some intense rules onboard the Virgin Voyages .

Viking Ocean Cruises

Best for couples.

For those looking for the best adult-only cruise lines with the best passenger reviews , Viking Oceans is certainly the best choice. It offers a wonderful holiday full of amenities, entertainment, and leisure without children (only guests aged 18 and over are permitted on the ship).

This all-inclusive adult-only cruise line offers ocean and expedition cruises all over the world, although it is better known as one of the largest river fleets in the industry. Viking's emphasis on luxury, including well-appointed staterooms, a Nordic spa, gourmet dining, cultural experiences, and amazing Scandinavian decor, adds a romantic touch to the journey.

It has a 4.6/5 rating and is ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples by US News, making it ideal for couples seeking a memorable escape at sea.

Royal Caribbean International

Best for family fun.

With a fantastic selection of family-friendly activities and amenities, Royal Caribbean International is undoubtedly an excellent option for family vacations. It guarantees nonstop enjoyment with exhilarating water parks, ice skating rinks, and FlowRider surf simulators.

Nighttime shows, bars, and lounges cater to older guests, while the Adventure Ocean program entertains kids and teens alike. Spacious staterooms and family-friendly dining enhance the overall experience. The cruise company is ranked #2 on U.S. News's list of the Best Cruise Lines for Families and also has a rating of 3.9/5.

However, Royal Caribbean International is considered the best for families traveling with teens and tweens, while with a rating of 4.2/5 , Disney Cruise Line is the best for families with younger kids under 10 years, despite being relatively expensive.

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Explore cruise lines that embody the VERANDA spirit, offering luxury and well-appointed design around every corner.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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