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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Nov 12 2024
Going on a cruise is one of the best ways to disconnect from the stress of everyday life—but what if you don’t want to disconnect completely? Whether you’re looking to text family back home, post a vacation selfie, or stream your favorite TV show, you might be wondering: can you use your phone on a cruise ship?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as turning your mobile device on and expecting your usual service. Between international roaming charges, Wi-Fi packages, and spotty cellular data in international waters, there are a few things you need to know to stay connected and save money while cruising.
Most cruise ships offer some form of mobile connectivity, either through ship’s Wi-Fi, satellite internet access, or maritime cellular networks. But here’s the catch—those services can get pricey fast.
Once your ship leaves port, your home carrier is no longer able to provide regular coverage. Instead, you’ll connect via a sea service using satellite technology, which often falls under special international roaming agreements and can cost significantly more than roaming on land.
When your cruise ship departs and sails farther from shore, your phone quickly loses access to traditional land-based cellular towers. To keep passengers connected while out at sea, cruise lines rely on advanced satellite systems. These systems provide both Wi-Fi and cellular data, delivered through specialized internet packages and data services offered onboard.
Depending on the package you choose, the ship’s network allows you to:
Send and receive text messages
Make and receive phone calls
Browse the web
Use apps and social media platforms
Stream music or video (available with higher-tier or premium Wi-Fi plans)
While this level of internet access can help you stay connected to the outside world, it’s important to remember that these connections are usually slower, have limited bandwidth, and can be more expensive than your typical land-based service.
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes travelers make is assuming that their cell phone provider will automatically cover their service while onboard a cruise ship.
Spoiler alert: It usually doesn’t.
International roaming charges at sea can be shockingly high—sometimes $3 to $5 per minute for phone calls, and up to $15 per MB of data. That means even simple tasks like checking email or refreshing Instagram could rack up a hefty bill in no time.
Stay in control of your phone bill with these easy precautions:
Turn on Airplane Mode: Switch your phone to airplane mode as soon as the ship leaves port. This ensures it doesn’t accidentally connect to a costly maritime network.
Use Wi-Fi Only: Rely on the ship’s Wi-Fi instead of cellular data—especially for streaming music, messages, or app use.
Double Check with Your Carrier: Before your cruise, contact your cell phone provider to ask about cruise-specific data packages. Providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer plans designed for use at sea.
Disable Background Data & Auto Updates: Turn off app updates, auto-sync, and background refresh to avoid silent data use while you're connected.
Taking just a few minutes to update your settings before you sail can help you save money, stay informed, and avoid a nasty surprise when your next phone bill arrives.
If you’re traveling with a modern smartphone—like the latest iPhone or Android devices—you might be wondering if you can use an eSIM while onboard a cruise ship.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. It’s a great option for international travel, especially when hopping between countries.
While eSIMs are ideal for use on land, especially during port stops in destinations like the Virgin Islands, they typically do not work with sea-based services unless specifically tailored for maritime use.
Here’s the breakdown:
Works well in port cities (via local or regional carriers)
Not compatible with most cruise ship networks
Only certain cruise-specific eSIM providers (which are rare) may offer limited functionality onboard
Use your eSIM for local data when the ship docks at a port.
Switch back to airplane mode + Wi-Fi when you’re at sea.
Keep your primary SIM disabled to avoid roaming charges.
Pro Tip: Before your trip, check with your eSIM provider and cruise line to confirm coverage. Some eSIM apps offer multi-country regional plans that can be perfect for the land portion of your cruise adventure.
Most cruise lines—including Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian—offer multiple Wi-Fi packages to suit different levels of internet use. These packages typically range from basic messaging access to full-feature internet for streaming and browsing.
Some ships may offer free Wi-Fi, but it’s usually limited to messaging apps and only available in certain public areas. This option is rare and should not be relied on for consistent or wide-ranging use.
The basic Wi-Fi plan generally covers simple tasks like checking emails and using messaging apps such as WhatsApp or iMessage. Speeds are limited, and it's not suitable for video or streaming. These packages typically cost around $10 to $15 per day.
For those who want full web browsing, access to apps, streaming music or video, and social media, the premium Wi-Fi package is the way to go. This plan offers the fastest speeds available onboard and usually costs between $20 to $30 per day.
Pro Tip: Always try to purchase your internet package before your cruise begins. Many cruise lines offer discounts for pre-purchased packages, helping you save money and avoid higher onboard rates.
To provide Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity while out at sea, cruise ships rely on satellite internet systems. These systems beam signals to and from satellites orbiting the Earth, making it possible to stay connected even in the middle of the ocean.
Unlike land-based internet, satellite systems are much more complex and subject to environmental factors. The good news is that cruise technology is improving—especially with the introduction of Starlink on several major cruise lines.
Despite ongoing upgrades, satellite internet still comes with a few common limitations:
Slower Speeds: Speeds can be noticeably lower than what you're used to on land, especially during peak usage times.
Weather-Related Outages: Storms, heavy clouds, or rough seas can occasionally disrupt the satellite signal, causing dropped connections.
Limited Bandwidth for Streaming: Watching videos or streaming music may be difficult unless you’re on a premium Wi-Fi package, and even then, bandwidth is shared with all passengers.
The good news? Newer ships and upgraded fleets are investing in better technology and faster networks. If staying fully connected during your voyage is important to you, be sure to research which cruise lines have the most advanced internet infrastructure before you book.
Your mobile device can still be a powerful travel tool while at sea—you just need to use it wisely. To help you stay connected without draining your battery or your budget, here are the best tips for using your phone onboard a cruise:
Use Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi Only: Switch your phone to airplane mode as soon as the ship sets sail. This disables costly cellular connections while still allowing you to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi when needed.
Download Content Before Departure: Before boarding, download your favorite TV shows, movies, playlists, eBooks, and podcasts. This way, you won’t need to rely on internet access for entertainment during the cruise.
Use Offline Apps at Port: Install offline maps, translation apps, and guidebooks that don’t require a data connection. These are incredibly handy when exploring port stops without a local SIM or roaming.
Disable Background Activity: Conserve both data and battery life by turning off background app refresh, auto-sync, and app updates. This prevents apps from quietly using data while you’re not paying attention.
Take Advantage of the Ship’s App: Most cruise lines now offer their own official apps. These are often free to use on the ship’s Wi-Fi and can help you:
Check daily schedules
Book dining or shows
Send messages to other guests
View your onboard account
Yes, you can use your phone on a cruise ship, but whether you should depends on your travel goals. If staying connected is important—whether it’s checking in with family, browsing the web, or even handling work—then purchasing the right Wi-Fi package and adjusting your settings can make it a seamless experience. Just be sure to manage your data use wisely to avoid unnecessary charges or slow speeds.
On the flip side, if your cruise is all about relaxation and disconnecting, it’s perfectly fine to switch your phone to airplane mode, take photos, and enjoy the moment without being online. With a little planning, you can find the balance that works best for you—saving money, reducing stress, and making the most of your time at sea.
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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