Is it worth getting Wi-Fi on a cruise?

Wifi can be extremely expensive onboard cruise ships and it is notoriously slow. We found rates as hight as $0.95 per minute and the least expensive package was $9.95 for 15 minutes of wifi. Eek! Wifi prices and speeds are improving into 2020, but they're still a very costly add-on to any cruise vacation.

Do Wi-Fi hotspots work on cruises?

Do Hotspots Work on Cruise Ships? Portable wireless hotspots do work on cruise ships but only when the ship is docked or VERY close to land. Your phone's hotspot will also work on a cruise ship as long as you have cell service, are docked or close to land and roaming is included in your plan.

Can you text on a cruise without Wi-Fi?

Use a cruise line app to message other people on the ship

If you only need to text your cruise companions who are on the ship with you, then you may be able to do so using your cruise line's app. These mobile apps allow you to message people on the ship without paying for wifi or data roaming.

Can you text on a cruise with Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can. If you want to text while on a cruise ship, you have the option of either connecting to the ship's Wi-Fi network or its cellular service so you send an SMS over the Internet for free.

How expensive is Wi-Fi on a cruise?

Most major cruise operators supply Wi-Fi on a pay-as-you-browse basis, generally costing $0.65 to $0.75 (39p44p) per minute. Prepaid bundles of online time usually work out better value. Prices are broadly similar.

5 Tips For Cruise Ship Internet And WiFi

How do you get free Wi-Fi on a cruise?

Can you watch Netflix on Carnival cruise?

Yes, you can stream movies on Carnival Cruise Line's “Netflix-enabled” ships. Carnival's website states that none of its internet plans support video or music streaming. However, some ships such as Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Sunshine are “Netflix-enabled.”

Can you FaceTime on a cruise?

Consult with the cruise line. If the ship provides free wifi and internet, then iMessage and FaceTime would be free. Those services are always free from Apple, and you only pay something if you are charged for the internet connection you are using.

Can I make phone calls on a cruise ship?

Yes, you can use the ship's phone to call home. Prices are high, but can be a little less than what your cellphone company will charge you. For instance, Royal Caribbean charges a hefty $7.95/minute, but Carnival only charges $1.99/minute.

Is WhatsApp free on a cruise ship?

Using messaging apps to text for free on a cruise ship

If you use text messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WeChat, or WhatsApp, you can use them on a cruise ship whenever you have a WiFi connection.

Does Cellular at sea cost extra?

There are no additional charges or billing from Cellular at Sea or the cruise lines.

Can you FaceTime on a Carnival Cruise?

Value Plan: Gives email access, what's included in the social plan, as well as broad access to the rest of the web — all at faster speeds than the Social plan. However, Carnival says it still doesn't support streaming, FaceTime, or wi-fi calling.

Does Bluetooth work on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines do allow guests to bring Bluetooth speakers on cruises. The majority of cruise lines only allow Bluetooth speakers to be used in personal staterooms and it is usually best to bring the Bluetooth speaker onboard by placing it in your hand luggage.

Can you get internet in the middle of the ocean?

You will first need a satellite internet provider who can provide access even while you're at sea by installing a satellite dish. This provides the most flexibility since you can access it whenever you need or want it. You can also get the same type of internet that's accessible on a smartphone or a laptop.

What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship?

In general, the most popular spot to be on a cruise ship is midship on a higher deck because these rooms are centrally located. Moreover, cabins towards the middle of the ship have the reputation of providing a smoother ride when the ocean is rough.

How does Wi-Fi work on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship internet access works by sending a signal 22,000 miles to a satellite, then 22,000 miles again back to earth. This limits what applications can be used. Generally, high-data applications, such as video and VOIP services do not work.

Do cruise ships have jail?

There's a special place, however, for those who commit serious crimes at sea — the ship's jail, or “brig” in nautical terms. These steel rooms are located on one of the bottom decks of the vessel, usually near the security office. And if you end up down there, you won't be staying there for the duration of the cruise.

Do I have to put my phone on airplane mode on a cruise?

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges. Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill. Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to set yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

Do you put your phone on airplane mode on a cruise?

Set Your Phone

To avoid unwanted charges, your safest bet onboard your cruise ship is to switch to airplane mode, reactivate your wireless feature and log in to the ship's Wi-Fi network. (Note: Switching to airplane mode will turn off wireless until you manually reactivate it.)

How does Wi-Fi work on Carnival Cruise?

All Carnival Cruise Lines ships provide the Internet via a satellite connection. Onboard access is facilitated through Internet Cafe and shipwide WiFi coverage. Passengers can use (without any restrictions) their personal laptops, iPhones, smartphones and other WiFi-equipped devices on the Fun Ships.

Will a Firestick work on a cruise?

If you don't download your shows ahead of time, then yes, you can stream programs like Disney+, ESPN, Amazon Prime, and others while on a cruise ship.

Does Wi-Fi calling work on Carnival cruise?

The cruise line offers VOOM Internet access across its fleet, which is touted as one of the fastest wi-fi services of any major cruise line. With it, you can hook up your phone to wi-fi and make calls (via wi-fi), text, use apps, and browse the web.

Can you watch downloaded Netflix movies on a cruise?

Yes, one way or another you should be able to watch Netflix on your cruise, although it might not always be perfect. We'd suggest finding titles to download before you sail. These allow you to watch without an Internet connection.

Can I use VPN on cruise ship?

Can I Use a VPN on the Cruise Ship? In many cases, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) won't work. Many people use a VPN in order to access their work privately. Unfortunately, these don't always work on a cruise.

Can I bring a speaker on a cruise?

Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers are only permitted within your stateroom and must be used respectfully and at reasonable sound levels and times of day. Large speakers/radios are prohibited on board and will be confiscated.