Five of the Best Cruise Line WiFi Packages At Sea

How You Can Stay Connected On A Cruise 

Going on a cruise is about getting away from it all and disconnecting from the demands of everyday life. However, living in such a digitally dominated age means that it’s not always practical or possible. 

Whether it’s checking in with family and friends, keeping updated on news and events or checking your work emails (if you really have to!), we realise that being able to get online is sometimes a necessity while you’re away. 

Connecting to the internet at sea relies on satellites, which may not be as fast as what you’re used to on land and can be affected by the weather or location. With bandwidth and data limitations, it can also mean that onboard WiFi may be a tad slower when more people on board a cruise ship use it.

Cruise ship WiFi varies from cruise line to cruise line, with some lines investing in expanding their bandwidth capacity, so you can do more than check the odd email or social media site, but this also means the prices can differ too. 

Below, we share five cruise lines that we’ve found to be the best at providing fast or affordable WiFi at sea. 

1) Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean claims to have the fastest internet at sea, with six times faster onboard WiFi speed than other cruise ships, available on all of its vessels. It offers two different packages:

The VOOM Surf Voyage Package supports messaging and chat, social media, web browsing, emails and live video chat. Upgrade to a VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package, and you can also stream video, film, programmes and music.

Prices depend on the ship, destination and number of devices required. But be sure to look out for deals in advance for great discounts.

2) Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has three distinct and relatively affordable WiFi packages, designed to suit different requirements: 

The Social WiFi Plan enables access to popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. It does not include access to most other websites or apps. 

The Value WiFi Plan is for all your web browsing and emails, but does not include Skype calling or music or video streaming. 

The Premium WiFi Plan offers the fastest connectivity of all the packages, with speeds three times faster than the Value Plan. This package supports all Skype, Zoom and Teams video calling, where coverage allows.

Carnival’s Social WiFi, Value WiFi and Premium WiFi plans can be booked before or during cruises, however, the line does encourage cruisers to book WiFi packages before setting sail in order to claim a 15% discount on these packages. 

3) Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises claims to have ‘The best WiFi at sea’ delivered via their MedallionNet service. Harnessing the latest technology to stay connected at sea, they offer packages that support streaming of music, programmes and films; video chat; social media; emails and web browsing. 

So far, reviews and tests on speed and accessibility have been generally good. Platinum and Elite guests receive a discount of 50% off WiFi packages, and Princess Plus passengers can access packages with additional savings. 

4) MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers two internet packages: Browse and Browse & Stream. With both offering 24/7 internet access, you can get connected from any of your devices, any time you like.

The Browse Internet Cruise Package enables you to stay in touch with family and friends via unlimited 24-hour data. You can browse the web, send and receive emails, and chat on messenger apps like WhatsApp. 

The Browse & Stream Cruise Package offers an upgrade, also supporting music and video streaming, posting videos and live streams on social media. Prices range per device for Browse but vary depending on the cruise length and the number of devices required. Book in advance, and you can save up to 20% on onboard prices.

On MSC Cruises, you can stay connected on your devices in public areas as well as in your cabins. On selected ships, you can also visit their Internet Café for full-size screens, keyboards and printers. 

5) P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises offers two levels of WiFi plans: My WiFi Essential and My WiFi Ultimate. Data usage within each package is unlimited, and services are available 24/7, but depends on the level of package chosen.

My WiFi Essential is designed for web browsing, email, music streaming, social media, texts and images (no videos). My WiFi Ultimate includes everything from the Essential package with the addition of video streaming and up to three times faster connection.

WiFi at sea is not as simple as accessing it on land, so if it is vital to you when on your cruise holiday, it’s worth taking some time to review which options would work best for you and purchasing packages in advance to make the most of the discounts available.