WiFi at sea… a must have or a must not?

We live day by day surrounded by various pieces of technology that keep us in touch and connected with the outside world. So much so that WiFi or 3G/4G coverage is almost taken for granted and we find ourselves in a pickle without it. We are constantly connected whether that be to social networking sites, our emails or even our mobile phone calls now are usually made using WiFi connection but is there a time when you disconnect from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet? A cruise (or any holiday) for me is just that.

Many of us work incredibly hard in our daily lives and family time, quality time is a chance to put down the phones, tablets etc and actually enjoy the world around you, but it would seem I am perhaps in the minority with that opinion as I find myself constantly being asked for WiFi packages for clients these days. Some need it for work they must tend to whilst away, others so they can just stay connected ‘in case’ and the big one is to keep the teenagers happy. So just how much does it cost?

MSC cruises offer WiFi packages from as little as £24 per device per 7 night cruise which is fantastic value when compared to some of the other lines.

Royal Caribbean offer VOOM WiFi on its newer vessels, a reliable high speed connection service available for $14.99 per device per day.

P&O have packages starting from £6.75 for 24 hours if purchased as a full cruise duration package.

Princess Cruises offer 24 hours for $27.99 or 160 minutes for $160.

Cunard charge $45 for 120 minutes of connection time.

NCL have this month added a free WiFi package to their all inclusive fares which allows each person in the stateroom 60 minutes free surf time so you can browse, snap and chat to your hearts content whilst enjoying your favourite tipple at no extra charge.

The luxury lines Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea have long included unlimited WiFi within their ‘all in’ packages so they also have it covered at no extra pull on the pocket.

Is it worth the extra to stay connected or do you, like me, prefer to switch off from the world around you?