Wi-Fi On The Waves
Updated September 2019
Can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise?
In the ever growing digital age, access to the internet is a daily desire for many. Whether it's checking emails, keeping in touch with loved ones or reading the news, there are multiple reasons people wish to stay connected, even when on holiday.
Internet costs onboard cruise ships can sometimes seem a little inflated and this is because ships connect to the outside world via satellite, which is more costly than your typical household set up. Connection at sea is also weather dependent and will sometimes be turned off from the bridge. Which, if nothing else, gives you the opportunity to enjoy the splendours of your chosen cruise ship.
Many cruise ships have made internet access available for quite some time, either in a designated internet café or via the onboard library. But as more people take to using their mobiles and tablets for day to day needs, Wi-Fi onboard is an increasingly popular benefit when choosing a cruise. On some ships you can access Wi-Fi throughout the ship, other ships can be limited to hotspots (certain lounges or decks) and some even offer access in your stateroom or suite.
How much is Wi-Fi on a cruise?
Each cruise line offers something different when it comes to Wi-Fi at sea. Generally you can access the internet on a pay as you play basis with packages available for purchase. The below guide offers an insight on how much you can expect to pay to stay connected during your cruise. Using your mobile to call and text whilst abroad? Read our blog on data roaming in the EU.
| Cruise Line | Wi-Fi Access | Cost* |
| Azamara Club Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | From $19.95 for a 60 minute package |
| Carnival Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | $6.80 per day for a social Wi-Fi plan |
| Celebrity Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi (Millenium Class, Solstice Class) | From approx $16 per day for surf plan and $35 per day for the stream plan |
| Costa Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | There is a €3 activation fee and then 25 cents per minute |
| Cunard Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | 30 min package for $15 and $45 for a 120 minute satellite internet package |
| Cruise & Maritime | Wi-Fi hotspots | FFrom £9.90 for 100mb Wi-Fi package |
| Crystal Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | Complimentary low speed - no high speed |
| Fred. Olsen | Wi-Fi hotspots | 60 minutes PAYG £26 |
| Holland America Line | Wi-Fi hotspots | $14.99 per day for the social package |
| MSC | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | From €3.90 per day for the social Wi-Fi package |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | From $12.50 online price per day for unlimited social media Wi-Fi |
| Oceania Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | 1 internet account per stateroom for basic emails etc. For streaming guests can purchase wavenet prime internet at $34.98 per day |
| P&O Cruises | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | From £7.75 for a 24 hour social Connect Package |
| Princess Cruises | Wi-Fi hotspots and in staterooms (on certain ships) | From $9.99 per day to approx £29.99 for the premium plan. It is ship dependent so you will need to check with the cruise line |
| Regent Seven Seas | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | Free unlimited Wi-Fi is included in your cruise fare |
| Royal Caribbean | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | Approx from $22.99 per device per day for basic surfing |
| Seabourn | Ship-wide Wi-Fi | From $0.40 per minute |
| Marella | Wi-Fi hotspots | Approx £3.00 per minute but exact information will be available upon embarkation |
*Please note the above prices should be seen as a guide only as cruise line Wi-Fi and internet package prices are subject to change at any time. Check with your cruise line at your time of booking to find out live prices for Wi-Fi and internet packages.
Are there special offers on Wi-Fi at sea?
Yes! More often than not cruise deals and offers can include deals on Wi-Fi sometimes even offering Free Wi-Fi with your cruise fare. Cruise loyalty clubs also sometimes include a set amount of free minutes for qualifying members. Check you membership tier to see if you are entitled to more than you realise.