Royal Caribbean Cruise WiFi Pricing Guide & Analysis

Staying connected while at sea has become essential for many travelers, whether it's for sharing photos, keeping in touch with loved ones, or managing work on the go. Royal Caribbean offers several WiFi plans to meet these needs, but how do they stack up in terms of cost and value? 

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Additionally, with alternative options like GigSky Cruise + Land eSIM plans, is Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi still the best choice? This guide will break down everything you need to know about cruise ship WiFi, and help you make an informed decision for your next voyage.

WiFi Pricing Options on Royal Caribbean Cruises 

Royal Caribbean's “VOOM” cruise ship WiFi is designed to cater to a cruiser’s connectivity needs. Notably, unless you have a cruise booked, you cannot see the costs of the WiFi packages anywhere on the Royal Caribbean website. The information on pricing below was sourced from bloggers who have cruised with Royal Caribbean. 

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There used to be several internet packages available to cruisers. However, since the transition to Starlink, Royal Caribbean consolidated its WiFi offerings to one plan that varies based on devices. The VOOM Surf + Stream package provides access to social media, internet browsing, email access, video and music streaming and Wi-Fi calling. 

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The cruise line changes its pricing frequently, according to some bloggers. Additionally, pricing is affected if you add more devices and your loyalty status. Most customers receive at least 10% off their packages when booked in advance, though some report getting up to 30% off. And some Crown & Anchor Members receive one or two days of free internet. Additional discounts are available when adding more devices to your plan. 

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Here’s a price breakdown of their current options:

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• 1st Device: $26.99 per day
• 2nd Device: additional $17.99 per day
• 3rd Device: additional $17.99 per day
• 4th Device: additional $17.99 per day
• 24-Hour Pass: $28.99 per device

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Bear in mind that WiFi access is typically charged per 24 hours, so the length of your cruise heavily influences the overall cost. 

Royal Caribbean WiFi Cost Analysis 

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Without a doubt, Royal Caribbean's onboard WiFi is convenient. It offers consistent coverage across the ship, ensuring you’re connected whether you’re lounging by the pool or unwinding in your stateroom. However, the costs of cruise ship WiFi can quickly add up, especially for families or groups traveling together. 

To get a sense of the above costs, we calculated the costs for each number of devices for a 7-day cruise. This means needing seven days of connectivity. The following are the estimated costs per device (including if you chose to buy the 24-hour pass each day…for some reason):

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• 1st Device: $188.93
• 2nd Device: $314.86
• 3rd Device: $440.79
• 4th Device: $566.72
• 24-Hour Pass: $202.93 per device

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Again, these prices outpace most regular monthly cellphone bills at home. They’re on the higher side of the cruise ship WiFi pricing, as compared to the rest of the companies in this article.  

GigSky vs. Royal Caribbean Cruise WiFi Pricing 

Among complementary or alternative options, GigSky’s Cruise + Land eSIM plan stands out by offering coverage for cruise travelers at an affordable price. Here’s how it compares based on cost and convenience.

GigSky Cruise + Land eSIM

• Cost: Plans start at $19.99
• Coverage: Both onboard cruise ships and in port destinations
• Advantages:
  
  • Seamless connectivity between ship and shore
  • Global coverage in popular cruise regions
  • Cost-effective for frequent cruisers or data-savvy users
• No Hidden Fees:
  
  • Never worry about data roaming charges; you only pay for what you need.

Royal Caribbean Cruise WiFi 

• Cost: Starts at $26.99 per day
• Coverage: Only works onboard ships
• Advantages:
  
  • Integrated into the Royal Caribbean Cruise experience
  • Easy to add additional devices and they come at a discounted price
• Drawback:
  
  • Not usable off the ship; travelers will need an additional solution once docked.
  • Limited use for non-Premium plans. 
  • Extremely expensive, especially when adding additional devices.
  • Expect data throttling, especially at high-demand times of the day. 

Tips for Saving on Cruise WiFi 

For budget-conscious travelers, here are some strategies to cut back on connectivity costs while at sea:

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1. Pre-Purchase Discounts 

Sometimes discounts are offered for WiFi if purchased before boarding the ship. Royal Caribbean is reported to offer up to 30% off WiFi packages when purchased before sailing.

2. Leverage Free WiFi Onshore 

 Many ports of call feature free WiFi in cafes, restaurants, or public spaces. Save your onboard data for when you’re at sea.

3. Alternate Solutions like GigSky 

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If uninterrupted connectivity is non-negotiable, consider a service like the GigSky app that allows you to use your plan both at sea and onshore. This minimizes reliance on costly cruise ship WiFi.

4. Turn Off Auto-Updates

Prevent apps or devices from eating up bandwidth and data allowance by disabling background updates and syncing.

8. Download Content in Advance

Save entertainment, maps, and other essentials ahead of your trip to reduce in-cruise data needs.

Final Thoughts: Which Connectivity Option is Right for You? 

Choosing between Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi and alternatives like GigSky comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you need 24/7 ship-wide access for work or constant social media updates, Royal Caribbean’s Surf + Stream package may be worth the price. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable solution, GigSky’s Cruise + Land eSIM offers tremendous value. 

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By balancing your connectivity demands with budget-conscious strategies, you can stay connected without breaking the bank during your next ocean adventure. Whether you choose onboard WiFi or a global eSIM, staying informed will ensure smooth sailing for your digital needs.

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