What to Know About Cruise Ship Internet Before You Cruise

Setting sail on a cruise offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and explore breathtaking destinations, but staying connected at sea can sometimes feel tricky. From checking in with loved ones to sharing your adventures online, reliable internet access is a modern-day necessity for many travelers. 

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Luckily, advances in technology mean staying online while you cruise is easier and more affordable than ever. Instead of being tethered to internet cafes and dial-up internet, folks have access to their online personas all from the palms of their hands. 

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This guide dives into the various options cruisers have for staying connected during their voyage – from cruise ship WiFi to GigSky eSIMs – helping them make the most of their time aboard.

Exploring Cruise Internet Options 

When it comes to staying online, cruisers have more options than ever before. Even though most cruise ships are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, there are other connectivity solutions available. Here are some popular choices to keep you connected:

Cruise Ship WiFi Plans 

Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Disney Cruises, offer tiered internet packages tailored to different needs:

Basic Packages

Ideal for checking emails or light browsing. The speeds are limited but sufficient for casual users. This will not be ideal for scrolling social media, uploading photos from your daily adventures or making video calls to loved ones back home. 

Social Media Packages

Perfect for staying active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter while at sea. These plans are perfect for modern travelers who want to maintain their online personas from anywhere in the world. It’s also ideal for those who spend a lot of time consuming content on social media platforms. 

Streaming Packages

Suitable for passengers who want faster speeds for activities such as video streaming or music. This is targeting apps like TikTok and Instagram, where videos require a lot of bandwidth. These plans are also ideal for those who want to keep up with their favorite shows or plan to binge-watch a show they haven’t had time for. 

Unlimited Packages

Offers uninterrupted connectivity throughout your cruise for those who need comprehensive access. It’s important to read the fine print of these plans; some cruise lines will throttle gig usage after a certain amount is consumed. 

Pros: 

• Convenient and accessible on the ship.
• Tiered pricing for different usage needs.
• Some cruise lines offer discounts for purchasing plans in advance. 

Cons: 

• Prices can be steep, often $15 to $30 per day per device, or far more if the plans are more comprehensive. 
• Network speed may slow down due to high usage during peak hours.
• Doesn’t offer connectivity once passengers leave the ship. 

Roaming Plans with Your Home Carrier 

If you’d rather stick with your current provider, consider activating an international roaming plan before your trip. Some carriers offer cruise-specific plans. Depending on the device and your carrier, you may need to call them to learn more about the plan costs and the coverage options. 

Pros: 

• Doesn’t require switching providers.
• Convenient for short trips.

Cons: 

• High data roaming fees – even if you activate the plan in advance.
• Network coverage at sea may vary widely.

GigSky eSIM Plans 

For a flexible alternative, consider a GigSky eSIM data plan. GigSky offers global connectivity that works both on and off the ship through virtual SIM cards – no physical SIM card required and plans can be activated instantly. 

Pros: 

• Cost-effective compared to most cruise WiFi.
• Covers both on-land, in-port and at-sea destinations.
• Instant activation with no extra equipment required.
• A fraction of the price of home carrier roaming plans.
• No slowdowns during peak usage hours.
• Flexible plans are available for 200-plus regions and many cruise ships. 
• 100MB eSIM free trial for all new users – no credit card required.

Cons: 

• Requires an eSIM-compatible device.
• Coverage at sea is dependent on the ship’s location and satellite connection.

Tips for Staying Connected at Sea 

To get the best value and reliability from your cruise ship WiFi, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Package for Your Needs

Assess your internet needs before selecting your plan. If you mainly chat on social media, a social media package will suffice. Frequent streamers should lean toward faster options like streaming or unlimited plans. Many packages like Carnival cruise WiFi, Disney cruise WiFi and Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi offer discounted packages when purchased ahead of time. 

2. Time It Right

Internet speed often slows down during peak hours when many passengers are online. Plan to use the connection early in the morning or late at night for a smoother experience. If you’re sailing with Norwegian Cruise Lines, you’re in luck: NCL cruise WiFi is touted as one of the best in the industry. 

3. Pre-Download Content

Before embarking, download movies, shows, and playlists to your devices. This minimizes the need for streaming while on board. This may be a good idea if you don’t plan to pay for the Celebrity cruise WiFi or MSC cruise WiFi packages that allow for streaming, for example.  

4. Use Wi-Fi Calling

Skip massive roaming charges by making calls via Wi-Fi. Ensure your phone is set up in advance to make use of this feature. But keep an eye on your data! Video calls can cause a huge drain on limited data plans. 

5. Look for Loyalty Benefits

Many cruise lines offer loyalty perks, including free or discounted cruise WiFi for frequent travelers. Check your loyalty status to see what’s available.

6. Secure Your Connection with a VPN

For better safety on public networks, always use a VPN. This secures your data and protects your online activity. 

Comparing Cruise WiFi to GigSky eSIMs 

Choosing between options comes down to what matters most to you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Making the Most of Your Cruise Connectivity 

Whether you're sharing Instagram-worthy sunsets, staying in touch with family, or checking in with work, planning your internet usage ahead of time will make your cruise experience smooth and worry-free. 

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For cost-savvy travelers, the GigSky app offers flexible eSIM plans for excellent value with the ability to connect seamlessly on and off the ship. But if unlimited convenience is your priority, most cruise ship WiFi packages will have you covered while you sail the seas. 

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Looking for a hassle-free solution to cruise internet? Try GigSky today and enjoy reliable connectivity wherever your adventures take you. Bon voyage!