Disney vs. Royal Caribbean WiFi Plans: Which Is Best?
For today’s cruisers, staying connected while at sea is more than a luxury—it’s an expectation.
Whether sharing vacation photos in real-time, staying in touch with family, or even catching up on work, reliable internet access has become a must for many travelers.
But cruise ship WiFi can be complicated and expensive. Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean provide different WiFi offerings, and an alternative like GigSky’s Cruise + Land eSIM promises unique flexibility.
Which connectivity option gives cruisers the best bang for their buck?
Here's a breakdown of Disney cruise WiFi, Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi, and GigSky's eSIM plans, so you can choose the best option for your next adventure.
Disney Cruise WiFi Plans
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of internet plans designed to meet varying connectivity needs.
Unlike competitors who advertise unlimited daily internet, Disney bases certain plans around data usage, while other plans are based around the type of activities you want to perform.
Disney is unclear on their website as to what their WiFi packages are, let alone cost. The following information was sourced from bloggers who have cruised with Disney in the past.
1. Pay-as-You-Go
- Cost: Charged per MB of data
- Best for: Light or occasional internet use, ideal for checking emails or brief browsing
- Drawback: Costs can add up quickly if you're not monitoring usage.
* Sourced from the Singapore Disney Cruise Line blog.
For each of the following, there are three options cruisers can choose from: Stay Connected, Basic Surf and Premium Surf.
The Stay Connected plan includes access to certain social media sites. It doesn’t include Wi-Fi calling, internet browsing, email access or video and music streaming.
The Basic Surf plan includes the above, plus access to Wi-Fi calling, internet browsing and email access. It doesn’t include video and music streaming.
The Premium Surf plan includes all of the above, plus access to video and music streaming.
You cannot connect more than one device at once. But you can disconnect one device and then connect another. This option isn’t available on some other cruise lines.
The basic plan only specifies “certain” social media apps are available – not which ones. There are no mentions of discounts for booking cruise WiFi in advance.
2. Daily Packages
- Cost: Each of the above plans comes in a 24-hour format, offering a flat rate for unlimited data. They cost $18, $28 and $42 respectively.
- Best for: Guests needing consistent internet for a full day, such as travelers working remotely or streaming content.
- Drawback: Costs can be significant for longer voyages.
* Sourced from the Dinks On A Trip blog.
3. Voyage Packages
- Cost: $16 per day per device (Stay Connected) and $24 per day per device (Basic Surf).
- Best for: Travelers who need steady access throughout their trip and want to avoid daily data purchases.
- Drawback: There are limits to what apps you can utilize on these plans – make sure you check the details before purchasing!
* Sourced from the Dinks On A Trip blog.
4. Premium Packages
- Cost: $34 per day per device (Premium Surf)
- Best for: Guests who need high bandwidth, like professionals on video calls or families streaming Netflix.
- Drawback: Premium prices may not appeal to cost-conscious travelers.
* Sourced from the Dinks On A Trip blog.
Disney WiFi Cost Analysis
While Disney offers flexibility in its WiFi plans, prices can vary across its fleet.
To get a sense of the above costs, we calculated the cost of one device for a 7-day cruise. This means needing seven days of connectivity.
The following are the estimated costs per plan (including if you chose to buy the 24-hour pass each day…for some reason):
- Stay Connected: $112
- Stay Connected 24-Hour: $126
- Basic Surf: $168
- Basic Surf 24-Hour: $196
- Premium Surf: $238
- Premium Surf 24-Hour: $294
While Disney’s pricing falls below the industry’s higher-end offerings, the restrictive features of its lower-tier plans mean you may end up paying more for adequate connectivity.
Royal Caribbean Cruise WiFi (VOOM)
Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi – “VOOM” – 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.
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.
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.
Here’s a price breakdown of their current options:
- 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
Royal Caribbean WiFi Cost Analysis
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):
- 1st Device: $188.93
- 2nd Device: $314.86
- 3rd Device: $440.79
- 4th Device: $566.72
- 24-Hour Pass: $202.93 per device
Royal Caribbean’s package is ideal for users with heavy connectivity needs, though prices may feel steep compared to Disney’s more limited offerings.
GigSky Cruise + Land eSIM Plans
Amid the rising costs and restrictions of cruise-based WiFi, GigSky’s Cruise + Land eSIM offers a compelling alternative for staying connected.
It’s a digital SIM card that provides mobile data, working both on ships and at destination ports where cellular service is available.
Pricing and Features
- Starting at $19.99 for sea and land connectivity.
- Coverage for major cruise regions, including the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
- No physical SIM card needed; you can download an eSIM instantly via the GigSky app.
- Plans include real-time usage monitoring to prevent running out of data.
- Flexibility to use the same plan at sea and during land excursions.
- Compatible with most modern smartphones, tablets and smartwatches
- Never worry about data roaming; you only pay for what you need.
GigSky Cruise + Land eSIM Cost Analysis
There’s no denying the ease, convenience and affordability of GigSky’s eSIM plans for cruising.
To get a sense of the above costs, we calculated the cost for a 7-day cruise. This means needing seven days of connectivity. The following are the estimated costs per device:
- 7-Day eSIM Plan: $34.99
When compared to cruise WiFi plans, GigSky’s pricing represents a major savings—and you’ll continue to have data access when exploring ports.
GigSky also frequently runs sales, giving cruisers and even deeper discounts on their cruise connectivity. And all GigSky customers earn rewards for purchasing plans.
The rewards can be put toward future eSIM purchases!
Comparing Cost and Value Across All Options
Final Verdict
Choosing the best connectivity solution depends on your personal requirements for internet speed, coverage, and budget.
- If you’re a Disney cruiser who only wants basic use, the Stay Connected plan is a low-cost option. That said, if you’ve got heavy browsing or streaming needs, you’ll pay more for Disney’s premium plans than you might with other options.
- If you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise, VOOM WiFi offers well-rounded features in a single package but charges a premium. It’s perfect for users who value convenience—even at a higher cost.
- For budget-conscious cruisers or those seeking versatility, GigSky’s Cruise + Land eSIM offers the best all-around value. By blending ship-wide connectivity with port city access, it allows seamless communication wherever your adventure takes you.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to balancing your cruise WiFi needs with your willingness to pay for reliable service. Whatever you decide, planning your connectivity in advance will almost always save time, stress, and money.
Disney vs. Royal Caribbean WiFi Plans [Quick Recap]
- Disney WiFi: Tiered plans (social-only to streaming); 7-day cost ranges $112–$294. Limited functionality unless you upgrade.
- Royal Caribbean VOOM: All-in-one plan; $189+ per device for 7 days. Price rises with more devices; discounts for loyalty/early booking.
- GigSky eSIM: Sea + land data for $34.99/7 days. Instant setup, works at ports too, no roaming fees.
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