The Truth Behind “Unlimited” Internet on Cruises

Planning a cruise is all about indulging in luxurious escapes, stunning vistas, and soul-refreshing moments at sea…while also managing your budget. For those of us who want to stay connected amid the waves, the reality of cruise ship WiFi can feel less like a luxury and more like a puzzle to unravel. 

‍

When considering "unlimited" data plans, there’s a lot to unpack. From data throttling to satellite limitations to plan exclusions, don’t buy a plan without researching it first! In this article, we’ll break down the complete picture of some of the top cruise WiFi plans, including insights into cost-effective solutions like Cruise + Land eSIMs.

Cruise Ship WiFi at a Glance

Cruise ship WiFi is sometimes marketed as "unlimited," yet the experience is anything but straightforward. While many major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney, have made significant upgrades to their connectivity using satellite tech like Starlink, technical limitations still exist. Here’s a quick snapshot of what to know:

Bandwidth Sharing

Onboard internet depends on satellite connections, which are shared among all passengers. Speeds tend to decline during peak usage (think evenings when everyone’s uploading travel photos or chatting through messaging apps). The bigger the ship, the more folks who are likely trying to access the internet at similar times as yourself. 

Latency Issues

Satellite latency can cause noticeable delays in loading pages or video calls, especially compared to what you might experience on land. Unfortunately, there’s really not much that can be done about this until the satellite technology improves. 

Tiered Plans

Most cruise lines offer tiered WiFi packages, where faster speeds or streaming capabilities come at a premium price. “Basic” plans usually don’t allow for streaming services (think Reels on Instagram, movies on Netflix, or TV shows on Hulu). You may be able to check emails, but downloads are usually limited on these lower-tiered packages. 

Device Restrictions

Some cruise lines price their WiFi plans per device, meaning costs can escalate quickly for families and groups.

‍

If you're dreaming of uninterrupted streaming or seamless video calls while at sea, it’s essential to manage expectations. Even if you purchase a “Premium” plan, limits in technology, location on the water and usage by other cruisers can impact your internet speeds. 

The Hidden Reality of “Unlimited” Cruise WiFi

Here’s the fine print that turns "unlimited" into not-so-unlimited:

Reduced Speeds

Many "unlimited" plans throttle speeds, especially during peak times. This is to ensure a “baseline” of connectivity for all passengers. If you use significant bandwidth, you may run into this issue on some cruise lines (more below). 

Restricted Activities

Basic plans often exclude streaming services like Netflix or Hulu unless you upgrade. And upgrading doesn’t guarantee faster internet speeds (see above). 

Device Constraints

"Unlimited" doesn’t mean for everyone in your group. Most plans apply to a single device unless you pay extra for additional devices.

If uninterrupted service is non-negotiable for you, be prepared to spring for the highest-tier package. But even then, weather conditions, the technology on the ship or network strain could hamper connection quality.

Comparing Cruise WiFi Plans

Now, let’s break down the WiFi costs and features offered by top cruise lines. (Interested in seeing a cost breakdown for the internet packages on each of these ships? Check out our detailed guide.)

1. Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi pricing isn’t listed directly on their website; it’s only available for those who have booked a cruise. Cruisers have reported that Royal Caribbean does throttle its WiFi (though there’s nothing to confirm this on the cruise line’s official website). 

‍

• Plan: VOOM Surf + Stream
• Cost: Starting at $26.99 per day for the first device, $17.99 per day per additional device
• Features: Social media, video streaming, email access and WiFi calling.
• Considerations: Royal Caribbean cruise WiFi is powered by Starlink and advertised as "the fastest internet at sea," but speeds can still vary. Discounts up to 30% may apply if purchased pre-cruise.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian cruise WiFi is the most expensive in the industry and comes in two different offerings. Though throttling is not mentioned on the website for NCL cruise WiFi plans, cruisers on forums have confirmed that the “unlimited” internet is, indeed, throttled. 

‍

• Plan & Cost: Voyage Wi-Fi Pass ($29.99/day) or Streaming Voyage Wi-Fi Pass ($39.99/day)
• Features: The Streaming plan includes video/music streaming and VPN access. The standard Voyage plan excludes streaming.
• Considerations: No pre-cruise discounts are offered; pricing ranks among the most expensive.

3. Carnival Cruises

Though Carnival cruise WiFi is considered one of the most affordable in the industry, it, too, throttles its WiFi service during peak times, according to travelers. There is no mention on the management of WiFi usage on the website. 

• Plans & Cost: Four options ranging from Social ($18.70/day) to Premium Multi-Device ($84/day for 4 devices)
• Features: From simple social media access on the Social plan to full browsing and streaming on Premium.
• Considerations: Pre-booking can save up to 25%, though it depends on the number of devices, current offers and other factors.

4. Disney Cruises

‍

Disney cruise WiFi is in the middle of the pack when it comes to pricing, though it leans toward the cheaper side. It’s one of the few cruise lines that throttle their service based on the type of package, rather than trying to ensure there’s enough service for everyone on board. This information is based on the experience of users and is not from the official Disney Cruise website. 

‍

• Plans & Cost: Stay Connected ($16/day), Basic Surf ($24/day), Premium Surf ($34/day)
• Features: Choose based on what you need—from social media access to premium plans with video streaming.
• Considerations: Disney pricing remains affordable compared to some, but features vary significantly by plan. Read closely what each plan includes before committing. 

5. MSC Cruises

MSC cruise WiFi is considered the most affordable in the industry. Similar to Disney, they also limit the service based on the type of WiFi plan. However, cruisers report that the WiFi speeds are not limited for those who purchase the premium plans. 

‍

• Plans & Cost: Browse Cruise ($15.99/day) and Browse & Stream ($19.99/day)
• Features: Differentiated mainly by whether streaming services are included.
• Considerations: MSC offers some of the most affordable single-device packages, including their “premium” offer.

6. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity cruise WiFi also ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to cost. Though its powered by Starlink, some cruisers have reported it as the “worst” internet at sea. Cruise discussion groups also indicate that Celebrity throttles WiFi, regardless of the plan. 

‍

• Plans & Cost: Basic ($20/day) or Premium ($35/day)
• Features: Premium includes streaming and WiFi calling, while Basic offers limited functionality.
• Considerations: No pre-cruise discounts mentioned and many cruisers have reported dissatisfaction with the internet service.

7. Princess Cruises

Princess cruise WiFi is one of the more expensive in the industry (right after Norwegian). 

‍

• Plans: Single Device ($25/day) and 4 Devices ($45/day)
• Features: Streamlined for simplicity, offering MedallionNetⓇ with reasonable speeds.
• Considerations: Discounts for loyalty members only.

‍

For frequent cruisers or families, multiple-device plans can escalate costs dramatically. A typical 7-day voyage with streaming capabilities can run anywhere from $140 (Celebrity) to $588 (Carnival), depending on the plan. 

‍

Not only are the costs a factor, but the potential throttling of internet speeds may make the internet on some ships less accessible than advertised. For more detailed information on the above cruise line WiFi offerings, check out our Ultimate Guide to 2025 Cruise Ship WiFi Prices Across Major Lines!

A Smarter, More Affordable Solution: Cruise + Land eSIMs

Another way to stay connected on your cruise is by using Cruise + Land eSIMs. These innovative digital SIM cards offer seamless connectivity both onboard and at ports, combining flexibility and savings. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

Why Choose eSIMs?

1. Cost-Effective Plans: Starting at $19.99/day, these plans are far cheaper than traditional cruise WiFi.
2. Dual Connectivity: Use the same plan for both at-sea satellite coverage and on-land cellular networks in port cities.
3. Quick Setup: No need to deal with physical SIM cards. Simply download the eSIM via a mobile app, and you’re good to go!
4. Usage Monitoring: Track your data usage in real-time and top up if you run low on data.
5. Global Coverage: eSIMs offer reliable service across popular cruise destinations, covering Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.

‍

eSIMs provide a more affordable, reliable and simple way to stay connected while cruising. Additionally, you benefit from not being throttled due to package size or increased demand. 

Top Tips for Staying Connected on a Cruise

Here are a few insider tips to ensure affordable and smooth connectivity while cruising:

‍

1. Pre-Book Your WiFi: Save up to 30% by purchasing cruise ship WiFi plans before boarding.
2. Schedule Usage: Use cruise WiFi sparingly during off-peak hours for better speeds.
3. Combine One-Way Solutions: Pair cruise WiFi with a Cruise + Land eSIM for full coverage on and off the ship.
4. Leverage Loyalty Programs: Check if your cruise line offers loyalty discounts or free WiFi areas.
5. Use Local Networks: While docked, opt for local cafes or hotspots instead of the cruise ship's internet.

Final Thoughts

Cruise ship WiFi, whether on a Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, or Disney vessel, serves its purpose but at a significant cost. The promise of "unlimited" connectivity is often marred by bandwidth restrictions, high latency, and elevated prices.

‍

For anyone looking to remain reliably connected while managing costs, a Cruise + Land eSIM offers a hassle-free, budget-friendly alternative. Whether you’re eyeing the crystal waters of the Mediterranean or the vibrant streets of the Caribbean, this modern solution keeps you connected wherever your adventure takes you.

‍

Explore your connectivity options today and compare the convenience of Cruise + Land eSIM plans. Staying connected has never been so effortless!