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Additionally, a Prime option can be tacked for $9.99 a day to more robust access to allow for such things as streaming and the like. Unlimited packages are available for the duration of your cruise. All packages support just one connected device at a time. Windstar also offers an all-inclusive package that bundles Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities. Passengers on Silversea can use their own personal devices to access the internet in their cabins or throughout the ship. Computers with internet access are also available onboard via internet cafes on all ships.
Oceania Cruises Wi-Fi and Internet
I'll get to the results of my speed tests on Scarlet Lady in a moment. But first, for those of you who haven't cruised before, here's a little primer on internet on ships. Yes, there may be spots where the signal strength declines some (from a full three bars to two), but that’s never seemed to impact the speed of service.
Azamara Cruises Wi-Fi and Internet
Look at the cruise line websites and reviewers on popular websites like the CruiseCritic Forums who can be brutally honest in reviewing such amenities. Real-life examples may help you from being frustrated mid-cruise and not enjoying a hard-earned vacation due to slow internet when you are already out to sea. Depending on the destination, cruise ship capabilities, and even your stateroom location, the variances in coverage can be significant. One of the primary advantages of Starlink Internet is its exceptional speed.
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The Premium plan adds video calling and video channels like TikTok, as well as music streaming. On a sailing on one of the Carnival ships outfitted for faster internet, Carnival Sunrise, I did notice a significant improvement in cruise Wi-Fi speed. But the promised access to Netflix streaming wasn't quite as smooth as I had hoped. Clicking on a favorite show, I only could watch for a few minutes before the connection inevitably froze. Carnival cruise Wi-Fi is also fast enough to support Netflix streaming on some ships, the company says.
Cruise Ship Wi-Fi: A Guide to Onboard Internet Services - TravelAge West
Cruise Ship Wi-Fi: A Guide to Onboard Internet Services.
Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Virgin Voyages Wi-Fi and Internet
Viking's expedition ships and river ships in Europe, Egypt and the Mississippi also feature free internet access. On Mekong River cruises in Southeast Asia, the line advises that the best option is to use the public computers on the ship to stay connected, but the internet service is limited throughout the region. Viking also asks that guests limit large uploads, downloads and streaming so that Wi-Fi is more accessible for everyone on the sailing.
While natural features like Icelandic fjords are breathtaking to view, the high rock walls can block the satellite signal. This signal can also be blocked by large buildings when in port. Changing the ship’s course at sea can also cause temporary connection issues. The following tips will help you make the most of your time (and money) while online. I ran speed tests of the Premium Voyage service many times during the sailing, at different hours of the day, using the website speedtest.net both on my laptop and on an iPhone 13 Pro. What I found was that the service usually offered download speeds of between 3 Mbps and 8 Mbps.
The cellular roaming service works just as it does on land; to be reached, the Cellular feature must be on (airplane mode off). Please contact your cellular provider for specific details on rates. Virgin Voyages is one of just a handful of cruise lines -- mostly very high-end cruise lines -- that include internet access for free as part of an all-inclusive or nearly-all-inclusive fare structure. One perk of the VOOM service is that Royal Caribbean has setup service to where you can connect while on their private island, CocoCay. If you’re buying a wi-fi package, this essentially gives you an extra day of service since normally you can’t use the ship’s internet when in port. One of the big drawbacks of the service is that for a considerable price, you only get the ability to connect one device.
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You don't have to log on and log off every time you want to use it. There also are no complex passwords to remember to get online. I put Scarlet Lady's internet service to the test as it sailed on its maiden voyage from Miami -- a four-night itinerary to the Bahamas that included stops in Nassau and Bimini.
Use the Logout button to save your minutes if you have a minute plan. You can return to this window at any time by visiting loginnow.com in your browser. If you are planning to utilize VPN access while onboard, be sure to discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. Internet on cruise ships also generally is much more sluggish than what you've experienced on land. On many cruise vessels, you'll be lucky to get download speeds of 5 megabits per second (Mbps).
For Discoverer Platinum members, there's a 100% savings on Wi-Fi that provides a Full Voyage Unlimited Package, no matter the category of cabin or length of the voyage. If you don't need to stay connected while on board, head into port and find a restaurant, bar or mall with free Wi-Fi. Ask crew members on the ship about the best places for free Wi-Fi in port; they often know. Or, use apps like WiFi Map that show you locations of nearby hotspots when you're in port. If you purchase their “All Included” package at the time of booking you get free drinks plus free basic internet. You can then upgrade to the Premium service for $9.99 per day.
If you want to be able to stream as well as browse the internet, the VOOM Surf and Stream package would be for you at an average of $22.99/day. Again, these prices vary based on ship, sailing and number of devices you wish to connect. As a rule, the more you pay for your cruise, the more likely you are to have free internet onboard. Some, though not all, luxury and premium lines include Wi-Fi in the cost of the cruise. These include Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal, Viking, Oceania and Virgin Voyages. Most river cruises also include internet in their pricing for all passengers.
Note that you might be able to make Wi-Fi calls from an iPhone or via WhatsApp, even with the less expensive plan. Passengers who pay for a Carnival Cruise Wi-Fi plan in advance of sailing get a 15% discount. Royal Caribbean still claims Voom is the fastest and best Wi-Fi option on cruise ships today. But we're a bit skeptical – not because the Wi-Fi is slower than stated, but because other cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, are quickly catching up. And there are certain parts of the world where satellite coverage is too thin or nonexistent to allow for internet access on cruise ships. Disney Cruise Line previously offered varied internet plans for different ships and cruise destinations but now offers standard packages across its fleet.
Because most public internet lounges have limited space, you might find yourself waiting for an open terminal. If you think you'll be spending lots of time online, plan to bring your own laptop or tablet. Silversea provides all its passengers with unlimited complimentary internet. Passengers of Silversea's ocean fleet booked in Vista, Terrace and Veranda suites receive unlimited Standard internet access. This connection is slower than Premium internet access that is provided to passengers booked in Medallion, Silver, Royal, Grand and Owner's Suites free of charge, or at a fee for all other passengers. All passengers across Oceania's fleet have free access to unlimited internet called Wavenet, which will allow them to do low-bandwidth activities, such as checking email and surfing the web.
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