Until recently, cruise ship internet had a reputation for being slow, patchy, and overpriced. Modern systems have improved dramatically, but the price tag has not shifted much. Mainstream cruise lines still treat connectivity as a premium add-on.
Even with Starlink and other low-orbit networks, the infrastructure costs are significant. The hardware is expensive and bandwidth must be shared among thousands of passengers and crew members. When demand peaks, such as during sea days, speeds can slow.
Most lines charge either by the day or for the duration of the cruise, with higher-tier packages including access to streaming services such as YouTube. The costs quickly add up, especially on longer sailings and on lines that charge by device.
How Starlink Has Changed Cruise Ship Internet
Royal Caribbean was among the first major cruise lines to install Starlink across its fleet, with Carnival, Norwegian, and others following suit. The difference for passengers is noticeable: faster browsing, smoother video calls, and the ability to stream without constant buffering.
However, speeds vary depending on the ship’s location and the number of people online at the same time. And while the experience has improved, prices have not dropped significantly. In some cases, cruise lines have increased package rates to reflect the higher quality.
Although Starlink has transformed cruise ship internet, there is a major word of warning. Cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, MSC, and Celebrity now ban passenger-owned Starlink units, satellite dishes, routers, and similar equipment.
The rule is actively enforced: in one case, a YouTuber’s Starlink Mini was confiscated mid-cruise after outperforming the ship’s Wi-Fi, prompting Carnival to update its banned items list. Penalties can include confiscation, fines, or even a ban from future sailings.
Dangers Of Using Mobile Data At Sea
One of the most common and costly mistakes new cruise passengers make is assuming their regular data roaming plan works anywhere the ship sails. While your roaming package might cover you in many countries, it almost certainly does not cover maritime roaming.
When the ship is at sea, your cellphone may automatically connect to a satellite-based maritime network operated by a provider like CellAtSea.
These are not included in standard roaming packages, and the rates can be shockingly high. It is not uncommon for travelers to return home to bills running into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars for just a few hours of accidental use.
To avoid this, keep your phone in airplane mode when the ship is not in port. You can still connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi, take photos, play downloaded music and more when in airplane mode.
Using Mobile Data In Port
If your itinerary has few sea days, you might be able to skip the ship’s Wi-Fi entirely and rely on mobile data while docked. Some international roaming packages now include generous allowances in popular cruise destinations.
Before you sail, check whether your plan covers every country on your route and understand the daily or monthly caps. Once in port, you can hotspot from your cellphone to your laptop or tablet, giving you full access without paying cruise ship rates.
It’s a much easier and more secure option than seeking out free Wi-Fi in port terminals or public spaces. However, some cities do offer municipal Wi-Fi networks near cruise docks.
Consider A Prepaid eSIM
For travelers who want more flexibility, prepaid eSIMs are a smart option. These digital SIM cards, available from providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, can be activated instantly on compatible phones. Many offer regional plans that work across multiple countries, making them ideal for multi-stop cruises.
Traditionally, eSIMs only worked on land, but some cruise ships are now enabling at-sea connections through networks like Telenor Maritime and Red Bull Mobile.
This means that, if you are technically inclined, you may be able to get satellite connectivity at a lower cost than the ship’s official Wi-Fi package. The setup can be a little complex, and you will need an unlocked phone, but for heavy data users it can be worth the effort.
Strategies To Cut Cruise Ship Internet Costs
In practice, the best approach is often a mix. Use cellphone data or eSIMs in port, make use of free Wi-Fi where you find it, and limit your paid shipboard internet to essential tasks.
Download maps, entertainment, and work files before embarkation so you can function offline when needed.
If you do decide to buy the cruise line’s Wi-Fi, you can still save by pre-purchasing it before you sail, when rates are often lower. Loyalty programmes, credit card perks, or promotional packages may include complimentary or discounted internet access.
The Case For Going Offline Entirely
While staying connected is important for many travelers, a cruise can also be an opportunity for a digital detox.
The experience is, after all, about being at sea, not glued to your inbox. Many seasoned cruisers set specific times for checking messages in port, then put their phones away for the rest of the day.
Cruise ship internet has improved enormously in speed and reliability, but it remains a pricey extra. By understanding how maritime connectivity works and planning ahead, you can stay online for a fraction of the cost.
Whether that means relying on your own data plan in port, setting up a prepaid eSIM or simply taking a break from the digital world, the choice is yours. Your next cellphone bill will thank you for it.