Cruise Wi-Fi: 6 Things People Don’t Realise Until They Try to Use It at Sea

Cruise Wi-Fi has improved massively in recent years, especially with the introduction of the “Starlink” network- but that doesn’t mean that it always works the way people expect.

Most passenger frustration seems to stem from the fact that they think WiFi will work as well as it does on land. Often it doesn’t, and they are left disappointed.

What Is “Starlink” Anyway?

Starlink is the first network of Low Earth Orbit satellites, which fly approximately 340 miles above the Earth’s surface.

Standard satellites orbit at altitudes of over 22,000 miles. Starlink’s low-Earth satellites have significantly sped up data travel, resulting in quicker upload and download speeds.

It is perfect for cruise ships – but it still often can’t match land-based internet.

#1. Not All Wi-Fi Packages Are The Same

Many cruise lines offer multiple tiers of internet access.

Social-only, basic browsing, and premium or streaming packages are very different things.

“Social” Packages may give you access to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, WhatsApp, etc., allowing messaging and posting, but block heavier usage like streaming video/music, Wi-Fi calling (FaceTime, Skype), and general web browsing and email.

People often buy the cheapest option and assume “Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi,” then wonder why nothing loads properly, and they can’t check their emails…

Some cruise lines still sell WiFi by the megabyte – and you will find it gets used up very quickly!

#2. You Can’t Always Transfer A “One-Device” Package

Most packages only allow one device to be connected to the WiFi at a time, even if you’re logged in.

Switching between phone and laptop can be clunky, annoying, and completely unexpected for people who have assumed it works like hotel Wi-Fi does.

You can normally change it from your phone to your laptop, for example, but on my recent MSC cruise, I couldn’t.

I had to pay again to connect my laptop.

If I weren’t running my business, I certainly wouldn’t have paid the extra to connect two devices, but I need to use my laptop for work, so there was little choice.

#3. Sea Days Are A Real Test

Wi-Fi often works best when the ship is close to land or in port.

On sea days, especially when everyone is onboard and online at the same time, speeds can drop dramatically.

This is usually when people complain that the Wi-Fi is “broken.” It does work- but incredibly slowly.

#4. Streaming And Video Calls Are Hit And Miss

Even with premium packages, things like Netflix, YouTube, Zoom, or FaceTime can be unreliable.

You may experience buffering and frozen calls, and you might have to resort to audio-only calls to keep in contact.

This is a big shock for people who planned to work remotely or stay in touch with family daily.

I don’t think you can ever guarantee you can work normally from a ship.

It isn’t so bad if you work for yourself, as I do. But if you need a reliable WiFi connection to work and attend remote meetings, there is no way to guarantee you will have it.

#5. The Ship’s App Doesn’t Need Paid-For WiFi

Cruise line apps are usually free and work much more reliably than the paid-for Wi-Fi.

Messaging others onboard, daily schedules, bookings, and menus often don’t need an internet package at all – which many people only discover halfway through the cruise.

Find out more about cruise line apps here:

You Don’t Need to Pay For Wi-Fi To Use a Cruise Line App – Here’s Why

#6. You Might Not Have Needed The WiFi At All…

A cruise is one of the few holidays where being offline is genuinely possible, and often quite nice.

Decide in advance what you actually need Wi-Fi for, rather than buying it “just in case.”

I find that anywhere in Europe, I can use my phone’s mobile data when we dock, at no extra charge.

It is worth checking your phone contract to see whether you can use your phone when the ship is in port.

Checking for emails and messages when the ship is docked is enough for most people. When I wasn’t working from onboard cruise ships, I never bothered buying the WiFi at all...

Before You Go

There are lots of things that first-time cruisers end up paying for that they don’t actually need. Find out more here:

6 Things First-Time Cruisers Get Tricked Into Paying For (That You Don’t Actually Need)

American companies own the majority of cruise lines. Find out about the exception to the rules here:

These Cruise Lines Are NOT Owned by American Companies: A Hidden Gem Guide