Facts About Internet on Cruise Ships
Information About Using Internet and Rates Charged by Cruise Lines
Aug 7, 2009
Although cruise ship internet has been around for a number of years, each cruise line offers different options to connect online. The biggest difference is the rates charged. Here is what to expect from the cost of internet access throughout the cruise industry.
Internet Access Information
How Fast is Cruise Ship Internet? – Internet access is available on most cruise ships throughout the cruising industry. Unfortunately, the speed can be very slow (comparable to dial-up) due to the satellite reception.
Where is Internet Available Onboard? – Many cruise ships have internet cafes where passengers can use computer stations. A growing number of cruise ships also offer wireless internet service for passengers that have brought their own computer. Normally there is no difference in cost between using an internet cafe and using the ships’ wireless network. Some ships even offer a limited number of laptops available for rent.
Cost of Internet by Cruise Line
- Carnival Cruise Lines – The majority of Carnival’s ships now offer a Bow2Stern wireless network for guests to enjoy internet access anywhere onboard. The network also supports WiFi enabled iPhones and Blackberrys. The basic time charge is $0.75 per minute, but 100 minutes costs $55 ($0.55 per minute), and 250 minutes costs $100 ($0.40 per minute).
- Celebrity Cruises – Wireless access points are located throughout ships, in addition to their 24-hour internet cafes. The base rate is $0.65 per minute, but $100 gets passengers 260 minutes (less than $0.39 per minute).
- Crystal Cruises – Both Crystal’s ships have at least 25 computer work stations that are configured for internet access. Charges are $50 for 120 minutes (about $0.42 per minute), $200 for 600 minutes and $300 for 1,500 minutes ($0.20 per minute).
- Disney Cruise Line – Each cruise ship has ten computer stations and ten WiFi hot spots for passengers with their own computers. The base rate starts at $0.75 per minute and the package rates vary by ship. On the Disney Wonder the best rate is when 250 minutes are purchased for $75 ($0.30 per minute).
- Holland America Line – The Explorations Cafe is available on most of HAL’s ships. It features numerous computer stations, couches, snack bar and library. Their base rate for internet access is $0.75 per minute.
- Norwegian Cruise Line – In addition to the onboard internet cafes, select ships offer in stateroom wireless access for a $3.95 setup fee. Usage rates start at $0.75 per minute and decrease with multi-minute packages. A 250 minute package costs $100 ($0.40 per minute).
- Princess Cruises – Some ships offer wireless internet from the stateroom, while others do not. Base internet rates start at $0.75 per minute, but packages are also available for discounts similar to other cruise lines.
- Royal Caribbean – Each ship has an internet cafe with numerous work stations and WiFi hotspots are also available (vary from ship to ship). The base rate starts at $0.55 per minute and $55 will purchase a 150-minute package (under $0.37 per minute).
For information about using a cell phone a cruise, read Facts about Cell Phones on Cruise Ships.
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