Using Internet and Cell Phones on a Cruise

How to Stay Connected at Sea with Computers and Mobile Phones

Aug 1, 2009 Renee Ruggero

Internet access and the use of cell phones on cruise ships is growing as more and more travelers bring their technology with them on vacation. According to a study published in Market Research World, 24% of Americans bring their laptops on leisure trips and 86% bring their cell phones. Whether it’s for work or to just stay connected, here is what to expect from internet and phone options when on a cruise.

Using Internet on Cruise Ships

• Internet Cafes on Cruise Ships – Internet access is available on most cruise ships these days. In fact, many cruise ships have dedicated internet cafes where passengers can use one of many computer stations. Holland America Line features Explorations Cafe, a public area that is part internet cafe, part library.

• Wireless Internet on Cruise Ships – Passengers who bring their laptops take advantage of WiFi. Most cruise ships now offer WiFi hotspots throughout their public areas and some vessels feature wireless internet from staterooms and suites.

• Cost of Internet Onboard Cruises – For the most part, cruise ship internet can cost passengers up to $0.75 per minute, but one can save money by buying a bundle of minutes. For example Royal Caribbean offers a base rate of $0.55 per minute, yet purchase their best package being $55 for 150 minutes and that’s just under $0.37 per minute.

• Free Internet on Cruises – Some cruise lines offer free minutes for their suite passengers while other cruise lines may offer free minutes for past passengers who have reached a certain number of cruises. For example, Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle program entitles passengers that have achieved Platinum Status (5 cruises or 50 cruise days) to an internet credit equivalent to a 150-minute package.

Using a Cellphone on a Cruise

• Cost of Using the Ship’s Phone – Passengers can save a bit of money by using their own cell phone over the ship’s satellite phone system. In general, the cruise lines charge passengers between $7 and $12 per minute to make a phone call from the ship’s telephones in the passenger cabins.

• How a Cell Phone Works on a Cruise Ship – An advanced roaming network onboard select cruise ships allows passengers to make and receive calls using their own handset and phone number while the ship is at sea. International roaming charges are billed to the passenger by their home carrier. Once in port, passengers can connect to local roaming networks as permitted by their home carrier.

When cost outweighs convenience, waiting until the next port of call is the cheapest option. For example, many internet cafes charge less than $10 for an all-day password. Some places, such as local libraries and coffee shops, even offer free wireless . Check out WiFiFreeSpot, for a listing of free WiFi locations worldwide.