Can I use my mobile internet on a cruise

Nowadays, it is difficult for many to imagine their life without the Internet. Therefore, even passengers on a sea cruise need to be online to communicate with loved ones or resolve work issues. Modern cruise ships, as a rule, have Internet access to the Web using satellites. However, it is important to know that cellular at sea is not uniform. That is why you should consider in advance the possibility of connecting to the Internet on a cruise.

Network connection options

The first way is to connect to the mobile Internet. To do this, you need to study tariff plans from different providers. With the right choice of tariff, you will have exactly the same opportunities as on land: calls, messages, and use of the Internet. Some mobile phone services are able to provide a connection almost anywhere, even very far from the coast. However, such tariffs can be quite expensive or have a limited data transfer rate.

But, of course, satellite connection remains the most popular method because it has many advantages over other connection options. The ships have a direct connection with satellites thanks to the installation of special devices.

Cruise ships with satellite dishes can send and receive e-mail, voice, and text messages. Users are connected by means of equipment on cruise ships of special zones with wireless Internet, which everyone can use to transfer mobile data. The service is paid; more about it is below.

Network connectivity options in different cruises

On a Northern European cruise, your home cell phone internet provider works great. It all depends on where the liner will go. In this case, the ship follows the coast of Europe, and the cellular connection is excellent.

Check with the operator in advance about the cost of connecting to the network in the countries along the cruise route and have connected the necessary options. It may be more convenient for you to simply switch to another tariff (check with your telecom operator for details). Near civilization, there is always a good cellular, and hence the Internet connection.

But on a cruise around the islands of the Indian Ocean, the situation is different. Near the coast with large cities, usually island states’ capitals, the Internet works at the advertised speed. Nothing superfluous, no YouTube, Netflix, or any streaming video in general, even in instant messengers (video communication). A lifesaver for traveling in such cases is to have an electronic SIM card from esimway.com. Works in 150 countries, and has its own application. Excellent internet speed and stable connection are cheaper than the price of your home operator. After the trip, you can turn it off until the next cruise.

So, the peculiarity of this route lies not only in the unique beauty but also in uncivilized places. During a two-day transition from the island of Mauritius to the island of Male (Seychelles) in the open ocean far from the coast – there is no connection at all anywhere on the ship! Whether it’s SIM cards or packages on a cruise ship.

Internet packages on the liner

On board of Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships, Internet cafes have been created for you (they work around the clock). Access to the World Wide Web is also possible from your cabins (on all ships except the Norwegian Escape) via wireless communication or via a network cable, which can be obtained from the manager in the Internet cafe. During your trip, you can rent a laptop (the cost will be $3 per day) and print the desired document ($0.50 per document).

MSC Cruises gives you Internet access anywhere on board their ships. Whether you use a smartphone, netbook, laptop, or tablet, it doesn’t matter. There are 3 internet packages to choose from.

When using satellite communications, it is important to take into account unforeseen circumstances: the connection may be difficult, for example, during bad weather or due to distance from the coast. Therefore, it is important to consider all possible options for connecting to the Network during the cruise and insure yourself in advance in case of force majeure.