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Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)

At this point, it’s beyond the debate of taking a cruise without bringing a phone. Phones are so much more than a simple device to call or text. Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more.

And on the cruise ship they do all that, plus they are useful for the cruise line’s app, which features schedules, maps, and more, all right on your phone.

Of course, while it’s a good idea to put the phone down for a while and enjoy your vacation, it’s also reasonable to wonder if your cell phone will work on a cruise.

The good news? Yes, you can use your phone on a cruise . This includes major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian and more

The bad news? It might be expensive, and there are several details you need to know about how your phone uses cell service at sea — or the shipboard wi-fi — before you get started.

Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about using your phone to call, text, and browse the web. In addition, we’ve added some specifics for certain cruise lines.

One thing to keep in mind is that Internet and cell phone service are regularly being updated on modern cruise ships. As time goes on, you can expect your access to improve.

In This Article...

How to Use Your Phone on a Cruise

t mobile cruise package

First things first, you have to understand that there are no cell towers in the middle of the sea. Meanwhile, even the strongest cell towers with the best range in perfect conditions can only extend about 30-45 miles. In other words, after the first hour or two of your cruise, you’ll be too far away to pick up any reliable cell signal.

So what do you do in the middle of the water?

To use your cell phone on your cruise, you have two options — either connect to the ship’s cellular service or connect to the ship’s wi-fi . Both will cost you extra.

Cellular Service on Ships For traditional cell service, today’s modern cruise ships use providers such as “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services”.

For the vast majority of plans, these services are considered international roaming plans by your cell phone company, and you will be charged accordingly for use. That said, if you want to (or need to), you can simply make a phone call or send a text as you would back home — you’ll just be charged significantly more than usual.

Keep in mind that sometimes data service isn’t available through this method. For data, you’re better off using a wi-fi plan (discussed below).

Cell providers offer packages you help cruisers better budget. For example, AT&T offers a couple of cruise ship packages, starting at $50 for a package of minutes and texting. Other carriers will have something similar.

Just be warned of high prices. On AT&T’s $50 plan, it includes only 50 minutes of phone calls, and a $2 per minute overage cost.

In other words, if you use the ship’s cellular service, it’s considered international roaming and will cost you quite a bit of money. This applies to any carrier you have.

Luckily, there is a cheaper way to use your cell phone on the ship — wi-fi.

Cruise ships have cellular service that you can connect to. However, it’s usually considered international roaming and means you’ll be charged high rates to access.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone on Ships (Recommended) You likely know that instead of using a cell signal, you can hook your phone up to wi-fi and use the Internet to make calls, send texts, and surf the web. Some apps like WhatsApp also let you make calls, chat, and even chat via video. You can use these features while a cruise ship.

Today’s cruise ships all come equipped with wi-fi, but there is a charge for passengers to use it. For example, Carnival offers three levels of service — Social ($13 per day), Value (~$17 per day), and Premium ($19 per day) — which all offer different speeds and access.

Wi-fi allows you to connect just like you were at home. This includes doing things like making calls from within communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, texting, and surfing the web.

Just like at home, you can hook up to the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone as normal. Just keep in mind that you will want to ensure any calls you make are over wi-fi or else they will be considered international roaming calls if connected over the ship’s cellular service. (For that reason, we suggest setting your phone to airplane mode once you get on the ship and then just connect through wi-fi.)

One other thing to know is that different cruise lines and even different ships within a cruise line may offer different online experiences. Some ships are updated with the latest technology while others can have slower service or more limited options of what you can do regarding video calling or streaming.

More details on specific ship wi-fi plans are featured later in this article.

  • Read more about using Internet/wi-fi on a cruise
We’d recommend accessing the ship’s wi-fi with your phone to use it as you would back home. This gives you the ability to access the Internet, send messages, use apps, and even make calls with some plans/cruise lines.

Using Your Phone in a Port of Call

t mobile cruise package

While most of your time is spent on the ship, there will be large chunks of the day spent in port. You might wondering about using your phone during this portion of your cruise.

Cellular Service in Ports of Call In port (and off of the ship’s cellular or wi-fi service), you phone will work just as if you had taken a flight to another country. That is to say you will be reliant on international cellular services.

The good news? Cell phone companies offer short-term international plans that are surprisingly affordable and provide calls, texts, and data.

In addition, many companies — such as T-Mobile — include calling in Mexico and Canada (home to several popular cruise ports) automatically in their plans. You can use the phone exactly as you would at home for no extra charge.

Below, we’ve charted out the cost for some international plans offered by cell phone companies. Remember that these prices could change, so you’ll want to contact your provider before heading out on your cruise.

You can read more about international service from the major carriers below:

  • https://www.att.com/international/day-pass/
  • https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/travel-pass/
  • https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans

Understand that this is only for service while onshore in a port. When you are on the ship and in the middle of the ocean, you will need to use the ship’s wi-fi or cellular service. It may be worth it to use just one service or another instead of paying for both during your cruise.

When in port, you’ll be connecting to international towers. Phone companies have international plans (sometimes you can simply pay for a single day pass) that allow you access just as you would have at home.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone in Port Want to save some money? Then you may be able to skip dealing with international plans altogether and just connect to wi-fi hotspots in port. In fact, it may even be free.

t mobile cruise package

To be sure, your wi-fi plan from the ship won’t work in port (unless you are at a private island; sometimes ships extend service to their islands.) But many ports of call offer wi-fi service.

Sometimes there is service sold that will cover the port area. Other times spots like restaurants or shops will offer free wi-fi service to customers as a perk for shopping there.

Either way, it’s a cheaper and easier way of using your phone in port if you are fine with having access on a more limited basis.

Many ports have wi-fi service at shops or restaurants that can get you access while you’re there. It’s an easy way to check in back home if you don’t need constant access.

Using Your Phone on a Carnival Cruise

As mentioned above, we’d recommend using the ship’s wi-fi to use your phone . This will allow you to make calls (you may have to use an app like WhatsApp to do so), send messages, email, and browse the web.

To access Carnival’s wi-fi, you’ll have to sign up for one of three packages :

Social (~$13 per day) — Offers access to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and more. It also provides access to airline sites. However, it doesn’t include access to most of the web, nor does it support in-app calling, streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube), or Skype.

Value ($17 per day) — Offers everything in the Social package, with the addition of popular news, weather, banking, finance, and entertainment sites. However, it still doesn’t allow streaming or Skype/FaceTime calling.

Premium (~$19 per day) — Offers the fastest speeds on the ship and full web access. While Carnival’s website says this plan doesn’t support video streaming (outside Netflix) or FaceTime calls, we’ve personally done both with this plan. If you are a heavy phone user on your cruise or want to make video calls, then you’ll likely want the Premium package.

You can purchase a plan at a discount before your cruise starts or you can simply purchase when you are on the ship.

Read more about Carnival’s Internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Just like with Carnival and other major cruise lines, we think you’ll be best off connecting to the ship’s wi-fi in order to use your phone on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The cruise line offers VOOM Internet access across its fleet, which is touted as one of the fastest wi-fi services of any major cruise line. With it, you can hook up your phone to wi-fi and make calls (via wi-fi), text, use apps, and browse the web.

VOOM offers two levels of service — “Surf” or “Surf + Stream”. Royal Caribbean calls Surf “the best package for guests looking to simply surf the web, stay in touch via email, and share their vacation photos on social media.” Meanwhile, the Surf + Stream package also allows you to use streaming services like Netflix while on the ship.

Prices are not set in stone, but vary between around $15-25 a day. Discounts are available for ordering online ahead of time.

Read more about Royal Caribbean’s Internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Norwegian Cruise

Norwegian offers two different levels of wi-fi access on their ships that allow you to connect with your phone. From there, you can use wi-fi to send messages, talk, and send email to keep in touch.

First is the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package ($30 per day) that includes access to things like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, along with the rest of the web. This includes apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime, allowing you to keep in touch. However, it doesn’t allow streaming services.

Second, there is the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi ($40 per day), giving you full access to the web and streaming services — including YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix. With this level of service, making calls, sending texts, and video chats are no issue.

You can read more about NCL’s Internet service here .

Using Your Phone on Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Others)

As you can see, the easiest way to use your phone on a cruise is to use it to connect to the ship’s wi-fi. While we’ve spelled out more details for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, this method will work on any ship you sail.

Through the wi-fi offered on your cruise ship, you should be able to connect and use your phone just as you would on land. This includes web browsing, messaging, and calls through wi-fi. Just keep in mind that you might have to upgrade to the highest-tier service in order to get full benefits of the Internet like streaming and video calls. In our experience, lower-tier wi-fi plans are slower, meaning choppier connections on things like video calls.

Have more questions about using your phone on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hey Tanner: Thanks for the great article. We are going on Norwegian to the Panama Canal. My cruise buddy has Verizon and wants to make a voice call to her husband. He does not know how to use WhatsApp or FaceTime. Can they make regular voice calls using the ships Wi-fi? We understand that she can call him from ports with her Verizon Travel Pass, but she is concerned about sea days. Thanks!

Typically phones have a “call over wi-fi” setting. I’ve used it before and it worked well, but usually I use Facetime to call back home.

Tanner – I will going on a Norwegian cruise and would like to use WhatsApp for audit calls. I don’t need to make any viedo calls. Can I get by with the Unlimited plan or do I need the Unlimited Plus?

My advice is to always go with the fastest plan just because in general speeds are slower on cruises (getting better in some cases with Starlink).

But it looks like voice calls don’t require that much bandwidth. My suggestion is if you only want access for these calls, then opt for the cheaper plan and test it out. If it’s not enough, then you can always upgrade.

Tanner, my brother in – law just started his job on a cruise ship – they are provided only 5 gigabytes per month for phone use – he uses what’s app – what can advise him to do to get more gigabytes ? Approximate cost ?

I’ll be perfectly honest: the Royal Caribbean cruise was fantastic except for the beverage package issue, gratuity, and the cell service/internet packages. For the price of the cruise, surely you could include water, tea, coffee, and fountain soda. Those are cheap! I did know ahead of time that 18% gratuity was added to everything, yet for some reason I bought the gratuity package. Then would forget and add tip above the 18% plus the gratuity package. I know I’m responsible, but still felt taken advantage of. AT&T charged me 100.00 within 3-4 hours (started before we even left port). Then cut off service to “protect” me. So I pay another 100.00 for their “international data plan”- which is NOT 10.00 a day. Then I pay 75.00 for better internet speed through Royal. Guess what- 275.00 and I STILL couldn’t use my phone half of the time. I felt nickeled and dimed to death between just getting a bottle of water and checking my work email. And now that I’m home, my phone has ZERO internet. Sigh. FYI: This was my first cruise, but I did research the best I could ahead of time. I didn’t even think about the cell issue. But really- RC is first class.

Do you know if you can get reception on the ship from an island nearby if you are docked at a tender port, or is that still too far away? I have a virtual doctor visit the day I’m in Grand Cayman that I really don’t want to cancel and I would rather use my international phone plan then waste my limited ship wifi minutes.

We’re traveling on Cunard next month. Their website says that even if a phone is in airplane mode but connected to the ship wifi, voice call charges will still be incurred by the cell provider. That doesn’t make sense. Are they just saying that to protect their “assests”?

Never heard that before. I’d likely just take them at their word and plan around it.

If I purchase the cruise plan through AT&Tfor 100$ Do I still have to purchase the wifi on princess as well?

Does regular wi-fi calling (Not WhatsApp) work on Carnival social plan?

That I don’t know. I haven’t personally tested it.

I have straight talk, would I still be able to call or txt since it’s a pay as I go an each month. We will be on Carnival Horizon in October.

Well at sea you won’t have service, but you can hook up to the wi-fi and use your phone that way.

If I purchase the International Plan on Verizon, will it connect to the ship’s tower? I am going on Carnival Horizon in March 2023 to the southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Dominican Republic). If I’m signing up and paying for this plan, I want to make sure I actually have coverage my entire cruise (on and off the ship). Can you help?

I’m not sure how the service works on the ship (I personally use wi-fi). You’ll need to contact your carrier to ask as it’s their plan.

GOING TO BAHAMAS AND ORLANDO FLORIDA. WHEN IN FLORIDA AND I AM OFF THE SHIP CAN I USE THE PHONE TO CALL AND TEXT WITHOUT BEING CHARGED MORE THAN MY NORMAL BILL. I WONT BE ON THE SHIP USING THE PHONE ONLY FOR PICTURES. I AM GOING ON NCL AND I AM A VERIZON CUSTOMER

Depends on your plan, but likely not. Most of the time, however, you can get a short-term international plan for cheap:

https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/

everyone gives info for making calls, etc. what about getting calls???? have a disabled son and I need contact with him each morning around 6 am Central. how do I arrange that?

The best idea we can suggest is to sign up for the Internet package and use a program like WhatsApp to talk.

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Your Cell, Texts & Wifi On A Cruise: This Is What You Need To Know

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories LEARN , ONBOARD EXPERIENCE , Pre-Embarkation , Technology & Communication

How to use your phone, text or wifi on a cruise without spending a small fortune. Stay connected to family and friends on and off the ship! Plan ahead with this handy guide.

Photo of man in lounge using cell phone on a cruise while watching the ocean.

When you’re traveling on land, particularly if you remain in your home country, you probably don’t give more than a passing thought as to whether your cell phone will have service, whether you can still text your family and friends throughout the day, or whether you can search up answers to the burning questions of the day with a few finger taps. But all of those things that you take for granted on land, change significantly once you step on a cruise ship.

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Suddenly, you may encounter issues with using your cell phone to call and text, and also with accessing wifi on a cruise – whether by phone, tablet or computer. And, if you want to maintain any type of digital connection to the world outside of the ship, or even with your travel companions sailing on the same ship, you’re going to need to do some planning in advance. Particularly if you want to stay in touch without breaking the bank, wasting large amounts of time, or tearing your hair out. So read on to find out what you need to know.

The Reality of Digital Communication At Sea Today

I have vivid recollections (or flashbacks) of the dinosaur age of technology for guests on cruise ships. I was so mercifully glad to be able to get away on a long awaited family vacation. And I felt lucky that I had only a modest amount of work tagging along with me. Just a few hours at most and one possibly two conference calls. Hah!

I got an early start, bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Wanting to avoid the wait list for one of the ship’s shared computer terminals (which was the sole guest option for accessing the internet). I thought I would knock out an hour or two and be done in time to catch the tail end of a late breakfast.

Many hours later,  I was still sitting there. Knuckling through an excruciatingly slow connection that dropped too many times to count. The gaps between actual connections lasting longer than the intermittent connections themselves. Growing frustration and anger at the pitiful cruise wifi as various family members and friends wandered by to check on me — on their way to dinner. I wracked up a significant internet bill (charges assessed by the hour/minutes) and wasn’t even able to finish the project.

And as for those conference calls. The special cruise package offered by my cell carrier that I had been so pleased to find and sign up for – a total bust. I was never able to connect once in 2 weeks – except when I was on shore and tracked down a landline. That was around 2008/2009.

Wifi on a cruise ship | photo of ship's internet computer lounge

Cruise Ship Computer Center Circa 2008

Fast forward 10 years, and things have improved so vastly from those earlier days. Can you expect the same level of internet service and communication access that you have at home? No. But when compared to how things were in the past, improvements are marked and stunning. Now, on cruises, you should be able to access wifi anywhere on the cruise ship, including your cabin. You no longer have to seek out the computer lab and fight other passengers for access. Kick back with your laptop and beverage of choice in the privacy of your balcony or any other cozy spot you desire.

As for texting, you have a variety of options for texting with your travel companions for little to nothing. And, if you’re willing to pay a bit more, you can have access to social media and streaming. And most cruise lines offer some version of an “unlimited” package. No more anxious clock watching!

As for cell service, that can still be somewhat hit or miss. I have pretty much abandoned trying to use my own carrier for cruise ship service because it so very rarely works. But I’ve travelled with others who had much better luck and were completely satisfied with their carrier’s service and packages.

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Cell Phones On Cruise Ships

As a general matter, you will have the ability to use your cell phone on a cruise ship. The primary issues are whether your carrier offers service at sea and the costs. When you are on a cruise and trying to figure out cell service, you will have other considerations besides your geographic location in the world. You have to determine whether your carrier offers coverage with your cruise line and specifically with your individual ship.

And, assuming that you have a carrier that offers coverage for your specific cruise, you will need a special plan for the charges. Otherwise, the default would be very high rates akin to international roaming charges. But note that your cellular calls at sea aren’t typically included in a standard international plan.

Photo of happy woman using cell phone on a cruise ship.

In theory, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile all offer cruise ship coverage. But, just as with being on land, your actual success with getting service can vary as between the different carriers. You will need to decide before you leave on your cruise whether you want a cruise package. Generally, you can not apply the plans retroactively.

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AT&T Cruise Ship Packages

AT&T provides coverage while at sea.  But International Day Pass and/or Passport packages do not apply to cruise ships. Only AT&T cruise packages will cover usage aboard cruise ships. And, only certain cruise ships are covered. You can find a current list of included cruise ships at att.com/cruisehips.

Cruise ship package rates apply only when you are more than 12 miles from port. Once within the 12 mile zone, standard roaming rates for that country apply. If you sail on a non-qualifying ship, any cellular use will be billed at pay-per-use rates.

If you do procure a cruise package, your usage on shore may also be included. Certain ports in Canada, Mexico and most Caribbean countries will be covered.

Packages last for 30 days and automatically expire. Even though your cruise may last less than 30 days, no proration is available.

Plan Options

AT&T offers three different options for cellular coverage on cruise ships: (1) Talk & Text, (2) Talk, Text & Data, and (3) Pay-Per-Use Calling. Packages are available on a per-line basis. Each device must have its own package.

  • The Talk & Text plan costs $50 and includes 50 minutes of talk. Additional minutes are $2.00 each. You have unlimited texts, but standard domestic messaging rates apply to any text, picture, and video messages received.
  • The Talk, Text & Data plan costs $100. It includes unlimited talk and text and 200MB of data.  Additional data costs $2.00/MB. Standard domestic messaging rates apply to any text, picture, and video messages received.
  • AT&T also offers pay-per-use rates for those who do not have a cruise package, sail on a non-covered ship or whose plan expires. The cost is $3.00/minute for calls. Texts are .50 each for regular messages and $1.30 each for picture or video messages. Data is $6.14/MB.

AT&T cruise package allowances and overage rates for usage on-ship only apply when “Cellular at Sea”, “Nor-18,” or “901-18” displays on your device. 

Sprint Cruise Ship Packages

Sprint offers cruise packages for specific cruise lines and ships. You can find a search tool on the Sprint website that allows you to determine whether your specific cruise is covered. 

On covered ships, coverage will be included as part of Sprint Global Roaming at the following rates: $2.50/minute talk, $.50/recipient text, $60/100MB data, and $100/250MB data. 

T-Mobile Cruise Ship Packages

T-Mobile offers cruise packages for specific cruise lines and ships. You can find a search tool on the T-Mobile website that allows you to determine whether your specific cruise is covered. 

T-Mobile ONE and Simple Choice Plan customers receive the following rates on cruise ships: $.50/sent text and $5.99/minute talk. Customers on other plans must activate these rates by adding the Word Class Service to each line.

T-Mobile does not offer cellular data for cruise ships.

Verizon Cruise Ship Packages

Verizon offers coverage at sea. But, once you’re within 12 miles of a port, the roaming rates for that country apply. Verizon Pay as You Go is only available on specific cruise lines. The charge is $2.99/minute for talk and $0.50 for texts sent or received. Verizon does not offer cellular data service on cruise ships while at sea.

For time in port, Verizon offers TravelPass and your normal plan will be extended for $10 per day per line and works in most Caribbean destinations. 

Controlling Cell Phone Costs

You can control or limit your additional costs by managing the cellular data that you use on board. Note that some apps consume more data than others, so you may want to carefully monitor or disable data hogs. Take a close look at any games that have heavy graphic and require an internet connection. And any apps that center on navigation, weather or news.

Streaming content requires a substantial amount of data. If you intend to stream, you should use a cruise ship wifi package for that rather than rely on your cellular data.

Turn off data roaming and international data roaming. Only turn back on when on shore and if you have a suitable plan.

What Cruise Passengers Need To Know About Data & Internet Access

Whether or not you plan to access the internet using your cell phone or sign up for an internet plan through the cruise ship, you will need to get a handle on data.

Wifi  vs. Cellular

Both wifi and cellular data allow you to connect to the internet wirelessly. Typically, wifi allows you to connect using a router based system while a cellular data plan allows you to connect using your carriers cell phone signal. Both versions will connect, but they involve differences in speed and cost.  (And also security).

Wifi on a cruise | photo of woman texting on cell phone

Typically, cellular data access covers a wider range (which can be measured in miles), but can be slow. While wifi access will have a range with much narrower scope (think of the router in your home or a coffee shop – a limited number of feet/yards), but can be significantly faster.

For more explanation of the difference between cellular access and wifi access, check out this explanation from PC Mag .

Both Wifi and Cellular Require “Data”

Whether you connect to the internet using a wifi connection or your cellular data plan, you are still consuming “data.” The significance of this fact may not be readily apparent when you’re cruising around town because most cell plans only charge you extra or impose caps on the use of cellular data. If you’re able to connect to the internet through a wifi connection – whether on your phone or a tablet – usually there is no additional or noticeable charge. 

The difference becomes more important, however, when you are cruising around the ocean on an actual cruise ship. Depending on your cell phone carrier, you may not be able to access cellular data at all. And, for those carriers that permit it, the costs can be substantial.

Likewise, if you decide to access the internet using a wifi plan sponsored by your cruise ship, you’ll discover key limitations on data usage. Rather than distinguishing the method of how you’re connecting to the internet, most cruise plans seem to focus on the type of internet usage that you’re doing. So some plans may allow only activities that require low data consumption (thus no streaming). While other cruise lines may offer tiered packages that permit high data consumption at the upper tiers. Or, alternatively, they may offer packages that charge based on the total amount of data consumed regardless of the type of usage – surfing or streaming.

Where Does Wifi Calling Fit In This? 

Wi-Fi Calling allows you to call or message (SMS)  from almost anywhere that you have a wifi connection, which is great if you’re in an area with limited or no cellular network coverage. Generally, a wifi call will not count against plan minutes for those who don’t have an unlimited plan. Also, for newer model phones, wifi calling can be available in airplane mode.

Depending on your carrier, wifi calls to US numbers can be free, even while traveling internationally. And, wifi calling consumes only a limited amount of data – about 1 MB/minute of data for voice calls.

For more details on using wi-fi calling, check out this explanation from CNet .

You can also use wifi calling over the cruise ship’s wifi provided you sign up for the right internet package. Specifically, you’ll want one that’s sufficient to support VoIP and streaming.

How Much Data Do You Need?

In order to decide whether to get an unlimited plan or a cheaper plan that may have data caps, you need to have some idea of how much data you are likely to use. For your planning purposes, here’s a list of common internet activities and the approximate data usage associated with them:

  • 10 emails (a mix of ones with and without attachments) = 0.5-1.5 MB
  • 10 minutes web surfing = 2.5 MB
  • uploading/downloading 5 photos = 25 MB
  • 10 minutes streaming music = 9 MB
  • Streaming video (standard definition) = 500-700MB/hour

Tips for Conserving Data Usage

  • Turn off all automatic updates in the Play Store and App Store (check all devices – phones and tablets)
  • Turn off all automatic downloads for email, music, apps and updates
  • Pause auto synchronizations and cloud backups
  • Stop apps set for automatic background refresh
  • Turn off automatic uploads for photos (to Google Photos, IOS photo stream, or AMZ photos)
  • Disable location services
  • Turn off auto software updates
  • Check social media settings – disable or downgrade any auto image preview and video autoplay.

Cruise Ship Wifi & Internet Access

Wifi and internet access is readily available on most major cruise ships. But in most instances you will have to pay for it.

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Why would you want or need internet access while on your cruise vacation? Possibly you need to stay in touch with folks at work? Or, perhaps you want to stay in contact with family and friends back home. Whether just checking in, or because you like to keep up a steady engagement in your social media accounts. And, access to wifi on a cruise can also facilitate your ability to stay in contact with your family members and travel companions while on board ship.

Today, on many ships you will find packages offering “unlimited” access in some form and at a relatively reasonable price. While some luxury cruise lines offer free or included internet. For example, Regent Seven Seas, Hapag Lloyd, Silversea and Crystal cruises all include wifi access with your cruise fare.  On most large mainstream cruise lines, however, you will have to purchase access for an additional fee.  Here’s the basic lowdown on internet packages for mainstream ships:

Carnival Cruise Wifi

Carnival offers three different internet packages . Prices are discounted if purchased prior to sailing.

Social Plan

This is a limited plan for folks who only want to have access to their social media accounts. It supports most of the popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Pinterest and Snapchat. You’ll also have access to the major airline sites. It does not support access to streaming surfaces, VoIP or email. Cost: $6.80/day when pre-purchased; $8.00/day on board.

The Value plan includes access to the same networks as the Social plan, plus other regular websites such as news, sports, banking, etc. It does not support streaming or VoIP. Cost: $10.20/day when pre-purchased; $12.00/day on board. For this plan, you can also purchase a 24 hour pass onboard for $16.00.

Premium Plan

The Premium plan includes all of the same access as the Social and Value plans but it provides a 3x faster connection. This plan also supports Skype, WiFi calling and FaceTime. It does not generally support streaming services. However, three Carnival ships are “Netflix enabled” which allows use of the Netflix app with your personal account. Those ships are Vista, Horizon and Sunrise. Cost: $14.45/day when pre-purchased; $17.00/day on board. 24 hour pass for $25.00

Key restrictions & limitations:

  • You can use multiple devices on a plan, but only one device at a time can connect to Wi-Fi
  • Access to certain sites such as mature or violent content is blocked
  • VPN connections are not supported. 

Royal Caribbean Wifi

Royal Caribbean offers two primary types of Voom packages .  Costs vary depending on how many devices you want to include in your package. Note that Royal Caribbean frequently runs specials for packages purchased prior to sailing, as well as additional discounts for bundles that include internet and drinks and other combinations.

The Voom Surf Voyage Package covers basic internet usage. You can text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using high speed internet.

The VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package lets you message and video chat on messenger services, browse the web, send emails and post on social media, and video chat live. Plus stream your favorite videos, movies, music and shows.

When purchased pre-cruise, the VOOM Surf packages start at around $13/day for 1 device and the VOOM Surf + Stream package start around $18/day for 1 device. Note that the number of devices refers to how many devices can be connected at one time. You can switch between multiple devices on a 1-device plan. Packages are available for up to four devices.

Celebrity Cruise Wifi

Celebrity offers high speed internet access fleetwide (except Galapagos) through its XCelerate service. It offers two unlimited package levels: Surf which allows basic internet access and Stream which allows VoIP and streaming. Packages are priced for the entire cruise and can support up to 4 devices. The package price increases with the number of devices. Currently, for a 7 to 9 day cruise, a Surf package costs about $129 for 1 device and the Stream package costs $265 for 1 device.

Disney Cruise Wifi

All Disney Cruise ships offer internet access through Connect@Sea. All access and packages are based on MB usage. You can purchase different buckets of megabytes, or you can use a pay as you go plan. If you buy a package, you cannot get a refund for unused minutes.  A package of 100 MB costs $19, 300 MB costs $39 and for $89, you can purchase 1000 MB. Or, you can use the pay as you go plan for $0.25 per MB. Guests sailing in Concierge class have access to some amount of free internet.

MSC Cruises Wifi

MSC Cruises offers five options for purchasing internet access. Prices may vary somewhat based on destination and sailing:

  • Unlimited – This package allows you to connect 1 device. You receive full web browsing, access to popular social networks and chat APPs, and you can check email. It has unlimited MB for the duration of your cruise. The regular price is $199.90. The pre-purchase price is $159.90.
  • Premium – This package offers the same scope of coverage as the Unlimited plan, but it has a cap of 6,000 MB. You can connect up to 4 devices on this plan. So, it can be a great choice for families. The regular price is $159.90, and you can find pre-purchase discounts up to 20%.
  • Standard – This package is designed for limited internet users. It includes 3,000 MB for up to 2 devices. The regular price is $99.90 with up to 20% discount for pre-cruise purchases.
  • Chat/Social – This package is designed for teens or other guests who only want to access social media and chat. You can connect one device for up to 1,500 MB. The regular price is $49.90 and it can only be purchased onboard.
  • 24 HR – This day pass can only be purchased onboard. It is $44.90 for 1 device and 500 MB.

For more insights into MSC cruise wifi, check out our review of MSC Seaside .

Norwegian Cruises Wifi

Norwegian Cruises offers four different internet packages . Prices below are for standard price onboard purchases. You can receive a 15% discount if you purchase a package prior to sailing. (Note that NCL also offers an option for free internet minutes as an option in its “Free at Sea” promotions. Number of free minutes varies based on length of sailing.)

  • Unlimited – This package provides unlimited web surfing, email access (no VPN), social media access, all apps. No streaming allowed. One device permitted at a time. Packages are purchased and priced for the duration of the cruise. $29.99/day.
  • Unlimited Premium – In addition to the basic wifi services included in the Unlimited WiFi package, this Premium package includes VPN email access and streaming. $34.99/dy
  • Unlimited Social Media – This package provides access to major social media sites. You can view, post and upload videos and also chat on all popular messenger platforms. No access to web browsing or email. May connect 1 device at a time. $14.99/day.
  • 250 Anytime Minutes – This package provides 250 minutes of internet access that you can use at any point during the duration of your cruise. $125 total package price.

Holland America Wifi

Holland America offers a 3-tiered package system that is priced per day with discounts if purchased for the length of the cruise.

  • Social – A limited access plan that provides access to most popular social media websites and apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp. $14.99 per day.
  • Surf – This package allows you to surf the internet, visit your favorite sites, and check email. $24.99 per day.
  • Premium – This package provides all of the above service plus it allows audio/video calling and streaming. (However, the actual internet speed available at any point in time may limit the ability to stream.)  $29.99 per day.

Discounts available when you purchase for the length of cruise may vary. But, as an example, a package purchased onboard for a 7 day cruise runs $69.99 for Social, $99.99 for Surf, and $139.99 for Premium. A package purchased for a 12 day cruise would typically be $99.99 for Social, $149.99 for Surf, and $199.99 for Premium.

Princess Cruises Wifi

Princess has different types of internet access and packages depending on which of its cruise ships you are sailing. It’s top line offering is MedallionNet Wifi which is offered on a growing number ships. You can find the most current list and the roll-out schedule on the MedallionNet page.  MedallionNet provides unlimited wifi access throughout the ship. You can text, post photos, video chat and stream. Packages start at $9.99 per day.

On some ships, Princess offers PrincessConnect which has three packages:

  • Social –  A limited access plan that provides access to popular social media websites and apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and WeChat. Approx. $14.99 per day.
  • Surf –  This package provides access to the entire entire. But it does not permit streaming or Skype. Approx. $24.99 per day.
  • Premium – This package provides full internet access including streaming and Skype. Approx. $29.99 per day.

Finally, ships that do not offer PrincessCONNECT or MedallionNet have minute based pricing that varies. Princess makes specific pricing available to guests when they log in to the Cruise Personalizer for their sailing. Some representative pricing: 120 minutes for $69; 240 minutes for $99; 460 minutes for $159; and 680 minutes for $199.

What About Wifi Access When You Are Off The Ship?

Whatever wifi package you may purchase through the cruise ship, it won’t work while you are on shore. But you still have options.

First, your regular cell phone carrier may offer service on land. (see above). Second, you will likely find internet cafes or other establishments that offer free or low cost wifi. It is very common to find restaurants offering free wifi, but you can also sometimes find free or cheap wifi at the beach. Particularly if it is affiliated with a resort. And, more surprisingly, on several recent cruises we have also found that there are excursion operators who offer free wifi on tour buses.

Whenever you are accessing wifi through relatively public facilities, be cautious about transmitting any personal information.

Texting On A Cruise Ship

As with internet service and cell service, you can also usually have the ability to text on a cruise ship. There are generally three methods for doing so with differing cost implications:

  • Using your cell plan for texting
  • Texting using cruise wifi
  • Exchanging texts using the ship’s messaging app

Text Using Cell Plan

If you have cellular service available on board through your regular carrier, you will also likely have the ability to text. However, any charges will be specified by your carrier.  See above. Generally, you probably won’t have any “unlimited” texting on such a plan like you might be used to at home. Instead, you will have some type of per text charge. Most likely for outgoing text messages.  And, at 50 cents a pop – a typical charge – this can add up quickly.

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Text Using Cruise Wifi

One of the best alternatives to using your regular cell carrier for texting is to use a third party app over wifi. These apps are typically free. A great free option is WhatsApp. It’s available for both iPhone and Android. However, if you don’t already have an account, you will need to download the app and set up the app prior to leaving home (or at least while you are on land).

While the third party apps like WhatsApp are free. Meaning there is no charge for the app itself. Nor is there any charge for sending or receiving individual messages. But, you will need access to the cruise ship’s wifi which typically requires some type of paid package.

Using WhatsApp as an example, you can send regular narrative messages, text photos and videos, and to some extent, you may be able to have a video call.

If you want to communicate with your travel companions, this is a great convenient way to do so, provided they all have wifi access.

Some folks may be turned off by WhatsApp due to its connection to Facebook. Here are some recommendations for potential alternatives. (But note, the only one that we can confirm has successfully enjoyed widespread usage on a variety of cruise ships and destinations is WhatsApp.)

  • Using the Zello Walkie Talkie App on a Cruise Ship
  • The Best WhatsApp Alternatives
  • 11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy

Text Using Cruise Line App

Most of the major cruise lines now have some type of app that can facilitate digital communication. These have also greatly improved in recent years.  The cruise line app can keep you apprised of what’s going on aboard the ship at any given moment. It can facilitate registering for the cruise and making reservations for dinner or show. 

Most cruise lines that offer a proprietary app will include some type of messaging service within the app itself. You can use this service to communicate with other passengers. You cannot, however, text with people who are not on your cruise. 

While the app will require access to cruise wifi, usually you are not charged for wifi for using the cruise line app.  Meaning if all of you are using cruise wifi for is to access the cruise line app, you do not need a package to do so. However, some of these proprietary messaging services have a charge. Also, the official cruise line app and/or the messaging service itself may only be available on certain ships.  

Note that all of these cruise line messaging services will only work while you are actually on the cruise ship. Once you are on shore or on a shore excursion, you will not be able to use it. 

Here’s an overview: 

Carnival offers an onboard chat feature through its Carnival HUB app. It costs $5 per user for chat service during your sailing.

Celebrity allows you to chat free of charge with other guests on ships that feature the Celebrity App . This feature is currently known to be available on the new Celebrity Edge, and also on Constellation, Equinox, Millennium, Reflection and Summit. 

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App has an onboard chat feature. This complimentary chat feature offers both one-to-one chat and group chat features. You can also control access by your kids using the permissions feature.

HOLLAND AMERICA

Holland America has a free mobile app that includes a complimentary chat service available while onboard select ships. Visit the Holland America Line Navigator page for the most current ship information.

The MSC for ME app includes a free chat service . You may use this service without an internet package. For an additional fee, you can also use the Family & Friends Locator service. MSC for ME is available on the Meraviglia, Seaside, Seaview and Bellissima ships.

The Norwegian app is available fleetwide as of July, 2019 , and it’s free to download. For an additional fee, you can access a calling and messaging service through the app. The one time NCL fee is currently $9.95 per device. This service allows unlimited messaging with other passengers who have the app and group chats. You can also place international calls through the app (to supported countries) for a flat rate of $0.79 per minute. You can also call staterooms and a variety of onship extensions.

The Princess@Sea app has a free messenger service . You can communicate with other guests onboard from your mobile device once connected to the ship’s wifi.

On Princess ships with the new Ocean Medallion Technology, you will be able to chat for free with your shipmates as well as enjoy many other new features. (For more details, check out this post explaining how Ocean Medallion is transforming the guest experience .)

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Royal Caribbean’s new app service is not yet available fleetwide.  Check this list for the specific ships with access.

Royal Caribbean is actively developing group chat and one-to-one chat features. They are currently available on a limited basis on select ships.  Check out this post for more information about the cruise line’s current plans in this area.

Avoiding or Minimizing Unwanted Charges

At the end of your cruise, you don’t want to end up with lots of expensive charges that you didn’t realize you (or your family members) were racking up. You can end up with unpleasant surprises in two ways: on your cell phone bill and/or on your shipboard account. To avoid that unpleasantness, review these tips.

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Your Shipboard Account

Let’s start with your shipboard account. If you have signed up for an unlimited cruise wifi package, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. To the extent you are able to access the internet, you won’t have any additional ship charges. But, if you have any package that’s less than unlimited (or no package at all), be aware of the following:

  • If you have a certain number of minutes – either purchased or as some type of perk – don’t assume that you’ll lose access once those minutes run out. It is very likely your access will continue unabated and not necessarily with any obvious warning. Meaning that all of the minutes used after the initial package runs out will be assessed at a more expensive non-package rate. 
  • If you have a package with a set number of minutes or volume, be sure to log off once your session is completed so that you don’t inadvertently continue to consume time.
  • If you are assigned a password for your internet account, take a photo of it on the devices with which you plan to use it to facilitate easy log in and log out.

Your Cell Phone Carrier

As for your cell phone carrier, be aware of the following:

  • For any incoming or outgoing texts via your regular carrier (as opposed to an app), you may have a per text charge. This includes any texts exchanged with travel companions. A typical charge is 50 cents per outgoing text. If you and/or your family members are prolific texters, this could get expensive very easily. 
  • International roaming will kick in when you are about 12 miles from port. So, if you signed up for a cruise cell package with your carrier, those rates won’t apply when you are close to shore even though you are physically still on the ship. Instead, you will incur additional fees at whatever international rates your carrier charges. Check the network that’s displayed on your phone before making any calls when if you spot land on the horizon.

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Bonus: Sanity-Saving Housekeeping Tips For Phones & Tablets 

Smartphone and tablets add a great deal of convenience, efficiency and entertainment value to everyday life. But, you need to take care of a few housekeeping items when you board a cruise ship to avoid those blessings becoming stealth curses.

Beware Automatic Clock Resets.

When you are on land, it is great not to have to remember the specifics of different time zones, or try to recall who does/doesn’t follow daylight savings time. On a ship, that ability can create major problems because the GPS systems that allow your phone to auto reset to local time everywhere in the world don’t seem to work right at sea. And, they don’t necessarily have any correlation to “ship time”.

Turn off all alarms .

Even if you disable automatic time resets, turn off all of your regular alarms. As noted above, the auto time can get really screwy when you are on the ocean. And, even if the clock seems to be right when you go to bed, time gremlins seem to come out to play at night while you sleep. To avoid you and everyone else in your cabin being blared awake at 3:00 in the morning, turn off the alarm on your phone or other electronic devices. Also be aware that even if you set the auto reset on your phone to manual, this change may somehow mysteriously reset itself without warning. This happened to me repeatedly on a recent cruise with a Samsung Galaxy 10+. Either bring a non-GPS travel alarm clock, or use the ship’s wake up call service.

Bring back up power source.

Your battery consumption may increase significantly compared to your typical consumption at home. In addition to using whatever power saving measures your phone may have, also carry a portable battery/charger. Even if you never run into consumption issues at home. Many things can substantially increase your power consumption. For instance, if you are using your phone or tablet as a camera or shooting videos. Or, if your device is constantly trying to access a wifi network and failing.

Related Content: These Are The Cruise Accessories You’ll Absolutely Love!

Safeguard downloaded content.

Be aware that your previously downloaded content may become inaccessible when you’re traveling. Either because of locality restrictions, or because some unexpected Amazon quirk wipes everything out. The quickest and easiest way to prevent that is to turn off wifi on the primary device you use for viewing content while you are at or near home and don’t alter it until you are back home. That way your device will not register that you have left the country (as it would if you connect to wifi).

Note that the locality issue can kick in with content downloaded from any and every service – Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, etc. Meaning that certain movies and televisions have restricted viewing rights outside the U.S., or in specific countries. And these restrictions may apply even to content that you actually purchased. It can be extraordinarily frustrating to take the time to download hours of content for all family members and then not be able to use it when you most need it.

Also, regardless of any regional restrictions, downloaded content on an Amazon tablet may be at risk of disappearing if you’re connected to wifi. This is not a travel issue. It can happen at anytime. When you are at home and can easily download for free again, it’s not that huge a deal. But when you have limited or no access to wifi that will allow free downloading, it is so very sad. This has happened to us many times. All downloaded videos disappeared from multiple devices at the same time. Without any warning. (I believe that this is related to automatic software updates, but have never been able to confirm that as fact.)

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T-Mobile International Phone Plans – Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

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T-Mobile International Phone Plans – Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

Breaking Down T-Mobile’s Free International Data

512 mb international day pass, 5 gb international pass, 15 gb international pass, which t-mobile data package is right for you, how to sign up for an international data package, t-mobile’s supported countries (free and paid), pros of t-mobile’s international data plans:, cons of t-mobile’s international data plans:, final thoughts.

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Having an international data plan can make international travel  a lot easier. You have instant access to maps and can keep in touch with your travel companions without worrying about purchasing a new SIM in each country.

For years there’s been 1 big issue with international data plans: the cost. Plans were expensive and had low data limits with limited coverage. Depending on your itinerary, this could have added a huge extra expense even though it may not have worked for the entirety of your travels.

Thankfully, though, that’s no longer the case.

For the past few years, T-Mobile has offered most of its post-paid customers free international data and texting in over 210 countries worldwide. And while this has a few quirks, its price-point and list of supported countries make it one of the best mobile data options for most travelers.

In this article we’ll walk you through all of the quirks and features of T-Mobile’s international data plans. We’ll take a look at the different plans available, discuss what features each plan includes, and show you which countries are supported.

By the end of the article, you should have an understanding of if T-Mobile’s international data plans are right for you.

Let’s get started!

American Airlines Planes at ORD

As discussed earlier, T-Mobile includes free international data and text with 2 of its 3 smartphone plans: Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus.

This sounds great on paper (because it is!), but there’s 1 major quirk to be aware of: your data is limited to 2G speeds at roughly 128 Kbps on the Magenta plan and 256 Kbps on the Magenta ® Plus plan.

This isn’t quite as bad as it sounds, though. Even though data is slow, it’s more than enough for using Google Maps and sending texts through WhatsApp and iMessage. However, you won’t be able to stream video, post photos, or otherwise use the internet without some serious loading time. In many cases, we’ve seen web pages actually time out and not load at all.

The good news is that there’s no data cap when you’re roaming. This means you can use as much data (and send as many texts) as you’d like, and you’ll never have to worry about an exorbitant bill at the end of a long trip abroad. However, the amount of data you’ll actually be able to use will be limited due to the plan’s exceptionally low speed.

Do note that travel to Canada and Mexico is not limited to these low speeds. Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus plans get 5 GB of complimentary 4G LTE per month in the 2 countries, then revert to the slower speeds we discussed earlier. This means you’ll have a largely seamless experience when traveling within North America, something invaluable for business travelers and tourists alike.

While texting and mobile data are included, note that calling is still subject to an extra charge. We’ve found that most countries charge $0.20 to $0.25 per minute, with others charging slightly more. We’ll include calling costs in the supported countries table later in the article.

Buy a T-Mobile Data Pass for Faster Speeds

Need something faster than 2G data abroad? Thankfully, T-Mobile offers a variety of international data packages that let you use full 4G LTE speeds when traveling to any supported country worldwide. There are 3 of these plans currently offered and each comes with a different data limit and — naturally – price point.

Each of these plans has 1 thing in common: data packages aren’t restricted to 1 specific country. If you’re planning a trip around Europe, you can use the same high-speed data package throughout the entirety of your journey. You don’t need to worry about notifying T-Mobile or dropping extra money when crossing another border.

Additionally, each of the 3 plans includes Smartphone Mobile Hotspot at no extra charge. This means that multiple people can share 1 international data pass over Wi-Fi from the subscribed device, making it perfect for families and couples traveling together.

Here’s a look at each of the 3 high-speed data packages:

The 512 MB International Day Pass costs $5 per day and includes — as the name suggests — 512 MB of high-speed international data for 1 day.

This plan also includes unlimited calling for the day, making it perfect for keeping in touch with friends, family, and business partners back home.

The 5 GB International Pass includes 5 GB of data and unlimited calling for up to 10 days . This plan costs $35 per 10 day period, making it a great option for week-long trips around the world.

T-Mobile’s highest international data pass is the 15 GB International Plan. This plan costs $50 and lasts 30 days, giving you a whopping 15 GB of data and unlimited calling to work with.

With so many data packages available, it might seem hard to pick 1 for your trip. Here’s a quick look at why you may pick 1 plan over another.

Stick with complimentary 2G data if you…

  • Only want to use maps, instant messaging, and email.
  • Don’t need to download email attachments or other large files.
  • Plan on being in a big city and close Wi-Fi hotspots during your travels.
  • Don’t want to use your phone too much during your trip.
  • Want to save money at the expense of better connectivity.
  • Can use FaceTime Audio, Skype, or WhatsApp for calling.

Buy a 512 MB International Day Pass if you…

  • Need to do light web browsing for restaurant recommendations, etc.
  • Plan on sending a few picture and video messages on a daily basis.
  • Are taking a short trip abroad.
  • Need to make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 5 GB International Pass if you…

  • Are traveling for 7-10 days.
  • Want to stream music and light video for entertainment.
  • Need to browse the internet more heavily for business or leisure (during long train rides, etc.).
  • Make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 15 GB International Pass if you…

  • Are traveling for more than 10 days.
  • Plan on tethering your phone to your tablet or laptop to your phone to share its internet connection.
  • Plan to be away from free Wi-Fi hotspots (countryside travel, etc.).
  • Do data-intensive work and need to send files when working remotely.

Bottom Line:  Think about how you use your phone when you travel. The less you use it, the lesser of a data package you need.

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Free international roaming at 2G speeds is automatically enabled. When you land in a new country, you’ll get a text message confirming that you’re in a supported country and that you’re not liable for charges (see example above).

Signing up for an international data package is simple, too. The plans don’t require any type of contract or other commitment, and you can sign up for a plan whenever you want through the T-Mobile app or website. Here’s how to add a data package through the T-Mobile app:

  • Log in to the T-Mobile app on your smartphone.
  • Tap Account and then tap  “Add Ons”  next to the Primary Account Holder’s field.
  • Tap Manage Data & Add-ons.
  • Tap the checkbox next to the pass you’d like to add to your account.
  • Tap  Continue  and then tap  Change Date  if you’d like to choose a start date for your pass. If you don’t select a date, the pass will start immediately .
  • Click Agree & Submit  to load the plan to your account.

That’s all there is to it. Your international data package will start on the date you set, and you can enjoy high-speed international data wherever you are in the world.

Checking if A Country is Supported By T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers mobile data roaming in 210+ countries worldwide. You can view the entire list of countries on T-Mobile’s international travel website — just type in the name of the country you plan to visit , see if mobile data and texting are supported, and check the price of pay-as-you-go calls.

Note that most tourist-heavy countries  are supported — in fact, we’ve found it hard to find countries that aren’t supported by T-Mobile’s international data plans. However, we recommend checking before your trip regardless so you’re not met with any surprise mobile data charges.

Pros and Cons of T-Mobile’s International Data Plans

As you can see, T-Mobile offers pretty compelling mobile data plans. Before you make a purchasing decision, it’s important to take a look at the pros and cons of T-Mobile’s international plans in 1 place. So without further ado, here they are:

  • Complimentary mobile data (at 2G speeds) and text messaging, great for maps and instant messaging.
  • Low-cost LTE plans with a variety of data options — there’s truly a plan for everyone.
  • LTE plans all include unlimited international calling.
  • Expansive coverage in 210+ countries, so you can stay connected when you travel.
  • Complimentary data is too slow for most online activities like web browsing and streaming.
  • International calling is expensive without a premium data plan.
  • T-Mobile has a spotty coverage map in the United States.

Overall, we think that T-Mobile’s international data offerings are stellar because of its diverse variety of international data plans. Those that just need maps and texting can stick to the free base plan, while business travelers and others that need faster data and mobile hotspot can upgrade to a data package.

Further, we’re also huge fans of the peace of mind you get with T-Mobile’s international plans. Since all Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus customers get complimentary data, there’s no worrying about overage charges if you run out of high-speed data. Just make sure to keep an eye on your calling as unlimited calling is only included if you purchase a data package.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the t-mobile essentials plan come with international data and texting.

T-Mobile Essentials plan only includes 2G data in Canada and Mexico. Other countries are not included with this plan.

Can I use my cell phone in a different country?

Most modern smartphones are configured to work internationally. You may want to check your phone’s owner’s manual or call T-Mobile to check if you have an older phone or are unsure if your cell phone works outside of the United States.

Does T-Mobile offer discounts for seniors and active duty members of the military?

Yes, T-Mobile offers discounted service for those over 55 and active members of the military. These plans are called Magenta® Unlimited 55 and Magenta® Military. Check T-Mobile’s website for pricing and further details on these plans.

Can I bring my existing phone if I switch to T-Mobile?

Most modern smartphones can be brought to T-Mobile. Use T-Mobile’s compatibility tool to check if your smartphone is compatible with T-Mobile’s network.

Can I call international phone numbers with my T-Mobile smartphone?

You can, but you will pay a per-minute fee. Check out T-Mobile’s international calling page for country-by-country pricing.

Does T-Mobile offer in-flight Wi-Fi for its customers?

Yes! All T-Mobile customers get unlimited messaging (iMessage, Facebook, etc.) and 1 hour of free in-flight internet on Gogo-enabled flights. Plus, Magenta® Plus customers get unlimited in-flight internet on all Gogo flights.

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About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.

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Woman Holding A Device with the Fastest Cruise Wifi at Sea, Voom

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Your Guide To Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi

Demystifying your internet options onboard a cruise.

By Robert Schrader | Published on February 16, 2024

These days, getting away doesn't have to mean feeling disconnected — even on a cruise. The answer to the question "Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?" is, thankfully, a resounding "Yes." Here's how to set your expectations for what internet packages cost and what service will be like during your sailing.

Do Cruise Ships Have Wi-Fi?

Did you know that cruise ships have had internet access for more than 20 years? However, internet access on ships wasn't originally reliable or affordable. Then, in 2014, Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi changed the internet access game with its Voom® internet service, which used satellites that were originally designed to bring Wi-Fi to less-developed countries to offer internet access that was six times faster than any other cruise line.

Today, Wi-Fi at sea is better than ever across the industry. Although cruising is the ultimate getaway, there are more options available now for staying connected. Whether that means checking your stocks or work email account, sharing selfies at the beach on Instagram and videos of you crew nailing it on the ice-skating rink on TikTok or streaming your favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix or Hulu, you can do it from the comfort of your ship. After all, this is your vacation, and if your perfect sea day ends with a sushi-and-sake dinner at Izumi followed by a night in spent watching latest episode of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" on Amazon Prime Video — no judgment!

The best news? While every Royal Caribbean ship offers VOOM internet service, some ships in the fleet have been upgraded to SpaceX Starlink, which is the same price and even faster. Royal Caribbean is currently in the process of upgrading more vessels to Starlink, so you can check to see if your ship has it before you set sail.

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Where Will Your Wi-Fi Work?

Coco Beach Club Beach Cabana Couple Talking, Perfect Day at Coco Cay

Once you've paid for a Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi package, you can expect to be connected for the duration of your plan, wherever you are onboard. That's true from your stateroom to the buffet and even the spa — though you should probably try to unplug when you're in the sauna. The onboard internet will start working as soon as you've signed in with your credentials and until your time expires.

Since all Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi is satellite-powered, you don't need to worry about service disruptions based on sailing location. Geographically speaking, this means that Wi-Fi should work everywhere in the world, whether you're hundreds of miles from shore or about to dock at a port of call. While there are certain parts of the globe where satellite transmissions are blocked for security reasons or are weak due to magnetism (such as more remote parts of the polar regions), most cruise ships don't sail in these waters. Likewise, while weather conditions can weaken satellite signals, these disruptions tend to be fleeting.

If you're sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay® , you'll be happy to know that Wi-Fi works there, whether you're laying out in a lounge chair by the pool at Oasis Lagoon ® , holding you're toddler's hand as they walk the plank at Captain Jill's Galleon℠ or waiting in line for a waterslide at Thrill Waterpark ® . Perfect Day at CocoCay is in The Bahamas, so your cell service will work there, too, though your carrier might charge you roaming fees depending on your plan.

This raises another question: If you don't use Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi , can you still access the internet on your cruise through your cell service provider? The answer — and the cost — depends on your carrier, so it's worth reaching out to them before your trip to get rates. Most cell plans offer international data roaming, some for free and others at a per-day cost. Keep in mind that speeds and coverage in these cases can be variable, and some services (such as mobile hotspot tethering) might not always be available. If you absolutely must stay connected, it's a good idea to purchase a Wi-Fi package.

If you choose to leave your laptop and tablet at home and your phone in your safe, you can go to the iCafe, which is located on every ship and offers wired internet stations for a fee. This is a good choice for those who prefer to surf with a larger screen, rather than on their phone.

How Much Does Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi Cost?

Colorful buildings along the coast, Willemstad, Curacao

Prices and availability before you sail are different than what they are once you're onboard. Before departure, you'll receive an option to pre-pay for Wi-Fi for the entirety of your cruise. This not only gives you the best price on a per-device and per-day basis, but ensures you can get connected the moment you are onboard the ship.

As is the case with your home internet plan, the cost of internet on your Royal Caribbean depends on your needs and the package you choose. As of April 2023, for example, you can pay as little as $15.99 per device, per day for a plan that allows you to surf the internet — browsing websites, reading articles and sending emails. Surf + Stream packages, meanwhile, tend to cost more, usually around $4 extra per device, per day, and those allow you to stream videos on sites such as YouTube.

Of course, you don't have to buy Wi-Fi in advance. You can choose to set sail with the intention of going off the grid for a while and decide only to access the internet once or twice during your sailing. In this case, you can purchase a 24-hour pass, which allows you to connect for 24 consecutive hours. Note that prices for options such as this are generally more expensive than pre-paid plans and plans for the duration of your cruise.

Some travelers accumulate points or onboard credit in their Crown & Anchor® Society account — a loyalty program for cruisers — that they can later use to pay for onboard Wi-Fi. There might also be circumstances in which you receive a specified amount of free Wi-Fi in the form of a promo code. And if you book even a segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠, you get a complimentary VOOM Surf + Stream package — among other treats, such as complimentary laundry service, gratuities and a deluxe beverage package. For the most part, however, there's no Royal Caribbean® Wi-Fi "hack" to staying online as you sail the sea. As in much of life, you get what you pay for.

Stay Connected As You Sail Away

Whether you're planning to get a little work done during a sea day while you sun by the pool, FaceTime with the grandparents as you put the kids to bed at night or just stay on top of your Fantasy Baseball league status, it's a relief to know you can stay connected if you choose to with Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi. Parents with little ones who can't live without their afternoon dose of "Blippi's Treehouse" or "PAW Patrol" after naptime, take notice. After all, it's not just grown-ups who have grown accustomed to having uninterrupted internet access. However, if you don't want to buy your teenagers a Wi-Fi package to indulge their video game habits, it's good to know that when they're done having fun in the sun you can send them to the Teen Hangout to spend some time in the gaming lounge, free of charge.

While internet access might not be your primary focus as you shop for cruises or plan your trip, choosing a cruise line with state-of-the-art technology means you never have to miss an episode of your favorite show or your best friend's engagement post on Instagram, even when enjoying a sea day.

t mobile cruise package

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog   Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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T-Mobile and Cruising, Unlimited Data/Texting in Port

Ben Souza

Do you know what is the best part of this new global service?  It is available to customers of T-Mobile at no additional cost.

I tested my T-Mobile Android phone in the ports of Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.  I was able to connect to 3G data in both ports for a much faster connection that I was expecting.  While it didn’t have the speeds of 4G that I am accustomed to back home, it was fine for checking email, social media sites, and uploading a few pictures.

I did enjoy watching other cruisers walking around in port with their phones/tablets out trying to find a free wifi hotspot to connect it.  It was really nice to go anywhere I wanted in port and have access to data on my phone without paying a single penny for roaming. Since I use Google Maps a lot, it came in handy to navigate around Cozumel in my rented car.

When my phone first connected to the cell phone towers on land, I received the following text message on my phone from T-Mobile: “Welcome to Mexico. Unlimited text incl with your global coverage. Talk $ .20/min. Unlimited web included as part of your global coverage. To purchase high speed data, please visit http://t-mo.co/4G-Data”.  

First, this new plan does NOT apply when using the cruise ship’s cell phone towers.  Using the service provided by the cruise ship continues to cost $5.99 per minute for phone calls with free incoming text messages (if you have texting on your plan) and outgoing texts costing .50 each.  Data is also at the over-inflated price of $15 per mb.  The moment you step on the ship until the moment you step off your phone should have “data roaming” turned off.

Anytime you turn data roaming off on your phone, make sure that you are connected to a cell phone tower on land and not the ship.

In order to take advantage of free data, you must be on the Simple Choice Plan.  Prepaid accounts and accounts on the old value plans are not eligible.  If you are on one of the old value plans, switching over to the Simple Choice Plans is really easy and the prices are virtually the same.

Also, tethering your phone to a laptop or tablet is not allowed.

Most of the ports in the Caribbean are included.  However, it is worth noting that the Bahamas are not on the list.  For a complete list of what countries are included, visit T-Mobile.com .  It is always good to double check the ports you will be visiting so you don’t get hit with a huge data roaming bill when you return.

If you have any questions about using T-Mobile on your next cruise, please leave a comment below.  I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

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Carnival cruise line cracking down on annoying pool deck practice, 4 carnival cruise ships will be able to visit celebration key with new pier extension, icon of the seas is royal caribbean’s greenest ship yet, related articles, wi-fi on a cruise ship: cost of internet for each cruise line, 10 ways your cell phone can either ruin or enhance your cruise, cell phone costs on a cruise.

When we arrive in Caymen and Mexico, I understand I can turn my phone off of airplane mode while in port with TMobile and have free text and data. Does my phone need to be out of airplane mode at that time and what about my cellular data? Will that need to be on or off to use the services while in port. I understand we need to turn it back to airplane mode when boarding the ship. Thank you.

I have a tmobile 4g international prepaid plan . I am traveling on Norwegian sky cruise ship to the Bahamas for 4 days , please can you tell me the availability of signal and if I need to use roaming , and what costs will be incurred . Thankyou

If you have an international plan, you should be able to use your phone without any charges while on land. However, your plan won’t cover you while you on are on the ship. Those charges will likely remain high. Always double check with your carrier before your trip to see the exact rates.

Is there anything special you have to do to take advantage of this? We will be sailing in the Western Caribbean in October.

Don, as long as you are on the simple choice plan, your phone will work as if you are home. There is nothing special that you have to do. You can see a list of countries included here: http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

Wonder why I only had 10 MB data available to use on my cruise last week. I specifically purchased a tmobile phone and plan for travel. Texts didnt go thru either.

I too have used my phone on cruises to Mexico. Cano and Puerto Vallarta and my brother was just cruising in Bali, other ports in Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. and he could connect fine too. Also you can use your phone as a hot spot to connect your laptop or tablet to. It is also included. I made sure and used mine all of the time. even while on the ship and there was no extra charges. My brother and his partner did the same and I checked every day to make sure that there was not extra charges and there wasn’t. I love T-Mobile. been with them since they started. I knew there was a reason. Happy sailing!

Hey Rudy did you Cruise Royal Caribbean?

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AT&T Cruise Package vs T-Mobile

By VIFP1987 , January 31, 2023 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Cool Cruiser

I am currently an AT&T customer that gets their cruise package that includes unlimited text and calling while on the ship.  I also purchase a Carnival Wi-Fi value or premium plan.   

I’m considering switching to T-Mobile. It doesn’t look like they offer a cruise package comparable to AT&T.   

If you are a T-Mobile customer that uses your phone for texts and calls on the ship, what kind of pricing have you experienced?

Can I FaceTime with my phone using the ships Wi-Fi and for go the cruise plan all together?

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Share on other sites, colorado beach bum.

5 hours ago, VIFP1987 said: I am currently an AT&T customer that gets their cruise package that includes unlimited text and calling while on the ship.  I also purchase a Carnival Wi-Fi value or premium plan.    I’m considering switching to T-Mobile. It doesn’t look like they offer a cruise package comparable to AT&T.    If you are a T-Mobile customer that uses your phone for texts and calls on the ship, what kind of pricing have you experienced?   Can I FaceTime with my phone using the ships Wi-Fi and for go the cruise plan all together?   Thank you!

We have ATT and have been able to face time and iMessage using ship WiFi.  When in ports sometime get free service (Mexico) or we pay for the daily international package with ATT for $10. For us, the $100 cruise package with ATT not worth it. 

lazydayz

We have T-Mobile and don’t use it on the ship.  Almost all of the ports are included in their plan so texts are free.  I thinks calls are 20 cents per minute.  While on the ship, we use the Carnival Wi-Fi.  Given out phone plan is $30 per month per line, we are happy with it.  

1 hour ago, Colorado Beach Bum said: We have ATT and have been able to face time and iMessage using ship WiFi.  When in ports sometime get free service (Mexico) or we pay for the daily international package with ATT for $10. For us, the $100 cruise package with ATT not worth it. 

Thank you! 

30 minutes ago, lazydayz said: We have T-Mobile and don’t use it on the ship.  Almost all of the ports are included in their plan so texts are free.  I thinks calls are 20 cents per minute.  While on the ship, we use the Carnival Wi-Fi.  Given out phone plan is $30 per month per line, we are happy with it.  

Old Fart Cruisers

Our standard T-Mobile plan gives us 256 kpbs text and data, 25 cents per minute calls in most places.  Mexico and Canada is the same as is is at home.   In Greece, text and data are the same as at home but calling is 25 cents per minute 

Screenshot_20230201-085525_Messages.jpg

27 minutes ago, Old Fart Cruisers said: Our standard T-Mobile plan gives us 256 kpbs text and data, 25 cents per minute calls in most places.  Mexico and Canada is the same as is is at home.   In Greece, text and data are the same as at home but calling is 25 cents per minute 

I appreciate your help, thank you! 

LMKakaThing2

LMKakaThing2

Thanks for this info!  I'll be going to the Bahamas in 11 days and couldn't find anything about what was included at no extra cost with T-Mobile.

mz-s

One thing about T-Mobile I did enjoy was the free data when overseas. It was slow but was enough to check-in with family back home or check email or what have you. The problem I had with their service was their coverage and data speeds at my home were slower and less reliable than the Bahamas. I need good service at home far more than I need it in the Bahamas. So I went back to my previous carrier. Each to their own.

4 hours ago, LMKakaThing2 said: Thanks for this info!  I'll be going to the Bahamas in 11 days and couldn't find anything about what was included at no extra cost with T-Mobile.

You will get a text message from T-Mobile telling you what the coverage is in the country that you are in, as soon as you take the phone off of airplane mode.  You may not get a new message if you go to another port in the same country. 

crzndeb

2 hours ago, Old Fart Cruisers said:   You will get a text message from T-Mobile telling you what the coverage is in the country that you are in, as soon as you take the phone off of airplane mode.  You may not get a new message if you go to another port in the same country. 

I love getting those messages. I think if you travel a lot, especially internationally, it’s the best service to have. 

10,000+ Club

I’ve used t-Mobil for wifi calling and FaceTime while on the ship.

Also enjoyed the free texting and data plan while on the islands.

40 minutes ago, klfrodo said: I’ve used t-Mobil for wifi calling and FaceTime while on the ship. Also enjoyed the free texting and data plan while on the islands.

Thank you so much! Did you find the service on the ship to worked well for you?

DANCING GRANDMOMMY

1 hour ago, klfrodo said: I’ve used t-Mobil for wifi calling and FaceTime while on the ship. Also enjoyed the free texting and data plan while on the islands.

The man at T-mobil said that I would have an unpleasant surprise when I got back home if I used wifi calling on the ship. So now I am confused.

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Set sail and stay connected

Share your travels before you get home with a talk, text, and data package.

t mobile cruise package

Pay-per-use rates

Travel info, connect while you cruise, we have packages on over 175 cruise ships  . this gives you plenty of places to post photos, text, and stay connected while cruising..

Compatible device with domestic postpaid wireless service required. Restrictions apply.

Choose from two options for cruise connectivity

At&t cruise plus, $100 one-time charge for 30 days.

Talk: unlimited. Text: unlimited*** Data: 1GB Overage: $10/100MB

AT&T Cruise Basic

$60 one-time charge for 30 days.

Talk: 100 minutes, overage $1.00/min. Text: unlimited*** Data: 100MB Overage: $10/100MB

***Standard domestic messaging rates apply to text, picture, and video messages received.

AT&T Cruise packages (brochure terms):

Eligibility: Compatible device with eligible domestic postpaid wireless service required. Charges: One-time charge of $60 per line for Cruise Basic package or $100 per line for Cruise Plus package. Package is valid for 30 days beginning on the chosen effective date, may cross 2 bill cycles, and expires automatically. Package charge will not be prorated if canceled on or after the effective date. If package is canceled prior to the effective date, the line will not be charged. Coverage: Package applies to cellular use onboard select cruise ships listed at att.com/cruise when sailing in international waters. When the device is connected to the ship's cellular network, "cellularatsea", "wmsatsea", "901-18" or "NOR-18" displays on the device. The ship turns off its cellular network when it is within 12 nautical miles from land and docked or tendered in port, at which point cellular service is provided via the nearest country. Countries: Add AT&T International Day Pass to your eligible domestic wireless plan to cover your usage when on land or in port. Go to att.com/intldaypass for details. Business and government customers: Add an available international roaming package to your domestic wireless plan to cover usage when on land or in port. Go to att.com/internationalforbiz  to review options.  Data:   Includes 100MB of data for Cruise Basic package (smartphones only) or 1GB of data for Cruise Plus package (smartphones and tablets only). Actual data speeds vary by device and ship. Data use is subject to the same network management practices as your domestic wireless plan. See att.com/broadbandinfo for details.  Data overage:  If you exceed the amount of data in your Cruise package, additional data will automatically be provided in increments of 100MB for $10 each. Once you have incurred $100 in data overage charges or, for business and government customers, $300 in data overage charges, data use is subject to suspension, including data use on land, even if you have a separate international package for data usage on land.  Upon suspension, AT&T will provide notice and instructions for restoring data use capability. Talk: For phones only. Applies to all cellular calls dialed and accepted. Cruise Basic package includes 100 minutes of calling.  If you use all your Cruise Basic package calling minutes, additional cellular calls will be charged $1/minute. Cruise Plus package includes unlimited talk. Wi-Fi Calling: With Wi-Fi Calling enabled on eligible devices, you can call back to the U.S. at no additional charge. Unlimited Text: For phones only. Applies only to AT&T Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and not to other messaging services or applications that use data, such as iMessage. Messages received will be billed at your domestic messaging rates, unless you have a domestic plan that includes unlimited text. Pay-per-use rates: Apply when package expires, when traveling on ships not included in your package or countries not included in any international travel package added to your line, and/or when you have not added any package to the line. Go to att.com/ppurates to review rates. General: Subject to Consumer Service Agreement at att.com/csa or, for business and government customers, the applicable wireless service agreement. Availability, quality of coverage, and services while roaming are not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.

These rates apply on non-participating cruise ships, when you don’t have a package, or if your plan expires.

Talk: $3.00/min

Text: $0.50/message; $1.30/picture or video message*

Data: $2.05/MB**

*Standard domestic messaging rates apply to text, picture, and video messages received.

**usage is calculated in full kilobyte increments ($0.002/kb) and rounded up to the next full-kilobyte increment..

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Travel tips for your AT&T Cruise package

Your device will display  Cellular at Sea, 901-18 , or  NOR-18  when roaming on the ship’s network. When roaming on a land-based carrier, it will display the land carrier's network information. Cruise ships are required to turn off their wireless networks when they are 9 - 12 nautical miles from land and while in port.

Roam Latin America for Business

Only AT&T keeps you connected in the U.S. and 20 Latin American countries with unlimited high-speed data, talk & text at no extra cost.*

*Req’s AT&T Business Unlimited Premium. Coverage and data speeds vary by country. International usage should not exceed domestic usage

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AT&T Cruise Packages FAQ

What is the difference between a cruise package and other international roaming packages.

International Day Pass for Business and Business Passport packages do not include cruise ship coverage. Learn more about International Business Mobile Plans , including which countries are covered.

Is my usage covered regardless of the cruise ship I take?

AT&T cruise packages only apply to select cruise ships. If you're traveling on a non-qualifying ship, any cellular usage will be billed at pay-per-use rates . For more info, see our cruise ship guide for available services.

Will data used while on shore be included in the cruise packages?

No, the Cruise package only includes usage incurred onboard select cruise ships listed at att.com/cruise . For usage on land/in-port, add an available international business mobile plan. Go to att.com/internationalforbiz for options.

Can I have a roaming package along with a cruise package?

Yes. Cruise packages are compatible with all other international roaming packages including International Day Pass for Business.

How can I tell if I am on a ship’s wireless network versus a wireless network in an international country?

Be aware that cruise ships are required to turn off their wireless networks when they are 9-12 nautical miles from land and while in port. Also:

How long is the AT&T Cruise package effective?

Cruise packages are effective for 30 days and expire automatically. Pro-rated charges are not provided for cruises less than 30 days. The package will automatically drop off after 30 days, so there is no need to contact Customer Care to remove it.

Will one AT&T Cruise package cover all the devices on my account?

No. AT&T Cruise packages are added on a per-line basis. If you are traveling with multiple wireless devices that you wish to use during your cruise, each device must have its own cruise package.

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The Points Guy

Cruise line all-inclusive packages: Everything you need to know

L uxury lines aren't the only ones offering all-inclusive cruise packages these days. Mainstream and upscale cruise lines, which traditionally have offered a basic fare and then charged passengers a la carte for onboard expenses, have begun to offer more inclusive fare add-ons. Cruisers are buzzing about these new options, which allow them to pay upfront for popular amenities and not feel nickel-and-dimed on board.

This new pricing strategy, which goes beyond popular drinks packages , has large-ship cruise lines such as Celebrity, Holland America and Princess jockeying to compete with luxury lines and their all-inclusive fares. Small-ship cruise lines Azamara and Windstar have also hopped on the trend.

These packages are designed to make the cruise experience hassle-free by allowing passengers to pay for most of their onboard expenses — such as beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities — before they board. However, they might not always be the best option for every cruiser.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a look at which cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, what's included, how much they cost and the factors that can make them a great deal or a potential waste of money.

Celebrity Cruises' all Included package

The package.

Celebrity Cruises — known for having a grown-up, bar-centric ambience on board its ships — offers an All Included cruise fare on any itinerary (excluding the Galapagos Islands). With this fare type, passengers get two included amenities: basic Wi-Fi and Celebrity's Classic beverage package.

The package used to include crew tips, but Celebrity removed that benefit in 2023.

What's the cost of the All Included package? That depends on the destination, itinerary length and time of year. Celebrity Cruises would not provide an average, but in all the fares we priced out, passengers could expect to pay $70 per person, per day, above the base cruise fare. However, it's possible the difference in pricing can be higher on certain cruises.

When browsing for cruises on Celebrity's website, the prices you will see are the Cruise Only fares (except when noted, mostly on Retreat and AquaClass categories). During the booking process (right after cabin selection), you can choose either the higher All Included fare or the lower-priced Cruise Only fare.

Tip: If you'd like to book a balcony cabin at the All Included price, always price out AquaClass and Concierge cabins, as well. Those room types, which offer extra amenities, sometimes cost just a few dollars more (or even less) at the cruise-only fare than a veranda cabin with the add-on package.

All passengers on the reservation must select the same fare. One person can't book All Included and the other Cruise Only. Families sailing in the same cabin must all book the same fare type, although underage passengers will only have access to nonalcoholic beverages.

Related: Best all-inclusive cruise lines

The two amenities that come with an All Included booking are typically priced as follows:

  • Classic beverage package: $89 per person, per day, plus a 20% bar gratuity on every drink ordered
  • Basic Wi-Fi: $20 per person, per day

The Classic beverage package only includes drinks priced up to $10. Note that the All Included fare covers the bar gratuity normally charged to guests who purchase a beverage package independently.

Celebrity's Basic Wi-Fi plan is its value-priced option, which offers access to basic web functions: texting on messenger services, web browsing and email.

Let's crunch the numbers. Bought a la carte, Celebrity's Classic beverage package and basic Wi-Fi will cost $109 per person, per day; you will be on the hook for a 20% automatic bar gratuity on each drink ordered.

At $70 extra per person, per day, Celebrity's All Included fares are a good value for cruisers who plan to toss back multiple basic cocktails daily — there's no daily limit — and are content with basic Wi-Fi.

Passengers who book All Included fares can also opt to upgrade to the Premium beverage package (for drinks costing up to $17) for an additional $20 per person per day. This must be done within the Cruise Planner platform after final payment is made and up to two days prior to sailing.

Alternatively, they can pay the overage ($2 on a $12 glass of wine or cocktail, for instance) plus a 20% gratuity on the overage.

That puts the total cost of the All Included package at roughly $90 per person, per day, with the upgraded drinks package. Celebrity's Premium beverage package is regularly priced at $109 per person per day, plus there's an automatic 20% gratuity added to the package price (bringing the total daily cost to $130.80).

That means passengers already considering the Premium Beverage Package will definitely save by purchasing the All Included package.

Celebrity cruisers can also upgrade their package to Premium Wi-Fi — which allows messaging and video chat on messenger services, web browsing, email, social media posting, video chat live and watching videos and movies. The upgrade costs an additional $10 per person per day.

The difference between the All Included package cost with basic or premium Wi-Fi is the same as if you purchased a Wi-Fi plan a la carte.

Holland America's Have It All

Passengers booking a cruise on any Holland America ship now have the option to get four premium amenities included with the Have It All package . The line's premium package makes a HAL cruise semi-inclusive when passengers upgrade their base fare.

Here's what's included:

  • The Signature beverage package, which includes wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and nonalcoholic options (such as sodas and specialty coffees) that cost $11 and under, as well as bar gratuities. There's a daily limit of 15 beverages per person.
  • Specialty dining, with one dinner at either Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto or Tamarind included on a six- to nine-night cruise; two dinners on a 12- to 20-night cruise; and three dinners on a cruise of 21 days or longer (excluding Grand Voyages).
  • Wi-Fi Surf package for web surfing, social media and email on one device.
  • Shore excursions credit of $100 per person on a six- to nine-night cruise, $200 on a 12- to 20-night cruise and $300 on a cruise that's 21 days or longer (excluding Grand Voyages).

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

Right now, the Have It All package costs $50 per person, per day (reduced from $99 per day as of April 21, 2023). This price reduction is a temporary promotion, and an end date is not specified. When it does change, other perks may be added to the promotion.

Two passengers sharing a cabin must both select Have It All at the time of booking. Unlike most cruise all-inclusive packages, however, HAL's Have It All doesn't include crew gratuities. These will be added to passengers' onboard accounts at $16 per person, per day for guests in cabins and $17.50 per day for guests in suites.

Here is what all the elements of the Have It All package would cost if purchased separately for a seven-night cruise:

  • Shore excursion credit: $100 per person, per cruise
  • Specialty dining: $25-$40, based on restaurant selected
  • Wi-Fi: $105 (at $15 per day)
  • Signature beverage package: $384.65 (at $54.95 per person, per day)

Right now, the Have It All package costs $350 per person for a seven-night cruise, which is actually less than the $384.65 Holland America charges for its Signature beverage package for a cruise of this length. Plus, passengers get an extra $230 to $245 in shore excursion, specialty dining and Wi-Fi perks. So, at the $50 per person, per day rate, the Have It All Package is a terrific value, even for moderate drinkers.

However, when the price reverts to $99 per person, per day, or $693 per person for a seven-night cruise, the Signature beverage package ($384.65) and shore excursion, specialty dining and Wi-Fi perks ($245) only add up to $629.65. That's $63.95 less than Have It All pricing. Although, with Have It All, service charges of 18% per beverage (or $1.98 per $11 beverage) are included.

So, if you drink around 33 beverages costing $11 on a seven-night cruise (or about five a day) you can break even. And remember, you'll still need to pay daily crew gratuities.

According to Holland America, other/additional perks may become available with the Have It All package when the price changes.

Princess Plus and Princess Premier

Princess Cruises continues to modify the amenities included in its Princess Plus package , which the cruise line says offers at least a 50% savings over a la carte costs (based on a seven-night cruise). Passengers can also book the Princess Premier package for additional included perks said to offer more than 65% savings.

Princess Plus is priced at $60 per person, per day. What's included?

  • Plus Beverage Package, which includes drinks up to $15 (with a 15-drink alcoholic beverage limit per day)
  • Wi-Fi for one device per guest ($15 per day if booked separately)
  • Crew appreciation, aka gratuities ($16 per person per day for stateroom guests or $18 per person per day for suite guests)
  • Two "premium desserts" per day (purchased at the Gelateria, Swirls or Coffee and Cones)
  • Two fitness classes per cruise
  • Unlimited juice bar drinks
  • Two "casual dining" meals per guest, per cruise (at casual sit-down restaurants, like Alfredo's and Kai Sushi, and pop-up venues, like Planks and Steamers)
  • Room service delivery at no extra charge
  • OceanNow delivery (ordering food and items on your app to wherever you are on board) at no extra charge

Princess Premier costs $80 per person, per day. It features the following perks:

  • Premier beverage package, which includes drinks up to $20 (with a 15-drink alcoholic beverage limit per day)
  • Wi-Fi for up to four devices per guest
  • Crew appreciation
  • Two specialty dining meals per guest
  • Photo package (unlimited digital plus three prints up to 8 inches by 10 inches in size)
  • Unlimited "premium desserts" (at Gelateria, Swirls or Coffee and Cones)
  • Unlimited fitness classes
  • Wearable Medallion accessory
  • Reserved theater seating for production shows
  • Unlimited casual dining
  • OceanNow delivery at no extra charge
  • Princess Prizes (a chance to win extras like a wine tasting, Chef's Table experience, onboard credit or even a free cruise)

For either plan, each beverage package also includes bar gratuities (18% per beverage when ordered without the Plus or Premier packages). Passengers under 21 will automatically receive the Zero Alcohol package, which includes fountain sodas, juice bar, fresh juices, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, frappes, milkshakes and Red Bull energy drinks.

Both packages are capacity-controlled and, if sold out, may not be available for all cabin categories at the time of booking; if available, they can also be purchased on the first day of a cruise.

The first and second guests in a cabin must each book the same Plus or Premier package, but the third and fourth guests are not obligated to do so, meaning a family doesn't have to pay for amenities that kids won't use.

Wi-Fi, specialty dining and the photo package are shareable, so a family of four with two parents on the Princess Premier plan can have their children's devices on Wi-Fi, take home great family photos and enjoy one specialty dining experience with the entire family.

It might take a while to add up the cost of all the amenities, but you don't have to. For couples, the Princess Plus package is a no-brainer.

Wi-Fi and crew appreciation (totaling $31-$33 per person, per day) alone account for more than 50% of the $60 per person, per day (or $420 per person for a seven-night cruise) package charge. With less than $30 per day left to break even and with drinks up to $15 included, you don't have to overindulge to get your money's worth. Those premium desserts, casual meals, fitness classes and unlimited juice bar beverages are the icing on the cake.

For $80 per person, per day, or $540 per person for a seven-night cruise, Princess Premier offers additional savings — mostly if you already planned on purchasing a beverage package and think you'll use at least some of the other perks.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

The Premier Beverage Package costs $84.99 per person, per day, which is more than the price of the Princess Premier all-inclusive package. If you prefer premium wines and spirits and were planning on purchasing the upgraded drinks package, Princess Premier will more than pay for itself.

The two specialty dining meals are valued at $74 per person, per cruise, or more; this also gets you close to breaking even if you weren't going to purchase a beverage package. Wi-Fi for up to four devices normally costs $40 per day or $280 per seven-night cruise. Combine the two, and you're already ahead. Unlimited desserts, casual dining, fitness classes and juice bar drinks only add to your value.

The bottom line: At $80 per day, Princess Premier can be a good value — especially in comparison to other cruise-line all-inclusive packages costing the same or even more.

Azamara's Experience More

While Azamara 's basic cruise fares already include crew gratuities and standard spirits, beers and select wines (a choice of two whites, two reds and a rose daily), the cruise line's Experience More packages bundle additional onboard amenities at savings of 27% to 32%.

There are four options priced per couple/cabin and one designed for solo travelers. All are available on cruises of eight days or longer, with the exception of one package specific to shorter sailings (seven days or fewer).

The least expensive option for two people sharing a cabin is the Experience More Essentials package. It includes a Premium Beverage Package for two (with additional beer and spirits selections), unlimited Wi-Fi for one device and a $300 shore excursion credit. It's priced at $699 per cabin.

The Experience More on Short Cruises package is the only one available on sailings of seven days or fewer. It includes the Ultimate Beverage Package for two, unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, a $200 shore excursion credit, a $100 onboard spa credit, Chef's Table (a multicourse tasting menu) or Three Table Tour (one night at Aqualina, one night at Prime C and one night at your choice of restaurant) and one bag of laundry per voyage. It's priced at $799 for two people in the same cabin.

Related: Why you should splurge on a cruise ship specialty restaurant

The Experience More Enjoyment package includes the Premium Beverage Package for two, unlimited Wi-Fi for two devices, a $500 shore excursion credit and a $200 onboard spa credit. It's priced at $1,099 for two people.

The most comprehensive option for two people is the Experience More Indulgence package. It includes the Ultimate Beverage Package for two, unlimited Wi-Fi for two devices, $700 shore excursion credit, $250 onboard spa credit, Chef's Table or Three Table Tour, and five bags of laundry during the voyage. It's priced at $1,599 for two people.

Singles can get in on the savings, too, with the Experience More for Solo Travelers package. It features the Ultimate Beverage Package for one, unlimited Wi-Fi for one device, a $350 shore excursions credit, a $150 onboard spa credit, Chef's Table or Three Table Tour, and three bags of laundry during the voyage. It's priced at $899 per person.

What's the difference between the Premium and Ultimate beverage packages in these offers? The Premium package includes a larger selection of beer than the included list, plus name-brand spirits such as Absolut, Captain Morgan and Bombay Sapphire. The Ultimate package includes all the Premium offerings plus a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass, Evian and Perrier water and more top-shelf spirits.

If bought separately, the Premium package costs $16.95 per person, per day, and the Ultimate package costs $23.95 per person, per day.

Azamara has done the math for passengers:

  • Experience More Essentials: priced at $699, valued at $958.50
  • Experience More on Short Cruises: priced at $799, valued at $1,103
  • Experience More Enjoyment: priced at $1,099, valued at $1,637
  • Experience More Indulgence: priced at $1,599, valued at $2,357
  • Experience More for Solo Travelers: priced at $899, valued at $1,224

If you already plan on booking shore excursions and specialty dining reservations, enjoying wine and spirits beyond those included in the cruise fare, using Wi-Fi and paying for amenities such as specialty dining or spa treatments, the all-inclusive upgrades offer good value.

However, if you don't plan to take advantage of all the extra-fee services on board, you'll need to do the math around the amenities you would use to determine whether a package is right for you.

Windstar Cruises' All-Inclusive Fare and All-In Package

Windstar Cruises offers an All-Inclusive Fare option for a set daily fee. For Windstar, all-inclusive means unlimited beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi and all gratuities. Passengers can also still opt to book a base cruise-only fare and pay for onboard expenses on an a la carte basis.

Passengers who choose the All-Inclusive Fare prepay $89 per person, per day; the package must be booked within five days of the sail date. Those who book a cruise-only fare can also purchase the All-In Package for $99 per person, per day once they are on board.

Both the inclusive fares and onboard package cover unlimited Wi-Fi, crew gratuities and wine, beer and cocktails ordered on board (as well as the 18% beverage service charge usually tacked onto bar bills).

We took a look at the a la carte items included in the inclusive package to determine the value of Windstar's offering (based on a weeklong sailing).

  • Crew gratuities: $16 per person, per day
  • Beverage package: $65 (for Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package, which includes cocktails, aperitifs and more). These also incur an 18% service charge.
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi: $245 for a seven-night cruise ($35 per person, per day)

Wi-Fi and tips account for $51 of the $89 daily charge before factoring in bar charges. That leaves $38 for beverages. So, the value is there with the All-Inclusive Fare if you plan to enjoy at least three or four alcoholic beverages daily throughout your cruise — and you'll avoid the added service charges.

However, guests who only indulge in the occasional glass of wine or cocktail will not see the full value of the package. Similarly, passengers who prefer to buy one of Windstar's cheaper, more limited usage Wi-Fi plans (200 megabytes or 500 megabytes of data) or intend to share the cost of the Unlimited Wi-Fi plan by logging in one device at a time, might find the $89 or $99 daily charge is not worth it.

Bottom line

Should you upgrade to one of these packages? While convenience is certainly a motivating factor, whether a plan has value depends in most cases on what you think your bar tab will be.

If vacation mode means you'll be tossing back tropical cocktails at the pool all day or enjoying multiple glasses of wine at both lunch and dinner, booking an all-inclusive package is a smart option. If you're not a big drinker or enthusiastic social media user, the better deal is sometimes to stick with the basic fare and pay as you go for what you use.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Coral Princess in the Panama Canal. PRINCESS CRUISES

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    On board the ship: The cellular service offered on board the ship is considered international roaming and can be very expensive. To avoid high per-minute talk and per-MB charges, cell providers offer packages to help cruisers better budget themselves. AT&T offers AT&T Cruise Basic* for $60 for 100 minutes of talk, text, and data.

  21. I am going on cruise to the carribean on norwegian ...

    We will be on the Norgewegian Gem in the carribean, specifically Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands , Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and Tortola, British Virgin Island thank you t-mobile cruise_ships data usage Quote 6 replies Oldest first F Userlevel 7 +16 fireguy_6364 Pillar

  22. AT&T Cruise Package vs T-Mobile

    I am currently an AT&T customer that gets their cruise package that includes unlimited text and calling while on the ship. I also purchase a Carnival Wi-Fi value or premium plan. I'm considering switching to T-Mobile. It doesn't look like they offer a cruise package comparable to AT&T.

  23. T-Mobile Service on a Cruise

    2k LocationPflugerville, TX Posted December 8, 2021 On 12/8/2021 at 5:42 AM, PG Cruiser said: I have friends sailing in December who have been asking about T-Mobile service while cruising. They have been told that T-Mobile has free roaming service (provided there's coverage at their location) Can anyone share their experience with this? Thanks!

  24. AT&T Cruise Packages

    AT&T Cruise packages (brochure terms): Eligibility: Compatible device with eligible domestic postpaid wireless service required.Charges: One-time charge of $60 per line for Cruise Basic package or $100 per line for Cruise Plus package. Package is valid for 30 days beginning on the chosen effective date, may cross 2 bill cycles, and expires automatically.

  25. Cruise line all-inclusive packages: Everything you need to know

    The package. Princess Cruises continues to modify the amenities included in its Princess Plus package, which the cruise line says offers at least a 50% savings over a la carte costs (based on a ...