do msc cruise ships have wifi

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MSC Wi-Fi & Internet Packages

The Sea at its most Connected

Stay connected with our Wi-Fi on board and share every moment of your cruise with friends and family as you discover the treasures of the world,

by choosing one of our Internet Packages .

Share your special moments in real-time, stream your favorite shows or browse the web and check your emails whenever you want.

Our Internet Packages are tailored to cover the connection and the number of devices you need during your cruise.

Discover all MSC Cruises Internet Packages and book online to save up to 20% vs on board price .

The "Browse Internet Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

• Unlimited data
• 24 hour access
• Browse the web
• Send and receive emails and images
• Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp)

Save more on multiple device packages. Book in advance to get a 20% discount vs on board prices .

Add to my cruise Please note that with this package it is not possible to view videos or access video or music streaming websites (such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Music, YouTube etc.) or video chat.

The "Browse & Stream Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

• Stream music and videos
• Post video and live stream on social media

*Prices shown in the personal area are already discounted.

Check our FAQ section for additional information about our Internet Packages.

Wi-fi On Board

24/7 Internet access means you can stay in touch with the folks at home via your smartphone, tablet or laptop any time you like. Book the internet package that best suits your needs and stay connected!

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Charges apply 

Stay connected in all public areas using your devices. Service is accessible 24 hours a day.

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Reviewed: MSC Cruise Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, & More)

Heading on an MSC cruise and wondering about internet access while at sea? You’re not alone.

It wasn’t that long ago that having the internet on a cruise was a luxury. These days, it’s practically a necessity to be online. Whether it’s simply checking in at work, staying in touch with people back home, or watching a favorite show on Netflix, there’s no shortage of reasons to be online… even while on vacation.

So if you’re about to take a cruise aboard MSC, here’s what you’ll want to know about wi-fi, internet, and being online during the trip.

What Wi-Fi Packages Are Offered on MSC?

When it comes to accessing the internet, you have two different options for levels of service on MSC. The cruise line offers a basic “Browse” service and a “Browse & Stream” service.

MSC doesn’t specify any speed difference between the two and both say that they allow for “text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.”

The difference is that the “Browse & Stream” service allows for things like streaming Netflix and other services and video chat. In general, we suggest always getting the top-tier service when on any cruise as it offers the highest speeds and the most access that people are used to back home.

With both options you can choose to buy a package for the entire cruise or a 24-hour pass if you want only to access for the day.

How Much Does Wi-Fi Internet Cost on MSC?

What you pay for internet access depends on a few factors.

First, there is a 20% discount for booking a wi-fi package ahead of your cruise. Onboard prices are higher. Second, you’ll pay more for the higher-end service that allows streaming versus the more basic service.

Finally, what you’ll pay also depends on how many devices you want to connect. The lowest priced offering offers a connection for just one device. If you need more than that, you’ll pay extra. Below are the prices seen on a recent cruise:

How Fast Is the Wi-Fi Service?

During a recent cruise we put the wi-fi through the paces with the “Browse & Stream” package. Over the course of the trip, we tested the internet speed multiple times and consistently returned speeds in the 4-5 Mbps range.

Now that’s considerably slower than what you’ll experience at home. Compared to other cruise lines, however, it’s right on par. We’ve been on cruises with other lines where the service has been as slow as <1 Mbps (frankly, unusable) to ships where we’ve seen 9-12 Mbps. But on average, 4-5 Mbps is a decent speed.

That said, we were actually impressed of the feel of the speed. Normally that sort of speed feels sluggish when browsing the web and watching video can be grainy.

Our impression was the speed — while still slow by standards at home — was faster than the speed tests suggest. Websites loaded relatively quickly and streaming video started grainy, but quickly presented in HD.

Do I Have to Buy Access for Every Device? Can I Share Access?

On most cruise lines, if you purchase access for one device that means you can only use one device at a time. So if you connect with your phone, you can logout and then access via your laptop if you want.

MSC is different. In this case, whichever device you connect with first is the one you are locked into for the entire cruise. So if you want to have internet on your phone but then login with your laptop to check in on work, you’ll have to purchase access for two devices.

As well, if you are traveling as a couple and two people want to share access during the day (few people need to be connected 24 hours a day), then you have to purchase access for multiple devices.

Can I Stream Music or Movies on the Wi-Fi?

Sometimes one of our favorite thing to do is to binge a show while on a cruise as we have more time to relax than usual. Or sometimes there is a game that you don’t want to miss so you want to stream it while on vacation.

In this case, if you have the “Browse & Stream” service, then you can stream programming with the service. For instance, during our recent cruise we streamed auto racing. It took about 20-30 seconds for the picture to clear up, but then it was sharp while we watched.

While we didn’t personally stream music, given the lower bandwidth requirements, it should be no issue.

Can I Make FaceTime Calls on the Ship’s Wi-Fi?

Want to stay in touch back home? One of the best options is to use a program like FaceTime for Apple users or video chats on WhatsApp. And if you opt for the “Browse & Stream” package, then these chats are available to use.

MSC specifically lists “video chat” as one of the features available with the higher-end package. However, it is not listed on the less expensive “Browse” offer.

Can I Text Message Over the Wi-Fi Service?

Texting is how many of us communicate these days, and it’s helpful for checking in back home, talking to others on the ship, and sending quick notes.

One thing to know is that you can text through the MSC app to others on the ship for no charge. But if you connect to the wi-fi, then texting is also available like normal. We used the wi-fi to message both iPhone and Android users.

One thing to note is that another member of our party was somehow able to send/receive messages sporadically while on Ocean Cay (MSC’s private island) despite not being connected to any wi-fi service at all and having the phone on airplane mode.

Does the Wi-Fi Internet Extend to Ocean Cay?

If you’re sailing on MSC from the United States, then it’s likely your cruise will include a port of call at the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay. In fact, some trips include overnight stays here.

In that case, it is nice to know that if you have an internet package, then yes, you can use it while on Ocean Cay. You will have to switch networks from the one provided on the ship to the one provided on the island, but you’ll have full access just like you were onboard.

Do I Have to Buy Internet Access to Use MSC’s App?

Like other cruise lines, MSC offers a cruise line app that has things like the daily schedule, guides to restaurants, bars, and things to do on the ship, spend tracking, and much more.

The app is completely free to download and requires you to connect to the ship’s wi-fi to use. However, you don’t have to pay for internet access. You are able to connect the app to the wi-fi and use it for free without buying a package.

Does MSC’s Wi-Fi Allow You to Use a VPN?

While MSC doesn’t specifically mention anything about using a virtual private network when accessing the internet, we tried it out during a recent cruise. The results were hit and miss.

Using ExpressVPN, we were able to connect and then surf the internet as normal. We noticed no reduction in speed or other hiccups that can be associated at times with using one of these services.

That said, not everything was perfect. We noticed that when connected through the VPN that the MSC app did not work correctly. When we disconnected, the app began working again normally.

Can I Work or Do Schoolwork With the Wi-Fi?

These days, many people want to cruise but still keep up with things back home such as work or school. So would you be able to do that?

In general, we found speeds to be 4-5 Mbps throughout the cruise. While that’s on the slower end of connections, using the web still seemed fairly fast, albeit slower than you would be used to on land.

But perhaps just as importantly, we didn’t notice a “roller coaster” when it came to the connection. Often on cruises the connection seems to cut in and out or slow down. On this trip (albeit close to land most of the time and with good weather), the connection was stable.

In that case, we’d think that doing work that requires light online access should be just fine. For instance, a video chat with multiple other people would likely be difficult. However, if you needed to talk to one person via video, it would likely be fine. As well, if you need to watch a recorded video for school, that should be no issue.

Lighter work like email, submitting assignments, or accessing websites for research should be easy, although maybe slightly slower than you’re used to.

Is MSC’s Wi-Fi Worth It?

In the case of our test, we paid $14.39 per day before the cruise (and evidently before a recent price hike) for the “Browse & Stream” package. Today, the price is significantly higher.

During our tests, we consistently saw speeds in the 4-5 Mbps range, which is decent for a cruise across any line. What impressed us was that the connection was relatively stable. It’s common on many trips for it to seem to go in and out, but we experienced little of that sort of issue. When streaming video, it turned to HD quality within less than a minute and then stayed there. Browsing the web was quick (for a cruise ship), albeit slower than on land. We also like that service extends to Ocean Cay, providing more value.

In that case, we were pleased with the service and while we think internet prices on any cruise are expensive, if you need it, then it’s worth the cost.

The one issue we have is that we paid for one device access. Normally that means you can switch between devices, but only have one connected at a time. Therefore, multiple people traveling together can share one connection.

However, MSC doesn’t allow this. The first device you connect is your one device, and that’s it. So if you have to connect multiple devices during the cruise, then expect to pay significantly more.

More on Sailing MSC:

11 Important Differences Between MSC Cruises and Other Major Lines

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Im confused as to the prices for the wifi package , it seems more expensive per person for 2 or more devices to connect to the internet For one device pp it’s £56 but for 2 it’s £105 per person . Surely it should be £105 for 2 devices not per person ? Any idea . Thanks

I’m thinking you’re looking at the price per person for one device and then the price per person for two devices (so four devices overall).

Likely the satellite positioning for people in Europe and NA, few in the middle of the Atlantic, I had very bad internet on cruise from Dubai to Rome and from NA to Hawaii once I got away from land. As long as I can download podcasts Im happy.. although have 4 devices I use, ipad, laptop, phone and Itouch so likely use my laptop only, I wont pay for 4 devices..

i wish you tested the browse package as well.

Good article.

I’ve just returned from an 18-day transatlantic cruise on the MSC Divina, so I’ll let you know my experience with MSC’s WiFi.

Before the cruise, I purchased the two-device browse and stream. I hoped to use this with my travel router, but that didn’t work (it did on Celebrity a few months earlier).

Because of this, I purchased an additional device, which brought the total for three devices up to over $600.

Everything worked as you described while we were in the Caribbean. However, when we turned left at Barbados and headed out across the Atlantic, that’s where things rapidly fell apart.

From then on, the WiFi was basically unusable. The most popular place on the ship was the Internet “helpdesk”. Honestly, I even heard some passengers discussing banding together to complain because the service was so poor.

Once we got to mainland Europe, the WiFi was back to speed, but with the annoying factor that everything would load the Norwegian version of its website. So, you were constantly trying to work out how to change the language and currency to US (or also the UK in my case).

I did complain and was refunded around $60, which considering the WiFi was basically unusable for about half the trip, is disgusting.

Otherwise, the cruise was absolutely excellent and I couldn’t fault it. It’s a shame MSC lets itself down with their horrible technology and outdated policies.

You didn’t comment on speed in the middle of sea. I was on a MSC cruise from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Ocean Cay. I found certain time connection was slower doing office work and other times fine. Did you have any issue like that?

Our cruise went from Port Canaveral to Ocean Cay, with an overnight stop. There wasn’t much time spent at sea. But even when there was, I noticed no drop off in speed.

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Onboard Experience

Msc cruises: the ultimate guide to onboard wifi.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• MSC Cruises offers wifi and internet packages for guests on board.
• There are two main packages available: Browse Internet Cruise Package and Browse Stream Cruise Package, offering different levels of internet quality and speed.
• The price range for internet packages is generally less than $20 per day.
• There are alternative ways to access the internet, such as using internet in ports or airplane mode, downloading movies ahead of time, or utilizing complimentary internet access in certain packages or experiences.

MSC Cruises WiFi Packages

Internet Access Options

Tips for cost-effective internet usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use the msc for me app to make calls or send messages without purchasing an internet package, is there a limit to the number of devices i can connect to the msc cruises wifi, are there any restrictions on the type of websites or content that can be accessed using the onboard wifi, can i use video streaming services like netflix or youtube with the browse internet cruise package, is there a time limit for the internet usage with the msc cruises wifi packages.

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MSC Wi-FI & INTERNET PACKAGES

Our Internet Packages are tailored to cover the connection and the number of devices you need during your cruise.

Discover all MSC Cruises Internet Packages and book online to save up to 20% vs on board price.

The "Browse Internet Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices. Includes: • Unlimited data • 24 hour access • Browse the web • Send and receive emails and images • Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp) Save more on multiple device packages. Book in advance to get a 20% discount vs on board prices .

Please note that with this package it is not possible to view videos or access video or music streaming websites (such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Music, YouTube etc.) or video chat.

The "Browse & Stream Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

• Unlimited data
• 24 hour access
• Browse the web
• Send and receive emails and images
• Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp)
• Stream music and videos

Save more on multiple device packages. Book in advance to get a 20% discount vs on board prices .

*Prices shown in the personal area are already discounted

Internet FACILITIES & WI-FI ON BOARD

24/7 internet access means you can stay in touch with the folks at home via your smartphone, tablet or laptop any time you like. Book the internet package that best suits your needs and set yourself up for trouble-free communications throughout your cruise.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Charges apply 

Not only in your own cabin! On our MSC Cruises you can stay connected also in the Public Areas using your devices. The service is accessible 24 hours a day.

In addition to your cabin and to public areas, internet access is available at the Internet Cafè on the cruise ships, with its full-size screens and keyboards, complemented by high-quality printers. Available on: MSC Musica , MSC Orchestra , MSC Magnifica, MSC Poesia , MSC Divina , MSC Preziosa , MSC Splendida .

Type of service: Included

enrich your cruise and make it even more special

Book online and get advantage of our discounted prices vs. onboard prices!

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Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? A line-by-line guide to internet access at sea

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? Yes, but internet access on cruise ships is both better and worse than you might expect. If you're headed on a cruise vacation and want to stay in touch with family and friends — or stream movies and music on board the ship — it is possible to stay fully connected while at sea. But you'll need to adjust your expectations if you think the connectivity will be similar to a hotel. Connectivity can be slow and spotty, although cruise lines are working to change that.

Ships rely on satellites for their internet connections at sea. The strength of the connection depends on several factors, including where you are in the world and the weather. On many lines, certain locations — such as public spaces near the center of the ship — tend to have better connectivity than other places (like your cabin).

Cruise lines are adopting new technologies to make internet access more reliable — and more affordable. Lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean, have installed Starlink in many vessels (fleetwide, in some cases). Starlink technology provides download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps.

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Here is an overview of what to expect from internet offerings on cruise ships and a line-by-line look at the plans and pricing available on your next cruise vacation.

What types of Wi-Fi plans do cruise lines offer?

Larger mainstream cruise lines typically have several plans available for purchase, with the cheaper plans only supporting email and texting and the pricier plans allowing streaming and Wi-Fi calling. Most upscale and luxury cruise lines offer a complimentary basic Wi-Fi plan to upgrade if you need a faster connection.

Before purchasing a plan, consider how much time you'll be online, how many devices you need to connect (a smartphone, tablet and a laptop?) and how much speed you'll need. If all you want to do is check emails or send texts, you may not need to spend additional money on an upgraded plan at all. Most cruise lines, but not all of them, let you use a one-device plan across multiple devices as long as you're only logged in to one at a time.

Note that you do not need a cruise ship Wi-Fi plan to access the free services — such as ordering food or checking the daily schedule — on a cruise line's app.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Pro tips for using cruise ship Wi-Fi

Before booking your cruise, look for promotions and deals that include basic Wi-Fi. If you can't get cruise ship internet included, don't wait to purchase your internet package until you're on board: It's usually less expensive to purchase Wi-Fi packages before sailing. Buying a package for the entire cruise is typically a better deal than the daily rate.

Keep your phone in airplane mode while on the ship to avoid roaming charges and other fees. Satellite roaming fees are much higher than you realize.

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Download apps, movies and music before your cruise. Not only can you access this entertainment on the flight to your home port, but you will be prepared should the onboard internet be slow on a sea day when you'd like to catch up on your must-watch show or listen to your favorite tunes at the gym.

To find the strongest Wi-Fi signal on the ship, download a network analyzer like NetSpot.

If you don't need to stay connected while on board, head into port and find a restaurant, bar or mall with free Wi-Fi. Ask crew members on the ship about the best places for free Wi-Fi in port; they often know. Or, use apps like WiFi Map that show you locations of nearby hotspots when you're in port.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

If you're struggling to upload photos on a sea day when everyone is on board and online, wait until folks are off the ship in port to try again. Early morning and late at night, when people are sleeping, are also good times to find faster connections.

Line-by-line guide to cruise ship internet access

Want to know what's available at sea before booking your next cruise? Here's a list of the available Wi-Fi plans and pricing for each of the major mainstream and luxury cruise lines. Most prices listed are per person, per day for the length of the cruise, and for one device unless otherwise indicated. Note that cruise lines can update pricing and plans at any time.

Price: Starting at $19.95 per day

Azamara 's internet access is provided by AT&T and Wireless Maritime Service. Guests on board the line's ships can choose to use one of their own devices to access Wi-Fi, such as a laptop or smartphone, or they can log in at one of the onboard Touch workstations.

You can purchase prepaid packages during the first two days of the voyage, and pricing is based on the number of minutes — or days — guests will need access to the internet. The plans are only available for one device at a time, and unused minutes are nonrefundable. Prepaid options are priced at $19.99 for one hour of usage. A one-day pass is available at $29.95 for a full day. The daily sessions will end within 24 hours of purchase.

If guests buy a Full Cruise Unlimited Package, the cost is $19.95 per day. This plan can be purchased at any time during the sailing, but guests will be charged for the full length of the voyage.

Members of the line's loyalty rewards program, Azamara Circle , receive benefits and perks for internet options based on their level. Members who book a Suite or Verandah Plus category can also combine their loyalty and suite Wi-Fi minutes. Perks of membership range from a 5% savings, including 30 free Wi-Fi minutes, or 20% toward a Full Voyage Unlimited Package at the Azamara Circle Adventurer level. For Discoverer Platinum members, there's a 100% savings on Wi-Fi that provides a Full Voyage Unlimited Package, no matter the category of cabin or length of the voyage.

Carnival Cruise Line

Price: starting at $12.75 per day.

Carnival Cruise Line offers guests the option of three plans via the line's satellite providers.

The Social Wi-Fi Plan provides access to the most popular social media apps, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and others. Prices start at $12.75 per day (per person) if purchased pre-cruise. The onboard purchase price is $15 per day.

The Value Wi-Fi plan, at $19.55 per day pre-cruise (onboard price is $23 per day), includes the Social plan features and allows guests to browse the internet and send and receive emails.

The fastest connection available (at three times the speed of the Value plan) is with the Premium Wi-Fi plan. At $21.25 (or $25 on board) per day, guests will be able to place video calls and stream music and videos.

You can also purchase a single 24-hour pass for the Value plan at $25 or the Premium plan at $35.

Celebrity Cruises

Price: Starting at $20 per day

Celebrity Cruises uses Starlink as a provider for internet service across its entire fleet, with the exception of its Galapagos-based ships.

For cabins booked as cruise-only fares, ranging from inside cabins to Concierge class, Wi-Fi can be purchased separately on board the ship at $20 per day per device for a Basic plan, which allows guests to browse the web, send and receive emails and text via messaging apps. The Premium plan costs $35 per day per device and adds the capability for live streaming, video chats and more. With either plan, there's a 10% savings when it's booked pre-cruise.

If guests choose the all-inclusive cruise price , fares include a Classic Drinks Package (with nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages), Basic Wi-Fi access and gratuities. AquaClass cabins always have Basic Wi-Fi included in the fare; suites in The Retreat always come with complimentary Premium Wi-Fi. If you have Basic Wi-Fi included in your cruise fare, you can upgrade to the Premium Package for $9.99 daily.

Benefits of the line's Captain's Club membership include discounts of between 10% off a Wi-Fi package for Classic-level members to a complimentary Premium Package for Zenith-level guests.

Cunard Line

Price: starting at $18 per day.

All Cunard ships are equipped with Starlink technology. You can purchase internet plans in advance of your sailing or once on board by logging onto the ship's Wi-Fi and going to the line's My Voyage app.

The Essential Internet plan is priced at $24 per day when bought on a day-by-day basis or $18 per day for the entire voyage. This option allows you to browse the internet, send and receive emails and stay connected on social media platforms via text and photos.

The Premium Internet plan includes video streaming and a three times faster connection speed than the Essential plan. The cost for this option is $36 per day, or $24 per day for the whole voyage.

The pricing for either plan is for one device at a time, and these plans can be purchased at any time during your sailing. If you want to connect to the internet using two devices at once, you can purchase an additional plan with a 10% discount.

Cunard World Club members may be eligible to receive credit toward internet on the ships: $45 per person for Gold members, $80 per person for Platinum members and $135 per person for Diamond members.

Disney Cruise Line

Price: Starting at $16 per day

Disney Cruise Line previously offered varied internet plans for different ships and cruise destinations but now offers standard packages across its fleet.

Guests can choose among three different packages, starting with the Stay Connected plan at $18 per day when purchased on a day-to-day basis and $16 per day for the entire cruise. This option will provide enough bandwidth to post photos and send texts on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly called Twitter), Snapchat and Linkedin.

Basic Surf includes the benefits of the lower-priced plan (posting photos on social media) and the ability to surf the internet and send and receive emails. It costs $28 per day when purchased on a day-to-day basis and $24 per day for the entire sailing.

The Premium Surf plan offers the fastest connection speeds and features access to Apple Music and Spotify. It costs $42 daily (on a day-to-day basis) and $34 for the entire cruise. Guests will also be able to make calls on Zoom or FaceTime and view short-form videos on sites like TikTok and YouTube, along with other benefits like access to emails, web surfing and more.

None of the packages support video streaming on platforms like Disney+, Hulu and Netflix. Discounted pricing is available for up to four devices.

Holland America Line

Price: starting at $17.15 per day.

Holland America completed the installation of Starlink across its entire fleet in December 2023, which enhanced connectivity for the line's guests and crew. The line offers three Wi-Fi plans.

The Surf Voyage package is the most popular option at $17.15 per day per device and provides access to most social media websites and applications.

The Premium package, at $34.99 per day, per device, includes audio and messaging apps, and the ability to surf the web and check emails.

The Stream package is $45.99 per day, per device, and includes streaming capability and all the benefits of the Surf Voyage and Premium packages.

If you're considering other onboard expenses, the line's "Have it All" Premium Cruise Package is an economical way to get internet access and a Signature Beverage Package (with nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks), specialty dining and a credit for shore excursions. The package is available on most sailings for $55 per person, per day.

Holland America's 5-Star Mariner guests receive a $30 credit toward a Wi-Fi package. Early Booking Benefits for Grand Voyages include 5,000 minutes of complimentary internet access in select suite categories.

MSC Cruises

Price: Starting at $17.59 per day

MSC Cruises offers two internet packages with a 20% discount for booking ahead of your sailing.

MSC's Browse Internet Cruise Package includes unlimited data, 24-hour internet access, chat and texts, and the ability to post photos and send and receive emails. Pricing starts at $17.59 per day per device (pre-cruise cost) and $21.99 per day if you buy it on board.

The Browse & Stream Cruise Package comes with the additional capability to video chat, stream music and movies, and post videos and live stream on social media. Pricing for this option is $21.59 per day, per device. The per-device price drops when purchasing either plan for multiple devices. Note that MSC does not let you switch from one device to another on the same plan, so make sure to sign in to your plan for the first time on the device you intend to use it on.

One-day internet packages are $29.99 per day (for Browse) and $34.99 (for Browse & Stream).

Voyagers Club members also receive discounts on internet packages. Guests sailing in MSC Yacht Club cabins receive a complimentary Browse package for two devices. It's possible to upgrade the package for an additional charge.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Price: starting at $29.99 per day.

Norwegian Cruise Line 's most popular internet plan is the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package. It costs $29.99 per day for one device. You can add a second device for an additional $15.99; discounted pricing is available for up to four devices. This package provides web surfing capabilities and access to email and social media apps (but not TikTok).

If you take advantage of the Free at Sea promotional cruise fare, you'll receive a number of free Unlimited Wi-Fi minutes, depending on the length of your sailing.

The Premium Package starts at $39.99 per day per device (add a second device for $25.99 per day). This package features Unlimited Wi-Fi inclusions, as well as streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, TikTok and more. Discounted pricing is available for up to four devices. Guests can purchase an upgraded package before they sail or on board the ship.

Loyal cruisers and members of the Latitudes Rewards Program receive discounts of up to 25% on Wi-Fi packages based on their membership tier level. Benefits begin with a 15% discount at the Platinum level.

It's also possible to rent a laptop on the ship or surf the internet at one of the workstations in the fleet's 24-hour Internet cafe. Any internet package can be used with a laptop rental or at the onboard cafes.

Oceania Cruises

Price: complimentary to $9.99 per day.

Starlink service is currently available on Oceania Cruises ' Vista and Riviera, with a fleetwide expansion of the service to be completed by the end of 2024.

The line provides free, unlimited internet access with all cruise fares. Guests can log on to the internet throughout the ship, including in their cabins or suites or in public spaces and outdoor areas. They can also use the computers at the Oceania@Sea Internet Center on board their ships if they don't have their own device.

Two free logins are provided per cabin or suite for use on one device at a time. Plans that include access for additional devices can be purchased on the ship, and an upgrade to streaming services for movies or music is available at a cost of $9.99 per day.

Princess Cruises

Price: Starting at $24.99 per day

Princess Cruises claims the "fastest Wi-Fi at sea" with its MedallionNet technology , with download speeds of 12.6 Mbps and upload speeds of 1.9 Mbps. Carnival Corporation and Princess achieve this speed by working with SES Networks, a leading satellite connectivity provider.

With this internet access, you can check email, chat, surf the internet, FaceTime with your kids and pets, post photos and stream shows and music with speeds similar to what you might have at home.

Guests can choose from one-device to four-device packages starting at $24.99 per day that you can purchase through the MedallionClass app pre-cruise. Discounted pricing is available for up to four devices. Platinum and Elite members of Princess Cruises' loyalty program receive a 50% discount on plans that will appear as an onboard credit on the ship.

Guests can also purchase either a bundled Princess Plus or Princess Premier package, which are priced at about a 50% savings of the overall value when purchased pre-cruise through the MedallionClass app. Princess Plus includes a beverage package (with alcoholic drinks up to $15 each), Wi-Fi for a single device and crew gratuities. The cost for this plan is $60 per person, per day.

With Princess Premier, guests will receive the Premier Beverage Package (with drinks up to $20 each), Wi-Fi for multiple devices, crew appreciation, two evenings of specialty dining, a photo package and a chance to win prizes like a free onboard wine tasting, dinner at the Chef's Table or even a free cruise or cash. This package is priced at $80 per person a day.

With the latter option, you can also share the Wi-Fi availability with other passengers in the cabin who do not have Princess Premier.

Regent Seven Seas

Starlink service is currently available on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur , with a fleetwide expansion of the service to be completed by the end of 2024.

The line offers complimentary unlimited internet access throughout its fleet. Passengers have wireless access in most of the suites on the ships. However, bandwidth-heavy applications such as Netflix, Skype, YouTube and VPN are not included in the free plans.

One login is provided per suite for use with one device at a time. Gold and higher-level members of the Seven Seas Society and guests in Concierge Suites and higher receive up to four logins/devices per suite.

If guests are interested in streaming, they can pay for a higher-bandwidth plan at the cost of $9.99 per day.

Royal Caribbean

Price: Starting at $25.99 per day

Royal Caribbean touts its Voom internet as the "fastest internet at sea," with speeds six times faster than Wi-Fi plans you'll find on other cruise ships worldwide. However, some ships have been upgraded to Starlink service, with a fleetwide expansion of the technology to be completed by the end of 2024.

Royal Caribbean discontinued its basic Surf package and currently offers one plan — the Surf + Stream package. With it, passengers can surf the internet, send and receive emails, use messenger apps, live stream and post on social media and stream music and movies while on board the ship. The plan (for one device) starts at $25.99, and unlimited voyage packages for one device are $19.99 per day.

Passengers can receive a discount by purchasing packages that bundle a drink package with internet access.

Crown & Anchor Society members receive special discounts on pricing ranging from one day of Wi-Fi free to Diamond level members and two free days for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Price: Complimentary to $19.95 per day

Seabourn provides complimentary, unlimited access to the internet to guests during their voyages. The complimentary Surf Wi-Fi Package provides unlimited access on one device per person. This plan includes general web browsing, email access and posting to social media accounts.

Should passengers need faster speeds and more bandwidth, the Stream Wi-Fi Package is an upgraded option that allows up to four devices and offers additional connectivity such as video streaming, internet calling and VPN/cloud storage.

Diamond-level members of Seabourn Club and guests booked in Penthouse and Premium suites receive the Stream plan on a complimentary basis. Passengers in other suite categories can upgrade for a charge of $19.95 per day.

Silversea Cruises

Price: Complimentary to $29.99 per day

All Silversea Cruises vessels feature Starlink connectivity on board. Silversea's standard internet access is complimentary in Vista and Verandah Suites, while premium Wi-Fi (the line's fastest Wi-Fi connection) is complimentary for guests booked in Medallion, Silver, Royal, Grand and Owner's Suites.

On the expedition ships, the level of internet access is also determined by the suite category, except for Silver Origin, which has complimentary standard Wi-Fi for all guests. For guests on Silversea's full world cruises or Grand Voyages, all passengers receive complimentary premium internet access for the sailing.

On all voyages — and with both types of internet access — the complimentary Wi-Fi is unlimited for two devices used at the same time.

If guests have standard internet access but want to upgrade to the premium plan, the price is $29.99 per day (covering two devices connected at the same time).

Price: Complimentary

All of Viking 's ocean ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can connect to the internet via a personal device such as a smartphone or laptop, or they can use one of the ship's computers in the Business Center, located on Deck 1. The line relies on a VSAT satellite terminal — what Viking says is "one of the best solutions" for internet connection at sea. VSAT can provide wide variances in speed depending on weather and location.

Viking's expedition ships and river ships in Europe, Egypt and the Mississippi also feature free internet access. On Mekong River cruises in Southeast Asia, the line advises that the best option is to use the public computers on the ship to stay connected, but the internet service is limited throughout the region. Viking also asks that guests limit large uploads, downloads and streaming so that Wi-Fi is more accessible for everyone on the sailing.

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Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

Internet WiFi Packages

Keeping in touch with the world is simpler with the enhancements realized for guests' connectivity across all the msc fleet..

Keeping in touch with the world has never been more simple MSC Cruises has announced new, faster internet packages designed around the Internet access needs of today’s holidaymakers. The new and improved connectivity will provide guests with fast, reliable access to the web and simple, easy to use packages , allowing them to share their holiday memories whilst away. Working with Marlink, a pioneer of business communication solutions for customers operating in remote environments, MSC Cruises will provide dynamic bandwidth to its 12 existing ships as well as the next-generation ships currently under construction including MSC Meraviglia  and MSC Seaside . Regardless of the ships’ itinerary, which touch nearly 183 ports across five continents, guests will receive continuous high-bandwidth global access. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO commented: “We are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and enhance the guest experience aboard what is already the most modern fleet at sea. We know that staying connected whilst on holiday is increasingly more important to our guests hence we are rolling out state-of-the-art technology to allow them to stay connected whether they are looking to share experiences and memorable moments, stay in touch with friends and family, need to stay on top of work emails or simply catch up with daily news.” The new services are now live on board MSC Preziosa  currently deployed in the Western Mediterranean, and MSC Divina  in the Caribbean and will roll-out across the entire fleet over the coming months. The new offering includes affordable internet packages with guests’ Internet and social media access habits in mind. The packages  have been designed to make it easy for guests to select the right package for their needs prior to embarkation. They will be easy to purchase, easy to upgrade and easy to top up whilst managing the consumption of each device. The Social Package is aimed at those who want to be connected 24/7 to social media, allowing them to post pictures and chat with friends. This includes popular social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Snapchat, WeChat and Pinterest. Prices start from €3.90 per day / €14.90 for a full seven day cruise. The Surfer Package is designed for moderate Internet users who want to be updated on what’s hot, surfing the web for news, sports scores and to catch up on emails. This package also includes access to social media platforms as per the Social Package. Prices start from €9.90 per day / €29.90 for a full seven day cruise. The Streamer Package has been created for heavy Internet users who need access either for work or for fun and want to be connected without any limitation with the best possible quality. This package gives full Internet and social media access, including audio and video. Prices from €19.90 per day / €59.90 for a full seven day cruise.

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Is There Wi-Fi on Cruise Ships?

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Table of Contents

Do cruises have Wi-Fi?

Types of wi-fi on cruise ships, the cost of cruise wi-fi, is there free wi-fi on a cruise, how to save money on cruise wi-fi, if you’re interested in wi-fi on cruise ships.

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? Amongst all that food, swimming, dancing and drinking you may want to post a few pictures of your fun.

But if you’re out at sea, it’s probably not a great idea to use your phone plan for service. Happily for cruisers, Wi-Fi is nearly always available, though the type and costs will vary.

Most cruise lines these days have options for onboard internet, but you’ll need to pay for access, and not all types of internet service are equal.

When you book a cruise, you’ll generally be given the opportunity to purchase Wi-Fi before boarding. Doing so can save you money versus buying on board. However, it's difficult to tell how good the connection will be before you arrive. 

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Cruise lines have been hard at work improving their Wi-Fi offerings. This is great news, as options in the past were both slow and spotty. Depending on who you’re sailing with, you can now find speeds that’ll support streaming, video calls and more.

It’s not all good news, though. The race to improve connectivity is a marathon, not a sprint.

Disney Cruise Line, for example, has updated its internet access and pricing packages for four out of its five ships.

The new service, which has three separate tiers based on what type of browsing you’d like to do, can be found on the following ships:

Disney Dream.

Disney Fantasy.

Disney Magic.

Disney Wish.

Prices are available for a single day or for your entire cruise; this is standard practice throughout the industry.

The Disney Wonder cruise ship retains the old internet connection service, which uses Connect@Sea for guests. With this program, you’ll pay a set price for the amount of data you use rather than how long you use it. 

» Learn more: The best airline elite status this year

Pricing for Wi-Fi on cruise ships varies pretty dramatically from one cruise line to another.

Sticking with Disney Cruise Line as an example, it’ll now cost you as little as $10 per day for the most basic internet package on most ships, which allows you to send photos and access social media, but little else.

The premium package, starting at $30 per day, grants you the ability to stream music and make video calls. These prices are valid when you purchase internet for the entire duration of the cruise; per-day rates are higher.

However, on the Disney Wonder, which maintains the older Connect@Sea service, pricing starts at $19.00 for just 100MB of data. 

Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to pre-purchase various packages at a discounted rate. The cost of an unlimited premium Wi-Fi package for a single device starts at $34.99 per day (or $39.99 if you wait and buy on board).

Finally, Carnival’s Wi-Fi packages start at $12.75 per day for access to social media, while premium access goes as high as $18.70 per day. 

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

There aren’t any cruises that’ll give you unlimited Wi-Fi for free, but some do provide limited complimentary services. 

Because cruise lines are already operating Wi-Fi networks, it can make sense to create in-house systems to allow guests to communicate with each other. Disney Cruise Line has done so with its app, which provides complimentary messaging to other guests on the ship. 

The service also provides showtimes, daily activities, menus and the ability to book paid activities without needing to go to the front desk. 

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best deal on your next cruise

So, let’s say you’re interested in staying connected while aboard ship. If you’re not able to wait for ports of call (or don’t have international data on your phone), it might be worthwhile to pay for a Wi-Fi package. 

Although prices have decreased over the years, it can still be pretty costly to purchase Wi-Fi for your cruise. But there are a few ways you can help lower the overall cost.

Pre-pay for internet

It’s possible to save money on your Wi-Fi purchases by pre-paying for a package before you board. For example, both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line have this option. 

Buy a day pass

Not all cruise lines offer the ability to purchase a day pass (rather than unlimited internet), but if yours does, it may be worth considering. This is especially true if you plan on being on shore as much as possible.

Disney’s day passes for the most basic internet access are $12 for 24 hours — just $2 more than the daily rate you'd get by buying the full-trip package.

Redeem points

If you’re truly looking to keep your costs as low as possible, consider paying with a credit card that’ll let you wipe away your charges .

There are plenty of cards that’ll do this, but an especially popular choice is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card . This card will allow you to redeem your points at a rate of one cent each toward any purchase you make — effectively negating the entire cost of your Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

There is internet on cruise ships if you’re interested in purchasing it. It’s faster than it used to be, and it’s also less expensive.

That said, it’s still an extra cost, so do the math before buying to confirm it makes sense for you. If you decide to take the plunge, consider pre-paying to score yourself a discount. And if you pay with a rewards card, you may be able to redeem points that'll wipe away the cost of your purchase. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 7:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm (AES/DT) Closed on Public Holidays.

MSC Wi-Fi & Internet PACKAGES

Discover all MSC Cruises Internet Packages and book online to save up to 20% vs on board price.

The "Browse Internet Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices. Includes: • Unlimited data • 24 hour access • Browse the web • Send and receive emails and images • Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp) Save more on multiple device packages. Book in advance to get a 20% discount vs on board prices .

Please note that with this package it is not possible to view videos or access video or music streaming websites (such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Music, YouTube etc.) or video chat.

The "Browse & Stream Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

• Unlimited data
• 24 hour access
• Browse the web
• Send and receive emails and images
• Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp)
• Stream music and videos

Save more on multiple device packages. Book in advance to get a 20% discount vs on board prices .

Internet FACILITIES AND WIFI ON BOARD

You can also use MSC Wifi and onboard facilities to connect to the Internet and use  full-size screens and keyboards in our Internet Cafè, available on selected ships, or connect with your devices in Public Areas.

24/7 internet access means you can stay in touch with the folks at home via your smartphone, tablet or laptop any time you like.

Book the internet package that best suits your needs and set yourself up for trouble-free communications throughout your cruise.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Charges apply 

Not only in your own cabin! On our MSC Cruises you can stay connected also in the Public Areas using your devices. The service is accessible 24 hours a day.

enrich your cruise and make it even more special

Book online and get advantage of our discounted prices vs. onboard prices!

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Home » Cruise Ships & Wifi (Free Internet on Cruise Ships?) Updated 2024

Cruise Ships & Wifi (Free Internet on Cruise Ships?) Updated 2024

Last updated on March 9th, 2024 at 08:40 pm

We live in a digital age where social media is prevalent in many aspects of our lives.

Whether we are chronicling our travels, advertising our business interests, getting remote work taken care of, sharing vlogs , or engaging with friends and family – few can go a day, much less extended time periods without Wi-Fi access or means of getting to their accounts.

Especially in this remote-work-driven world, business has become a work-from-anywhere endeavor where you can be cruising the world and still keeping a finger on the heartbeat of your other ventures.

Table of Contents

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?

The short answer is yes…but it differs from cruise line to cruise line.

What follows is a breakdown of the advertised services around Wi-Fi by the cruise line and previous cruiser insights on these services for many cruise lines sailing vacationers are considering.

Things to remember about the internet onboard cruise ships:

Ships offer internet via satellite, which will be slower than the internet you will find on land. This also means that weather can affect connectivity.

Ships also will deal with bandwidth and data issues, which means the more people that are using it at the same time, the slower it will generally be.

A common question people ask is if they will be able to work a bit from the ship, i.e. do a Zoom call, etc. The answer is usually “maybe,” but you won’t likely know until you go to actually use it.

It will depend on where in the world/ocean you are, where in the ship you are, how many other people are using at the same time, etc. It’s best not to bank on it.

Royal Caribbean WiFi Packages

After a successful trial of Starlink satellite internet on Freedom of the Seas, RCL says it will be rolling it out to the rest of the fleet soon (2022/2023). A timeline has been set that will see Starlink installed on all Royal Caribbean ships by the end of Q1 2023!

This should vastly improve the speed and reliability of the internet onboard, but for now, RCL’s internet is still touted as the “fastest internet at sea.”

From my own personal experience, I tested StarLink internet onboard the Brilliance of the Seas in January 2023. Download speed was 97.7Mbps while upload was 16.5Mbps. For most users, even heavy users, this speed is more than fast enough for streaming as well as work applications.

Royal Caribbean offers VOOM high speed internet you can add to your cruise to stream and stay connected, but costs will vary based on number of devices you wish to connect as well as your ship and sailing.

The VOOM Surf Voyage Package on average starts at $15.99/day for one device and allows you to surf the web and send emails.

If you want to be able to stream as well as browse the internet, the VOOM Surf and Stream package would be for you at an average of $22.99/day. Again, these prices vary based on ship, sailing and number of devices you wish to connect.

Watch for package deals prior to your cruise and check if your Crown and Anchor member level offers a discount on internet service.

Overall, users have good things to say about the service, though it does appear there can be some spotty coverage depending on your itinerary. You can also use Royal’s app without having to pay to connect to their Wi-Fi.

Celebrity Cruises WiFi Packages

**StarLink Internet has been installed on some Celebrity ships as of mid-2023.

With Celebrity, Premium Wi-Fi is the top-tier package you can add to your cruises on Celebrity for near-constant coverage while cruising. This package is great for those wishing to stream movies and such while underway and seems to have fairly good reviews from previous customers.

Basic Wi-Fi is for those needing some basic email and messaging services for a more value-added cost. This is included in Celebrity’s “ Always Included.”

Costs will vary based on ship, sailing and number of devices, but they do note that Wi-Fi packages are not available on ships sailing from the Galapagos.

Celebrity suggests if you book it in advance, you’ll save 10% than if you were to wait and purchase it on board, but often there will be additional deals when paired with other upgraded packages.

In 2023, Celebrity will be installing StarLink Satellite internet on its ships, which will provide a much faster experience. Stay tuned for more details as they roll out the system across all their ships.

MSC Cruises WiFi Packages

MSC Cruises, following suite with Virgin Voyages and other cruise lines,  will be rolling out Starlink across their vessels. Other major cruise operators including Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnibal have also been making the switch to Starlink.

The satellite internet , called Browse (just surfing websites), or Browse & Stream (allows for streaming Netflix) packages on MSC Cruises offer the ability to bring your own devices for public area and café spot coverage.

When added to a cruising package, it is available 24/7 with no data caps, which is nice considering others throttle when available if you read the fine print. The packages vary in price based on the length of the cruise and number of devices you wish to connect, but you can expect to pay approximately $12/day per device for the Browse internet package for a week-long cruise.

They also have cafes with printers and full screens and keyboards to facilitate work or other activities.

You can get discounts on the packages if you purchase them before boarding, or when adding multiple devices because each package is attached to a certain device, so you’d need a separate package for each device you wish to access the internet.

They do advise that if you want to use the internet when it’s fastest, to avoid doing it first thing in the morning, or when the majority of passengers return from shore excursions .

Carnival Cruises WiFi Packages

Carnival is pretty transparent in the three levels of Wi-Fi offered:

Social Plan – $6.80/person per day (can save 15% if purchased online pre-cruise) – allows access to social sites/apps, and airline websites, presumably to allow the user to check in for their flight while aboard, but may not allow access to other websites/apps

Value Plan – 10.20/person per day (can save 15% if purchased online pre-cruise) – allows surfing on websites and access to email, but does not allow for streaming (i.e. Netflix or Spotify) or for video calls (i.e. Skype or Zoom)

Premium Plan – $13.60/person per day (can save 20% if purchased online pre-cruise).  boasts three times faster connection to allow for streaming and video calling (where coverage allows).

Check the fine print and ensure that you pick the right package as there are some pre-purchase restrictions that are enforced before embarking .

*Carnival Cruise Lines will be installing StarLink Satellite internet on their ships in 2023. This will be a much faster experience. Stay tuned for more info on when it will be installed on all ships in the fleet. 

Holland America WiFi Packages

HAL offers satellite internet through the ship’s Wi-Fi or at workstations in the Explorations Cafe. There are three packages available, all with varying levels of data available:

Social – allows you to access popular social sites and apps, but may not allow for streaming or audio/video calls – $14.99/day

Surf – the most popular option which allows for broader internet surfing including news and sports sites, accessing your e-mail, but also may not allow for streaming or audio/video calls – $24.99

Premium – this has the highest amount of data which allows for everything including streaming and video calls.

The caveats with their internet, however, are that it won’t be as fast as internet on land (and current customers agree), and because it’s provided via satellite, physical blockages will affect connectivity (i.e. inclement weather or mountains).  Also, they do have a select number of free sites under “Complementary Browsing.”

*As Holland America is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Princess Cruises WiFi Packages

MedallionNet is the Wi-Fi service of Princess cruise lines, and recently they announced some improvements to their service even to help accommodate those that might need to work while onboard.

They boast their services being “The Best Wi-Fi at Sea,” and they have several unlimited day packages for as little as $9.99 a day for a one device package. If you are a Platinum or Elite guest, you’ll get 50% off, or if you purchase Princess Plus , your Wi-Fi will be included.

It must be added that there is a lot of good reviews out there that might back this claim but again, read through all the data to make the best-informed decision.

*As Princess is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Norwegian Cruise Lines WiFi Packages

Norwegian’s services onboard are offered in internet cafes onboard , with some stateroom access on certain ships.

Laptop rentals, email access, and other items for this coverage can be found on their website, but for those needing streaming services or more robust coverage for work, you must take a hard look at this one before booking.

Unlimited  Wi-Fi Package – 1 device is $25.50/day when purchased prior to your cruise. This allows you to browse websites, use social media apps (except for TikTok), and access email (no VPN).

Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package – 1 device is 34.99/day when purchased prior to your cruise. This allows access to streaming sites, like YouTube, Netflix, etc. as well as if you need to use a VPN to access your email.

Unlimited Social Media Wi-Fi – 1 device – 12.50/day when purchased prior to your cruise allows access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, but not TikTok.

Norwegian also has an option where you can purchase 250 minutes of internet for use any time during your cruise for the price of $105.00 if purchased in advance of your cruise. If you want to purchase it onboard, it will be $125 plus a $3.95 activation fee. It can be used only on one device at at time.

NCL offers different perks on different cruises, so many bookings come with some complimentary minutes of internet and it’s easy to upgrade your package once on board.

*Norwegian has experimented with StarLink internet on their ships so plan on upgrades coming in 2023. 

Disney Cruises WiFi Packages

Connect@Sea is the program covering all of Disney’s Internet packages at sea options. You will pay for the data you use, not by the minute, so if you’re looking to stream Netflix or just upload a few pictures to Instagram, you’ll be able to find the package right for you.

You can also share the package between devices simultaneously, as Disney’s technology will combine the amount of data. There is no discount for purchasing packages before your cruise, as Disney advises to look for a current price list in your cabin, or by talking to Guest Services.

There is free access to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, which is also accessible to view other data packages.

Virgin Voyages WiFi Packages

Wanting to stay ahead of the game and to keep current with their innovative approach to cruising, Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to incorporate SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO services.

SES is a global leader in satellite communications and Virgin will combine Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite coverage in their bid to deliver the fastest internet speeds for their cruise passengers.

The cruise line will be offering speeds up to 1.5 Gbps, well above the standard offerings. The pandemic changes the way the world does business, and has opened up remote working opportunities for many.

The world has also become acutely aware of the importance of connectivity. While most people don’t want to work on a vacation, the ability to remain connected, even for short periods, has made it apparent that combining business and pleasure can work out very well for all concerned.

Younger guests, such as those attracted to Virgin Voyages, tend to attract, feels that connectivity is paramount.  Having a reliable internet connection allows for cruisers to check in at work or home with confidence that those important connections will be ready and available when needed. 

Passengers will be able to keep up on messaging, emails and make video calls. This valuable service will help keep a cruiser current with business obligations and also give the peace of mind that being able to connect with home brings. 

Costa Cruises WiFi Packages

Costa features a Data and Social package for their internet, with access available in all public areas and cabins throughout their ships. They have an Internet Point area where you can use onboard devices or bring your full ship usage.

Additionally, their packages range from 250 MB to 3 GB. Their social package has a list of sites it allows access to in a more economical fashion – or you can pay as you go if you aren’t sure of your needs before sailing.

*As Costa Cruises is part of Carnival, StarLink Internet will be coming to the fleet in 2023.

Viking Ocean Cruises WiFi Packages

Internet access onboard is free , but there are some significant limitations on bandwidth for such activities as streaming. The ships do have a Business Center on board with computers or use your device, but the other amenities onboard are the draw – internet access due to itineraries, and locations along with onboard setup make access to the internet not as spectacular as on other cruise lines.

Oceania WiFi Packages

Wavenet is the internet service provided by Oceania, and the basic levels are free to all sailing with them. Additionally, a Prime option can be tacked for $9.99 a day to more robust access to allow for such things as streaming and the like.

Passengers in the premium Owners and Vista suites even get provided an iPad ensuite for the duration of the voyage for their use in accessing social media, email, and other internet options.

Azamara WiFi Packages

Azmara offers packages that start at $0.33/a minute with one-hour passes to one-day or full cruise packages. Several spelled out limitations to their services, such as Skype and others, so it’s important to go through their exceptionally detailed and transparent services listings before setting expectations for your cruise.

Silversea Cruises WiFi Packages

Silversea has unlimited complimentary internet for all those sailing. Speed limitations depend on the package level and ship, so checking to ensure you have the right service may include additional service level add-ons, but basic levels remain free.

They also feature onboard cafes where you may use their computers and other devices or bring your own and access the internet throughout their ships.

Seabourn WiFi Packages

Seabourn, the luxury cruise line is the newest cruise line to be equipped with Starlink internet . Expect fast internet speeds while you’re cruising to exotic locations offered by Seabourn. Learn more about complimentary WiFi on Seabourn .

A Word of Caution About Cruise Line Wi-Fi

Certain apps, a variety of service options, port of call , and destinations along your cruise can all impact the internet service on a ship.

If these services and having access to friends, coworkers, work, or even social media feeds are important to you, do your research before embarking as not all cruise lines have given their online services the same consideration.

Can you stream movies on a cruise ship?

Wi-Fi is getting better for certain and more readily available. While the speed of an individual cruise ship might be enough to stream movies, you might end up going through your available bandwidth quickly.

Additional charges in most cases will apply for streaming or higher/longer coverage periods and can have a significant impact on the cost of your cruise experience if not booked in advance.

That being said, it is not the same on every ship, and the costs are specific to each cruise line, so don’t make assumptions that just because you sail on one two years ago and want to pick a new line, the services may not be the same.

Why Is StarLink Internet a Game-changer for Cruise Ship Internet?

One of the primary advantages of Starlink Internet is its exceptional speed. Traditional satellite internet systems often suffer from latency issues due to the long distance signals must travel to reach the orbiting satellites and back to Earth.

However, Starlink employs a novel approach by deploying a constellation of thousands of small, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites are positioned much closer to the Earth’s surface, significantly reducing the latency and providing faster internet speeds.

Early tests and user reports have shown that Starlink offers download speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps, with latency typically under 50 milliseconds. This makes it comparable to, and sometimes even surpassing, land-based broadband connections.

These innovations are good news for ALL cruise lines passengers. Cruise lines are striving to meet the need of cruisers to maintain a reliable connection with home and work. This will be a benefit for all. 

What’s the Verdict on Cruise Ship WiFi?

Depending on the destination, cruise ship capabilities, and even your stateroom location, the variances in coverage can be significant.

Look at the cruise line websites and reviewers on popular websites like the CruiseCritic Forums who can be brutally honest in reviewing such amenities. Real-life examples may help you from being frustrated mid-cruise and not enjoying a hard-earned vacation due to slow internet when you are already out to sea.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?

N o matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you're keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.

In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.

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

A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.

Will your next cruise offer landlike Wi-Fi speeds? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.

How does Starlink work?

Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit from 22,000 miles away, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit the atmosphere from about 340 miles above the Earth's surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink's data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.

The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 5,400 satellites currently in orbit and plans in future years to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the ocean's most remote areas. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, with near-complete coverage of all the world's oceans and waterways.

The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels positioned on upper decks, replacing the now antiquated domes often placed near the ship's funnel and radar masts.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

How fast is Starlink internet access?

Starlink's website estimates download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These are wide-ranging estimates that don't factor in cruise ship-based throttling, cruise ship capacity, global positioning and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.

The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industry-wide challenge. There will be patches on a ship, regardless of which line you're sailing, where you'll find a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.

Similar to traditional satellites, severe weather can be a factor in Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can bring temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.

Cruises with Starlink

Here's a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG's guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.

Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help to identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.

Azamara 's fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Cunard 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink Wi-Fi.

Holland America

Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet, with two-thirds of the line's ships currently sailing with the upgraded service. The ships in the fleet that do not have the service include MSC Opera and MSC World Europa (both will receive Starlink in the coming weeks) and MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida (scheduled to receive Starlink before the summer 2024 season.)

There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Browse Internet Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse & Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet this year, with select ships presently sailing with the upgraded service. Currently, the ships with upgraded internet include Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl.

NCL offers two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package and the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. As part of the line's Free at Sea promotion , guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on all its ships and will have its entire fleet outfitted with the service by the end of 2024. Oceania Cruises offers fleetwide basic complimentary internet with a premium option available for streaming.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' fleet features MedallionNet, the only Wi-Fi network in the cruise industry that combines multi-orbit satellites — Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink) with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Starlink Wi-Fi can currently be found on two Regent Seven Seas ships, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur. The entire Regent Seven Seas fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2024. There are two levels of bandwidth available on Regent Seven Seas: A complimentary basic package for emails and news and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage that's available for a fee.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.

Viking 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging. There is an upgraded Premium bandwidth option available for streaming and high-bandwidth usage for an additional fee.

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
• Top 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.

I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

Related stories

Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

• Main content

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

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The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

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Several cruise lines offer kids sail free promos throughout the year.

If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2024. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Book a Holland America Line Cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries throughout the year. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including bucket-list destinations like Alaska and the Mediterranean .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Explore Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GotoSea.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries on GotoSea.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Find a Costa Cruises deal on GotoSea.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children younger than 18 cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts fun family excursions and a "Lego Experience On Board" event on every cruise. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by one of five dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
• The Best Cruises for Teens
• Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure