Do Cruise Ships Have WiFi?

Staying in touch with loved ones, world news and sports scores whilst at sea has never been easier thanks to the internet options available on the majority of the world’s most-beloved cruise liners. Here is a quick insight into the WiFi and internet connectivity of all the major cruise lines.

Azamara Club Cruises

Short Answer: Limited

WiFi connectivity is available via wireless network cards in designated areas of the two Azamara liners. Roaming charges apply and internet minutes need to be bought – $40 (75 minutes), $60 (125 minutes), $80 (185 minutes) or $100 (265 minutes).

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Carnival Cruises

Short Answer: Yes

Carnival Cruises offers one of the most comprehensive WiFi services of all cruise lines. All of the company’s vessels have ship-wide WiFi connectivity, making it more convenient to surf on-the-go. Additionally, the connection offers a bespoke internet portal, making it easier to access sports and news sites. Roaming charges from mobile phones apply and internet minutes need to be bought – $29 (45 minutes), $59 (120 minutes), $89 (240 minutes) or $159 (480 minutes).

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Celebrity Cruises

Short Answer: Mostly

Eight of the 11 Celebrity Cruises vessels offer ship-wide WiFi connectivity with only the Century, with just the Xpedition and Constellation missing out. These three do however offer WiFi in public areas. All ships play host to cyber cafes and the Eclipse, Millennium, Solstice, Silhouette, Summit and Infinity all have iLounges complete with the latest Mac products. Roaming charges from mobile phones apply and internet minutes need to be bought – $24.95 (38 minutes), $49.95 (90 minutes), $99.95 (555 minutes) or $399.95 (1,666 minutes).

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Cunard

Short Answer: A Bit

All three of Cunard’s ships have WiFi access points in certain public areas and cabins. The Cunard ConneXions lounges aboard each of the ships host 30 computer terminal each. Mobile phones must have international roaming capabilities and internet minutes need to be bought – $47.95 (60 minutes), $89.95 (120 minutes) or $167.95 (240 minutes).

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Short Answer: In the Hotspots

WiFi is available is designated hotspots aboard Fred. Olsen ships such as the libraries and lounges. Tokens need to be bought to access both WiFi connections and wired connections at 20p per minute and 25p per minute respectively.

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Holland America

Short Answer: Almost Everywhere

WiFi is available in cabins and the vast majority of public places aboard almost all Holland America vessels. Additionally, the ships all host Explorations cafes, complete with computers with internet access. Roaming charges apply and there is a WiFi activation cost of $3.95. Internet minutes need to be bought – $55 (100 minutes) or $100 (250 minutes).

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MSC Cruises

Short Answer: About 50/50

Seven of MSC Cruises’ 12 vessels contain WiFi access for passengers throughout the cabins and all public places, with the other five only offering this service in limited public places. The ships all play host to cyber cafes with internet access. Roaming charges apply and WiFi minutes need to be bought – $15 (30 minutes), $25 (60 minutes) or $80 (250 minutes).

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Short Answer: Almost 100%

Only the Norwegian Sky and Pride of America do not have complete access to WiFi throughout all public areas and cabins. These two ships do have WiFi in public areas however as well on-board computers. The Norwegian Epic also benefits from the iConcierge application allowing Android, iOS and Windows 7 users make wireless dining and excursion reservations. Roaming charges apply and internet minutes need to be bought at 75 cents per minute.

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P&O Cruises

Short Answer: Differs from Ship to Ship

All P&O ships play host to cyber cafes but only a limited have WiFi access in the cabins but it is subject to signal strengths at sea. An activation cost of £2.50 is required for P&O passengers to access the web and internet minutes need to be bought – £35 (100 minutes), £62.50 (250 minutes) or $80 (250 minutes).

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Princess Cruises

Short Answer: Yes

Forward-thinking Princess Cruises offer ship-wide WiFi on all ships as well as comprehensive internet cafes. The ships all also provide wireless network cards for laptops without sufficient connectivity. Roaming charges apply and WiFi minutes need to be bought – $55 (100 minutes), $75 (150 minutes) or $100 (250 minutes).

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Royal Caribbean International

Short Answer: Yes

Royal Caribbean have updated their fleet throughout 2014 so all vessels have ship-wide WiFi access. The on-board internet portals include direct access to sports and new sites, making surfing easier. Roaming charges apply and WiFi minutes need to be bought – $35 (60 minutes) or $150 (500 minutes).

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For more information and great deals on a wide range of cruise ships and itineraries visit the Cruise1st home page or call our dedicated sales team on 0808 2746 777.

Images sourced via Royal Caribbean Press Center Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: caccamo, Liz Lawley, Jeffrey Beall