Nowadays, it is difficult for many to imagine their life without the Internet. Therefore, even passengers on a sea cruise need to be online to communicate with loved ones or resolve work issues.
Modern cruise ships, as a rule, have access to the Internet via satellites. However, it is important to know that Internet bandwidth at sea is patchy.
That is why you should consider in advance the possibility of connecting to the Internet while on a cruise.
Network connection options
The first method — connect mobile internet. To do this, you need to study tariff plans from different providers. If you choose the right tariff, you will have exactly the same opportunities as on land: calls, messages, Internet use. Some mobile phone services can provide a connection almost anywhere, even very far from the coast. However, such plans may be quite expensive or have limited data transfer speeds.
But, of course, satellite Internet remains the most popular method, because it has many advantages over other connection options. The ships have a direct connection with satellites thanks to the installation of special devices.
Cruise ships with satellite dishes can send and receive email, voice and text messages. Users are connected through equipment on cruise ships in special zones with wireless Internet, which can be used by everyone. The service is paid, more about it below.
My experience with these network connection options
On a cruise in Northern Europe, the internet from my home cellular provider worked great. It all depends on where the liner will go. In our case, the ship was sailing along the coast of Europe, and cellular communication was excellent.
I checked in advance with the operator the cost of connecting to the network in the countries along the cruise route and connected the necessary options. In my case, this was enough; perhaps it will be more convenient for you to simply switch to another tariff (check the details with your telecom operator). I will say this, close to civilization there is always good cellular, and therefore Internet connection.
But on a cruise around the islands of the Indian Ocean, the situation was different. Although we personally did not take the Internet package on the ship, my acquaintances from the next cabin gave me access to it. Near the coasts with large cities, usually the capitals of island states, the Internet worked at the advertised speed. Nothing superfluous, no YouTube, Netflix or any streaming video at all, even in instant messengers (video communication).
I guessed that this would be the case, so I prepared in advance. A lifesaver for traveling in such cases is the Drimsim SIM card. Operates in 197 countries and has its own application.
Excellent Internet speed and stable connection for about the price of your home operator. After the trip, you can turn it off until the next crisis. Recommend!
So, the peculiarity of this route lies not only in its unique beauty, but also in uncivilized places. During a two-day passage from the island of Mauritius to the island of Male (Seychelles) in the open ocean far from the coast — there was no communication at all anywhere on the ship! Whether it’s SIM cards or packages on a cruise ship.
Internet packages on the liner
I’ll give you an example of Internet packages on MSC Cruises ships. There are only two of them:
- BROWSE CRUISE PACKAGE
- BROWSE & STREAM CRUISE PACKAGE
You can use them either via a Wi-Fi network or via a cable with an outlet in the cabin.
The pleasure is not cheap, but as they say, it depends on the taste and color…
On some ships there are internet cafes. Funds for using the network are debited from your onboard cruise card.
Please note
When using satellite communications, it is important to take into account unforeseen circumstances: connection may be difficult, for example, during bad weather, or due to distance from the coast. Therefore, it is important to consider all possible options for connecting to the Internet during a cruise and insure yourself in advance in case of force majeure.
Please leave this field empty.
UNIQUE OFFERE!
SUBSCRIBE AND GET THE MSC CHECKLIST!
And also – all the news and regular digests with current cruise promotions and sales will be in your mailbox.
Your name * Your Email *
We do not spam! Read our privacy policy to learn more.
