As the world becomes increasingly digital, staying connected while on vacation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a social media enthusiast, or simply want to keep in touch with family and friends back home, having access to reliable and affordable WiFi is essential. If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, you’re probably wondering what the WiFi costs are and what options are available. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Royal Caribbean’s WiFi packages, costs, and tips to help you stay connected at sea.
Understanding Royal Caribbean’s WiFi Options
Royal Caribbean offers several WiFi packages to cater to different needs and budgets. The cruises line has partnered with satellite internet provider, O3b Networks, to provide fast and reliable internet access across its fleet. The WiFi network is available on all Royal Caribbean ships, including Oasis-class, Freedom-class, Voyager-class, and Empress-class vessels.
Voom WiFi Packages
Royal Caribbean’s WiFi packages are branded as Voom, which is designed to provide fast and reliable internet access. There are several Voom packages to choose from, each offering different speeds and data allowances. Here are the three main Voom packages:
| Package | Speed | Data Allowance | Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voom Surf | Up to 2 Mbps | Unlimited | $12.99 |
| Voom Stream | Up to 5 Mbps | Unlimited | $19.99 |
| Voom Turbo | Up to 20 Mbps | Unlimited | $29.99 |
The Voom Surf package is suitable for general browsing, email, and social media, while the Voom Stream package is ideal for streaming movies and TV shows. The Voom Turbo package is designed for heavy internet users who require fast upload and download speeds.
WiFi Add-Ons
In addition to the Voom packages, Royal Caribbean offers several WiFi add-ons to enhance your internet experience. These include:
- **Priority Access**: This add-on guarantees priority access to the WiFi network, ensuring faster speeds and reduced waiting times. Cost: $5.99 per day.
- **Device extra**: This add-on allows you to connect an additional device to the WiFi network. Cost: $3.99 per day.
How to Purchase WiFi on Royal Caribbean
Purchasing WiFi on Royal Caribbean is a straightforward process that can be done before or during your cruise.
Pre-Cruise Purchase
You can purchase WiFi packages online before your cruise through the Royal Caribbean website or via the Cruise Planner tool. This is a convenient option, as you can budget for your WiFi costs in advance and avoid any last-minute decision-making.
Onboard Purchase
If you prefer to purchase WiFi onboard, you can do so via the Royal Caribbean app or by visiting the ship’s internet cafe. The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Tips for Using WiFi on Royal Caribbean
To get the most out of your WiFi package, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
**Choose the Right Package**
Select a WiFi package that aligns with your internet needs. If you only need to check emails and browse social media, the Voom Surf package may be sufficient. However, if you plan to stream movies or engage in online gaming, you may need a faster package like Voom Turbo.
**Manage Your Data Usage**
Be mindful of your data usage, especially if you’re on a slower package. Avoid downloading large files or engaging in data-intensive activities to minimize speeds.
**Use WiFi in Open Areas**
For faster speeds, try using WiFi in open areas like the pool deck or public lounges. These areas tend to have fewer devices connected, resulting in faster speeds.
**Avoid Peak Hours**
Try to avoid using WiFi during peak hours (usually between 7 pm and 10 pm) when most passengers are online. This can help reduce congestion and improve speeds.
Conclusion
Staying connected at sea is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Royal Caribbean’s WiFi packages offer fast and reliable internet access, catering to different needs and budgets. By understanding the various packages and add-ons available, you can make an informed decision and budget accordingly. Additionally, by following our tips and managing your data usage, you can get the most out of your WiFi package and enjoy a seamless internet experience onboard.
How much does Royal Caribbean’s internet package cost?
The cost of Royal Caribbean’s internet package varies depending on the length of your cruise, the type of internet package you choose, and the number of devices you want to connect. On average, the cost can range from $15 to $30 per day for a single device. However, Royal Caribbean often offers promotions and discounts, especially for longer cruises or for booking multiple devices at once.
It’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean offers different internet packages to suit different needs and budgets. The “Voom” package is their premium internet package, which offers the fastest speeds and is ideal for streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. They also offer a “Voom Surf” package, which is a more budget-friendly option that provides access to the internet for general browsing and email.
Can I purchase internet packages for multiple devices?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows you to purchase internet packages for multiple devices. In fact, they offer a discount for bundling multiple devices together. This can be a cost-effective option for families or groups traveling together. When you purchase an internet package for multiple devices, you can share the total number of devices across all users in your group.
Royal Caribbean’s internet packages for multiple devices are priced based on the number of devices you want to connect. For example, a package for two devices might cost around $25 per day, while a package for four devices might cost around $40 per day. Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with Royal Caribbean or a travel agent for the most up-to-date pricing.
Is WiFi available throughout the entire ship?
Royal Caribbean’s WiFi network is available throughout most areas of the ship, including cabins, public areas, and outdoor decks. However, the strength and speed of the signal may vary depending on your location. You may experience slower speeds or dropped connections in certain areas, such as in the ship’s theater or in remote exterior areas.
That being said, Royal Caribbean has made significant investments in improving their WiFi infrastructure in recent years. They have installed advanced satellite technology and expanded their network to provide faster and more reliable internet access throughout the ship. As a result, you can stay connected and enjoy a seamless online experience, even in the middle of the ocean.
Can I use my own WiFi hotspot on the ship?
Royal Caribbean does not allow passengers to use their own WiFi hotspots on the ship. This is because personal hotspots can interfere with the ship’s own WiFi network, causing disruptions to other passengers. Additionally, the ship’s network is designed to provide a secure and reliable internet connection, and personal hotspots may not meet the same security standards.
Instead, Royal Caribbean offers their own internet packages, which are specifically designed for use on the ship. These packages provide a fast, reliable, and secure internet connection, and they are available for purchase onboard or through the Royal Caribbean website.
Will I have internet access in port?
When your ship is in port, you may have access to internet connectivity through your mobile device’s cellular network or through public WiFi networks available in the port area. However, Royal Caribbean’s onboard internet packages do not extend to these networks, and you may incur additional charges for using them.
If you need to stay connected while in port, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international data plan through your mobile carrier. This can provide a more affordable and convenient option for staying online while exploring ports of call.
Can I stream video and music on Royal Caribbean’s WiFi network?
Royal Caribbean’s premium “Voom” internet package is designed to support streaming video and music. With Voom, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet speeds, making it possible to stream your favorite content from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. However, keep in mind that video streaming can consume a lot of bandwidth, and you may experience slower speeds if multiple devices are streaming at the same time.
It’s also important to note that Royal Caribbean’s internet packages have fair usage policies, which are designed to ensure that all passengers have a good online experience. This means that excessive data usage, including video streaming, may be subject to throttling or other restrictions.
Can I get a refund if the internet is slow or unreliable?
Royal Caribbean strives to provide a fast and reliable internet connection, but occasionally, technical issues can arise. If you experience slow or unreliable internet speeds, you should report the issue to the ship’s internet support team. They will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In some cases, Royal Caribbean may provide a refund or credit towards your onboard expenses if the internet issue is not resolved satisfactorily. However, refunds are typically provided on a case-by-case basis and may not be guaranteed. It’s always a good idea to review Royal Caribbean’s internet policies and terms and conditions before purchasing an internet package.