I've bought onboard internet on MSC and Costa, with one-day packages, a few-hours packages and full-cruise packages. In the five years since my first cruise, this has changed a lot. Here's which packages exist, how much they cost, how well they really work and who they're worth it for.
How has internet on cruise ships changed?
A lot, and almost all of it is thanks to satellites. MSC and Costa have installed Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet, on their ships, and you can tell. On my first cruises it was slow and dropped out quite often. Today it works great.
What types of wifi packages are there on board?
At first I bought a one-day package here and there, and even a few-hours ones. Today, from what I've seen, the usual choice is between one day or the whole cruise. And there are two types of package:
The social one, as they call it: it works for WhatsApp, browsing social networks and, maybe, posting a photo. It doesn't cover video calls.
The full one: it includes everything, video calls and streaming too.
You also choose how many devices you connect. I usually buy for one or two, my phone and my laptop. On my last cruise I bought a single connection: I keep it on the laptop and, when I want, I move it to my phone.
Something they don't usually tell you: you can buy up to four connections, and they don't have to be from the same cabin. Each one can belong to a person in a different cabin, and that's no problem at all.
How much does cruise wifi cost?
It depends. On my last cruise, 15 days long, internet cost me 260 euros ($286) for one device for the whole trip, which works out to about 17 euros ($19) a day. The usual range is 12 to 25 euros ($13–28) a day, depending on the quality of the package, the days you buy and the number of devices. It's one of those extras you pay for separately, as I explain in What's Included in a Cruise Price and What Do You Pay Extra For?
Does the ship's wifi really work?
Yes, and much better than a few years ago. I've done video calls, uploaded videos and gone live with no problems at all. Only at some specific moments, out at sea, can it fail. On this cruise, the Costa app has let me down a bit and sometimes gives an internet error, but the connection itself works quite well.
Where does it connect best, and where is it best to work on board?
When I work on a cruise, the first thing I look for is a quiet, comfortable spot without much noise, especially if I'm going to be on a video call. This is what I've found:
Your cabin is my first choice. Although I don't think there are antennas inside, the connection is extremely good, at least on Costa and MSC. Working by the cabin window, looking out at the sea, is a delight.
The interior of the ship is usually where coverage is best, because that's where most of the antennas are. In common areas, like cafés, it's better than in corridors.
The outdoor terraces usually have a good connection, though worse than inside. I've worked on them in the Mediterranean and it's wonderful.
The buffet when it's closed is my favorite spot: wide tables, big windows with views of the scenery and very few people.
Before Starlink, I remember areas inside MSC ships that failed more often. Now they work quite well.
How do other passengers save on wifi?
Almost everyone uses port wifi. Every time the ship docks, you generally have internet, either through roaming or with a travel SIM or eSIM, so to message someone or stay online for a while you don't need to buy anything.
And if what you want is to disconnect, this is the best option. I sometimes buy internet myself, but I don't have WhatsApp, any social network or email turned on, because what matters to me is being relaxed these days.
Is the ship's wifi worth paying for?
For me, yes. It has let me work with video calls and AI tools, and everything has worked very well.
My recommendation depends on what you're after:
If you want to disconnect, don't buy the wifi. Port wifi is enough if you need to let someone know something. It's so much better.
If you need to stay connected, get the ship's wifi. And if you'll be making video calls, the full package: it works well and you stop worrying.
Honestly, I don't look so much at the cost and, above all, I don't measure it by the hours I'll use it and get value from it. It's the other way around: I look for a connection so good that I can get my work done quickly and quickly go back to disconnecting and enjoying the ship.
In short
What types of package are there? The social one (WhatsApp and social networks, no video calls) and the full one (video calls and streaming). By the day or for the whole cruise, and up to four connections.
How much does it cost? Usually 12 to 25 euros ($13–28) a day. I paid 260 euros ($286) for 15 days and one device, about 17 euros ($19) a day.
Does it work well? Yes, thanks to the satellite. Video calls, videos and live streams with no problems.
Where does it connect best? In your cabin and inside the ship; on the terraces, a bit worse.
Is it worth it? If you need to stay connected, yes, with the full package if you make video calls. If you want to disconnect, use port wifi.
Do you already know whether on your next cruise you'll connect or disconnect?
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