Want to use the Wi-Fi on a cruise ship? Read this first

One of the questions I’m most frequently asked by anxious, always-connected travellers is whether Wi-Fi on ships is any good.

Ha. I’d need a doctorate in physics, a crystal ball and six hours to answer that question, but here goes.

Wi-Fi at sea is supplied by satellite, or land-based towers while sailing close to shore, so it isn’t as good as at home. It may cut out in remote places or amid unhelpful landscapes such as the Norwegian fjords.

Check Wi-Fi costs before you sail... maybe it’s a good time to pick up a book instead of your phone.Credit: Alamy

Wi-Fi is nevertheless widely available and has become much faster recently. However, the quality varies depending on the cruise line, individual cruise ship (some still use older systems) and the type of internet package you pay for.

The time of day influences speed too. Aim for early morning, late night and mealtimes if you’re downloading big files, for example.

The fastest options allow you to stream movies and watch social-media videos, though you’ll sometimes have buffering issues and fuzzy quality. Best download movies, music and e-books onto your device before boarding.

You shouldn’t have a problem accessing emails, websites and more static social-media apps, or making Wi-Fi phone calls.

Upmarket cruise lines include this sort of Wi-Fi in the cruise fare with a paid option to upgrade for streaming.

So, the good news is that Wi-Fi is available on every cruise ship and works well. The bad news is the expense and confusing packages available.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line has four different package choices, so you’ll have to work out what use you’re going to make of your Wi-Fi from the get-go.

The cheapest at $17 a person a day allows access only to the most popular social-media apps, but nothing else. The most expensive at $25.50 a day allows access to just about anything, including video chat and movie streaming.

Costs vary widely between cruise lines: for comparison, Cunard’s premium plan is $US28 ($45) a day. Cruise lines offer a discount – usually 15 per cent, but sometimes more – if you buy your Wi-Fi package before boarding, so be sure to do so.

Note that you’ll have to sign up for the package for each day you’re on board. One-off access is much more expensive: Cunard’s is $US40 ($64) for 24 hours.

In short, Wi-Fi packages are pricey, so you’d best resign yourself to making do with a basic package and sticking to the occasional movies offered on your cabin television system.

You may be able to use roaming on your phone to get the internet if you’re close to shore. Otherwise, keep your mobile connection off to avoid unexpected roaming fees.

My view – though I’m not a big digital surfer and will happily substitute a book for a movie – is that you could follow the crew’s example and use free local Wi-Fi in cruise terminals or elsewhere in port. You’ll save a motsa and get a digital detox while on board. Just watch the ocean, and relax.