Our Top Tips for Using Your Smartphone on a Cruise Ship

In the days of cruising’s past, travelers would embark on their cruise vacations and leave the world at home behind. In the rare case of emergency, all cruise ships offered landlines which you could use to make a call for several dollars a minute. For more routine check-ins, cruisers would wait until their next port of call and whip out an international calling card (Do you remember those things?) to use a payphone on shore.

How quickly things change! Now, almost everyone is tied to a smartphone, allowing us to not only talk to anyone but also giving us access to texting, email, social media, internet browsing, and even music and video streaming. The days of the “unconnected cruise” are long over.

While some bemoan the use of digital technology onboard cruise ships, most travelers embrace it. Now, we can escape on vacation without being completely detached from the world. We can keep up with the news, check in with family, reply to emails, and post about our adventures in real time on social media. Further, cruise lines themselves have smartphone apps that guests can download to provide an easier and smoother onboard experience.

With that in mind, we have put together our top tips for using your smartphone on a cruise ship.

Key Takeaways

• It’s important to confirm whether your current cell phone plan includes coverage outside of the U.S., and to choose the best on board wifi package that fits your needs
• Be sure to prepare prior to the cruise by downloading any apps or other things you may need before setting sail (like any e-books you might want to read while at sea!)
• While you can skip the onboard wifi and just look for hotspots while in port, make sure you keep safety in mind and don’t access sites with personal data on public internet networks
• Though smartphones and wifi access have become such an integrated part of the cruise experience, set aside time during your voyage to stay offline and just enjoy your vacation, too

10 Tips for Using Your Smartphone on a Cruise Ship (2025)

1. Confirm your current plan’s coverage

Before setting sail, check with your mobile provider to see what your coverage area includes for both calling and the internet. You may be surprised what locations are already in your coverage map. The coverage area may give you enough usage that you won’t need to upgrade your plan for your trip. If you’ll need to use voice or data beyond this coverage area, you may want to consider an international plan with your cell phone provider. Plans vary but can include international talk, text, and data. These plans can save you a ton of money in the long run.

Keep in mind that this coverage applies while ashore at your ports of call. International cell phone plans do NOT include usage while at sea on the cruise ship. However, some carriers do offer specific cruise ship plans, so if you’re interested look into what yours offers. With that being said, we’d recommend purchasing a wifi plan through your cruise line instead of going with your cell phone carrier’s cruise plan.

2. Put your phone in airplane mode

Even if you are not actively using your phone to make calls or send text messages, smartphones have automatic software updates, app content refreshes, push notifications, and more that all use data. So, when using your smartphone on a cruise ship, be sure to switch it into airplane mode before sail away.

Once your cruise ship sails away from the port, you will begin to incur a barrage of roaming fees for such data usage even if you aren’t actively using your phone. You can still use the ship’s wifi while you are in airplane mode by turning on airplane mode and then turning wifi back on. You can also take your phone out of airplane mode when docked at a port of call if you want to use your cellular coverage at that time.

3. Download any apps you need prior to leaving

Don’t waste your time or money downloading cruise line apps you want for the trip once at sea. You should do this before embarkation. Most cruise lines offer their own free smartphone app, and most functions of these apps can be used without purchasing a cruise ship WiFi plan. Cruise line apps allow you to view daily activities, make reservations, view deck plans and menus, and more.

Even if you do choose to purchase a cruise ship internet plan, connectivity and speeds will vary based on the ship’s satellite infrastructure, the type of plan you purchase, and your geographical location. So, there is no guarantee that you will be able to download these apps using cruise ship WiFi while on board — especially if you’re cruising to more remote locations.

4. Choose your cruise ship internet plan wisely

Many cruise lines now offer a variety of internet packages based on the duration of your trip and online needs that will work your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For instance, many cruise lines offer basic internet plans created for social media and messaging, which generally cost between $18 and $25 per day. They allow for access to social media and messaging platforms like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. They might also include the ability to do light browsing and access email, though that varies depending on the cruise line. You’ll have to pay for a more premium plan to do things like wifi calling, video calling, and streaming music or video.

Tip: There is the potential to save money on such packages by being a member of a cruise line’s loyalty program. Further, some cruise lines offer different cruise fare levels or inclusive add-on packages — some of which may include wifi access. Consider that perk when deciding what cruise fare to book with (if that’s an option) or whether to buy an inclusive add-on package.

5. Use wifi calling and texting options

If you’re wanting to stay in touch with family via a phone or video call, you can do so without actually calling using a cellular network. Things like WiFi audio calling and video calling (on platforms like FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Teams, and Zoom) can often be done over a cruise ship’s wifi network. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a rather strong signal for a high-quality call, and — like we said above — you may need to purchase a more expensive internet plan for this capability. But, depending on your location and internet speed, this option is worth a shot!

If you have purchased a cruise ship internet package, you can also use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage to communicate via “text” as all of these use internet (not SMS) coverage. Cruise line apps often include a messaging feature as well (sometimes for free or a small charge). This will allow you to easily communicate with others on the ship.

6. Check for wifi hotspots while ashore

Even if you do not want to spend the money required for using your smartphone on a cruise ship, it doesn’t mean that you have to disconnect for the entire vacation. You might be able to get internet access at restaurants, cafes, and even beaches while ashore at ports of call.

Many beach resorts and hotels that offer day passes include access to wifi as part of the package price. So, you could score some time to check your email, post some vacation photos on social media, or get caught up on the news while on a shore excursion. Since many of these networks are public, you should be cautious about which sites you visit while connected (see below).

7. Be Smart About What Networks and Sites You Access

Whether you are on the ship or at a port of call, the wifi you are using is public. Unless it is absolutely necessary, we recommend never accessing private accounts, such as bank accounts or credit cards, on public wifi networks. Further, when searching for wifi hotspots, you should be extra cautious about which networks you choose, only signing on to connections you can confirm belong to a reputable company or retailer. You don’t want the hassle of having your personal data or identity snatched while you are trying to access the web.

8. Be prepared for slower internet speeds

The internet on cruise ships has come a long way since it was first introduced — and even in the last five years! Using your smartphone on a cruise ship is a convenience that barely even existed 15 years ago. That being said, the wifi speeds on board will likely be slower than the broadband speeds you might be used to back home.

While speeds are now faster than they’ve ever been — especially with the introduction of Starlink satellite internet to cruise ships — the speed still ultimately depends on your specific ship’s satellite connection, the specific plan your cruise line chose, and your geographical location. Interference from landscapes, weather, and other factors can all cause variable internet speeds. After all, you are on a moving vessel!

9. Bring your smartphone accessories

Nothing is worse than traveling with your smartphone or other mobile devices then realizing that you don’t have all the accessories you intended to bring. So, make sure you pack all necessary power cords, a portable charger, and (if necessary) a charging station. You will likely spend some long days ashore and will want to ensure you stay fully charged. Further, power outlets can be quite limited in cruise ship cabins — especially on older vessels. In terms of organization, we really like this portable bag for keeping all our accessories in one place.

Making sure your smartphone is protected during your cruise is also a good idea. When going to the beach or relaxing near the pool, consider getting a waterproof phone pouch to help prevent irrevocable damage to your phone.

10. Don’t become tied to your device

The modern convenience of using a smartphone on a cruise ship is a welcomed luxury. But, you are still on vacation to explore new destinations, meet new people, have some fun, and relax. Endless scrolling on your smartphone is NOT the way to spend your vacation. Don’t let the fact that cruise ships are more “connected” than ever deter your ability to relax, socialize with fellow passengers, and truly take in the history and culture of your ports of call. Post a few pictures to share the fun with everyone back home, check in with your loved ones, then log off to enjoy your vacation.

Comments

Do you have any tips on how to best use your smartphone at sea? Do you usually purchase an internet package while on a cruise? Drop an anchor below to share your experiences on staying connected while on a cruise ship.