How Much Does Wi-Fi Cost on Royal Caribbean International?

In today’s connected world, staying online while traveling is no longer just a luxury; for many, it is a necessity. Whether it’s checking in with family, working remotely, posting travel updates on social media, or streaming your favorite shows, internet access has become an important part of daily life—even on vacation.

Cruising used to mean disconnecting from the digital world, as internet access at sea was notoriously slow and expensive. But Royal Caribbean International has completely transformed the cruising experience by introducing VOOM Internet at Sea, promoted as the fastest Wi-Fi at sea. This service allows passengers to enjoy a reliable connection across the fleet.

One of the most common questions potential cruisers ask is: How much does Wi-Fi cost on Royal Caribbean International?

This article provides a detailed breakdown of Wi-Fi costs on Royal Caribbean ships, available packages, tips for saving money, and insights into what you can expect when purchasing internet onboard.

Understanding VOOM Internet at Sea

Royal Caribbean’s Wi-Fi service is branded as VOOM Internet at Sea. Unlike traditional cruise ship Wi-Fi, which often suffered from painfully slow speeds, VOOM leverages advanced satellite technology to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity. With Starlink satellite internet being rolled out across the fleet, connection quality has further improved.

VOOM is available fleetwide and offers two primary package categories:

1. VOOM Surf – Designed for basic browsing, checking emails, and using social media.

2. VOOM Surf + Stream – A higher-tier package that supports streaming, video calls, and high-bandwidth activities.

The cost of Wi-Fi depends on the package you select, the number of devices you want to connect, and whether you purchase in advance or onboard.

Wi-Fi Pricing on Royal Caribbean

The exact cost of VOOM Wi-Fi varies by ship, itinerary, and sailing length. However, typical pricing falls within the following ranges:

1. VOOM Surf Package

• Cost if purchased onboard: Around $15 to $20 per device per day

• Discounted cost (pre-purchased): Around $12 to $15 per device per day

Best suited for:

• Email access

• Social media browsing

• Reading online news

• Messaging apps

2. VOOM Surf + Stream Package

• Cost if purchased onboard: Around $20 to $26 per device per day

• Discounted cost (pre-purchased): Around $17 to $22 per device per day

Best suited for:

• Streaming Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu

• Video calls through Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp

• Uploading large photos and videos

• Online gaming (where supported)

3. Multi-Device Plans

Royal Caribbean also offers packages for multiple devices. These plans allow more than one device to connect at the same time, ideal for families or couples traveling together.

• Two-device Surf + Stream plan: About $30 to $40 per day

• Four-device Surf + Stream plan: About $60 to $80 per day

4. Entire Cruise Packages

Instead of purchasing daily Wi-Fi, guests can buy packages for the entire duration of the cruise, often at a lower per-day cost. Prices vary depending on the cruise length and promotions available at the time of booking.

Factors That Affect Wi-Fi Cost

1. Pre-purchase vs. onboard purchaseBuying Wi-Fi before your sailing through the Cruise Planner website is usually cheaper. Discounts can be as much as 10–30% lower compared to onboard rates.

2. Number of devicesThe more devices you want connected at once, the higher the cost. Multi-device plans provide better value than purchasing separate single-device packages.

3. Cruise length and itineraryLonger itineraries may have slightly different per-day pricing. Some remote destinations may also influence availability and speed, though pricing remains similar.

4. Promotions and loyalty perksRoyal Caribbean frequently offers Cruise Planner sales before embarkation, especially during holidays or Black Friday events. Members of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program may also receive discounts or complimentary internet, depending on their tier.

How to Save Money on Wi-Fi Packages

Since Wi-Fi can be one of the more expensive extras on a cruise, many travelers look for ways to reduce the cost. Here are practical tips:

1. Purchase Before Boarding

Booking Wi-Fi in advance almost always saves money compared to onboard purchases. Regular discounts make pre-purchasing the smartest choice.

2. Watch for Cruise Planner Sales

Royal Caribbean runs promotions that discount Wi-Fi, sometimes up to 30–40%. These typically occur around major holidays, so check your Cruise Planner frequently.

3. Share a Plan

If you don’t need constant internet on multiple devices, consider purchasing a one-device plan and switching between devices when needed. Logging out of one device and logging in on another is quick and easy.

4. Choose the Right Package

If you don’t need streaming or video calls, stick with the cheaper Surf package. However, if you want to stream or work remotely, the Surf + Stream package is worth the upgrade.

5. Use Free Wi-Fi in Ports

Many ports of call have free or inexpensive Wi-Fi at cafes, restaurants, or even cruise terminals. You can plan heavy internet use for days in port to reduce your onboard package needs.

What You Get for the Price

While VOOM is more expensive than typical land-based internet, it offers significant improvements over traditional cruise Wi-Fi. Here’s what you can expect for your investment:

1. Convenience – Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including your stateroom, pool deck, dining areas, and lounges.

2. Speed – With Starlink integration, speeds are sufficient for video calls and streaming.

3. Flexibility – Packages can be tailored to single or multiple devices, and you can upgrade during the cruise.

4. Reliability – While still subject to satellite limitations, VOOM is more consistent than most cruise competitors.

Is VOOM Worth the Price?

The value of VOOM depends on your personal travel style.

• Yes, it’s worth it if:

  • You need internet for work or remote responsibilities.

  • You want to stream shows and movies.

  • You enjoy posting real-time social media updates.

  • You want to stay connected with family and friends via video calls.

• No, it may not be worth it if:

  • You prefer to disconnect completely during vacation.

  • You only need occasional access, which you can get in port.

  • You don’t use streaming or video-heavy apps.

Wi-Fi for Families and Groups

Families often debate whether to buy multiple Wi-Fi plans. Here are some strategies:

• Single Plan Sharing – Buy one device plan and let each family member log in at different times.

• Two-Device Plan – A good balance for couples or families who need simultaneous access.

• Four-Device Plan – Best for larger families with multiple teens or adults who use streaming and social apps.

This approach allows families to manage costs while ensuring everyone gets some online time.

Loyalty Perks and Wi-Fi Discounts

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program includes Wi-Fi perks for higher-tier members:

• Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members often receive free or discounted internet minutes or package discounts.

• These perks can significantly reduce the cost of VOOM, especially on longer cruises.

Tips to Maximize Your Wi-Fi Usage

Even though VOOM is fast for cruise standards, it is still satellite internet, meaning occasional slowdowns can occur. Here’s how to maximize value:

1. Download media before boarding – Movies, shows, and music can be preloaded on your device.

2. Limit background apps – Close apps that constantly use data (cloud backups, automatic updates).

3. Use messaging apps – Text-based apps like WhatsApp or iMessage use less data than video calls.

4. Stream in lower quality – If streaming, select lower video resolutions to reduce buffering.

5. Use Wi-Fi during off-peak hours – Early mornings and late evenings often see faster speeds.

Alternatives to Purchasing VOOM

While VOOM is the primary internet option onboard, some travelers consider alternatives:

• Cellular Roaming Packages – Some carriers offer cruise roaming plans, but these are often more expensive than VOOM.

• Free Wi-Fi in Ports – Many destinations provide cafes or terminals with complimentary Wi-Fi.

• Offline Travel – Some passengers embrace cruising as a chance to disconnect and avoid purchasing internet altogether.

Common Questions About Wi-Fi Costs

1. Can I buy Wi-Fi for just one day?Yes, daily rates are available, but buying for the entire cruise is usually cheaper.

2. Can I switch devices if I buy a one-device plan?Yes, you can log out of one device and log in on another.

3. Is there a free Wi-Fi option onboard?No, Royal Caribbean does not provide free Wi-Fi for all passengers. Complimentary access is limited to loyalty perks or promotional offers.

4. Can I upgrade from Surf to Surf + Stream mid-cruise?Yes, you can upgrade at any time for an additional cost.

5. Do suites include free Wi-Fi?Select suites on certain ships may include complimentary VOOM, but it depends on the booking category.

Conclusion

So, how much does Wi-Fi cost on Royal Caribbean International? The answer depends on the package, device number, and whether you purchase in advance. Generally, you can expect to pay between $12 and $26 per device per day, with significant savings available when pre-purchasing or selecting multi-device plans.

While the cost may seem high compared to land-based internet, the convenience, speed, and reliability of VOOM make it a worthwhile investment for many travelers. Whether you need to work remotely, stream your favorite shows, or simply stay in touch with loved ones, Royal Caribbean ensures that you can stay connected—even while sailing the world’s oceans.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities. If you value connectivity, VOOM offers excellent service at sea. If you’re looking to fully disconnect, you might find the cost unnecessary. Either way, knowing your options and planning ahead will help you make the most informed choice for your Royal Caribbean cruise.