Can You Get Wi-Fi Onboard Cruise Ships?

So, you want to take your work with you on your vacation. Or maybe you just like to keep in touch with everyone, and you’re wondering if cruise ships offer wifi for your laptop.

Here’s the scoop on Internet access:

Except from small, adventure-oriented ships, just about all mainstream and luxury ships have Internet centers where you can check your email or surf the web. Prices are high though (usually 50 cents to $1 per minute) and speeds aren’t what you’re used to if you have a broadband connection at home.

As far as wireless network access for your laptop, some ships have wifi and some don’t. It is definitely becoming more standard though.

Currently, wifi is offered on all Carnival, Holland American, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Princess ships. It’s usually not ship-wide however, so you’ll have to head to the atrium or specially designated public rooms to get a signal.

Some of the small luxury ships are offering wifi everywhere on board (i.e. the Carnival Valor).

You’ll still have to pay though. You can typically buy packages of 33 to 500 minutes.