Internet access isn't included in your cruise rate, but it's one of the extra costs that I think is worth buying anyway.
Royal Caribbean cruises are designed to be a modular experience, rather than an all-inclusive. It allows guest to spend money on things and experiences they want, and nothing else. That provides value in not paying for drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, or spa services they may not be interested in.
While there are some high end cruise lines that include Wi-Fi with the cruise fare, mainstream lines do not.
Part of the reason why is it's expensive. Historically, satellite internet access has been much more costly than land-based offerings. Even with the switchover to Starlink, it's still not cheap.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said last year you won't see free internet on their ships because Royal Caribbean pays "a ton of money" for Internet coverage.
"We got to pay a ton, a ton, a ton of money for Wi-Fi," Mr. Bayley said after being asked about the topic at a question and answer event on cruise ship.
"I sign the invoices when they come in [and] every time I see them I'm like, oh my God." Mr. Bayley said he cringes whenever he sees the yearly bill.
He couldn't remember the exact amount the cruise line pays each year but reiterated that "it's huge."
Since it's likely never to be included, I'll continue to buy internet access on every cruise I go on.
Unlimited packages you can buy
When you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can purchase an unlimited internet package or buy 24 hour blocks of time.
There used to be tiered service tied to speeds, but there's now just one universal speed choice.
It costs less if you buy it pre-cruise, as Royal Caribbean offers discounts on its Wi-Fi packages before the sailing begins.
Prices before the cruise can be as much as 30% off, which can really cut down the cost.
For my upcoming 7-night cruise in Europe, there's a pre-cruise price of $18.99 per day for one device, which is $132.93 for 7-nights.
I always pre-purchase my internet, and I'll usually take advantage of a good sale to lock the price in. Royal Caribbean offers promotions throughout the year, and I've consistently found good prices to minimize the cost.
Being connected is a need, not a want
The reason I buy an internet package on every cruise I take is it's necessary and fast.
Royal Caribbean made a huge improvement to its ship Wi-Fi when they transitioned to Starlink. Speeds went up, latency went down, and in most cases, I'm able to use the internet on a ship much like I do at home.
My life is based in the digital realm, so I have a professional need for the internet. But even beyond my work, having internet access at sea makes my cruise better.
While I do get a free internet package every cruise because I'm a Pinnacle Club member, I still buy a second plan on every cruise so I can use my laptop and phone at the same time.
Communication is the first place an internet package becomes so helpful.
While Royal Caribbean has free messaging in its app, I prefer to use iMessage or WhatsApp to stay in contact with friends and family onboard and at home.
I like sharing updates with my parents of what we're up to, and our social lives go on at home. It's nice to remain in the loop.
Having internet access on a cruise comes in handy in so many little ways.
If you're like me, you search the internet for answers to strange questions, check the weather, look up sports scores, and of course scroll through social media feeds endlessly.
I love going on a cruise to embrace the cruise lifestyle, but I also want to keep up with the things I like about being online at home too.
I disagree being online isn't relaxing
There's this notion disconnecting on vacation is somehow the only way to relax, and I disagree with it.
I buy the internet package on a cruise for the influx of information I can get, but I'll still take a nap, sit by the pool, or enjoy a musical performance and having my phone with me doesn't take away from it.
I find my mind is more at rest if I'm not reminding myself of things I need to do. Or bothered because I can't look something up that's part of the conversation we're having.
Like all things in life, there needs to be boundaries and limits on how much you indulge in it.
Is a Royal Caribbean Voom Surf + Stream Internet Package worth it?
I never question the money spent on Wi-Fi during my cruise.
If you can buy it prior to the cruise, you should be able to save around $10 per day. Compared to so many other things you can spend money on during your cruise, I think it's a fairly low cost.
Plus, you're allowed to share the internet package, so you can let others hop on with your account and use it.
Adding in the convenience factor of being online, I think it's a solid buy.
