You may be trying to get away from it all – but you may like to be connected to the outside world on your cruise. Here are all the cruise WiFi, phone & smartwatch cruise tips you need to know.
Some of the most asked questions I get are about using WiFi, a phone, or a smartwatch on a cruise.
Why? Because this is the part of a cruise vacation that is different from staying in a hotel resort.
We rely on our phones and smartwatches so much now they have become part of daily life.
Until you embark on a cruise ship and realize half the functions on your phone or smartwatch do not work! And that the WiFi is not free (well some cruise lines include it, but most don’t).
Here is a round-up of all the cruise WiFi, phone & smartwatch cruise tips you need to know.
(This post may include affiliate links for more information see my disclaimer).
Cruise Ship WiFi
First, let’s start with the cruise ship internet, how do you get on the WiFi?
This is one of the most common questions, and the reason is that there is no WiFi password when you get to your cabin.
There is WiFi, but on most cruise lines there is a charge for using the internet. This varies from cruise line to cruise line.
Each cruise line is very similar, all you need to do is select the cruise ship WiFi in your WiFi settings.
Then follow the instructions on the pop-up screen to choose the internet package that you would like to purchase.
You will need to have your credit card registered with the front desk or with one of the ‘register your credit card machines’ on some cruise lines.
Then you can purchase an internet package as you do to purchase anything on board the cruise ship.
The best time to purchase your internet package can be when booking your cruise, so look out for special deals!
Also, bear in mind that cruise ship internet speed is a lot slower than your home internet.
The itinerary and the number of people using the internet on board will impact the speed too.
It is quite simple, but if you need more help follow the steps in this article: 5 Quick Tips How to Use the Internet on a Cruise Ship.
How to Use Your Phone on a Cruise Ship
Don’t be caught out with roaming charges with these Top 5 Tips How to Use Your iPhone on a Cruise Ship.
This article tells you how to use your iPhone settings so you avoid roaming charges, high phone call bills and not using all your WiFi plans quickly.
Also, basic info like putting your phone on airplane mode, and how to change the time when the time zone changes onboard but not with the real-world time.
Saving battery life and how to sync your Fitbit.
Sending Text Messages on a Cruise Ship
The above article does not tell you how to text for free as it is impossible now.
There used to be hoop holes but the cruise lines figured them out!
Sometimes if you have your phone push notifications on you may see messages or email notifications on the notification centre screen.
But, you usually cannot read the whole message/email and if you try to reply through the push notification centre it will not go through until you are connected online again.
The only way to use WhatsApp, FB Messenger, or any other online message app is by being connected to the internet.
If you do not pay for an internet package on the cruise ship or use your own roaming 4G/5G cell phone plans it is impossible.
Also, your own 4G/5G on your phone will only work when in port or if you are sailing near the shore.
That is only if you are on deck, or near the windows or balcony. If you are inside the ship or an inside cabin it probably will not work as there are a lot of black spots where the signal does not get through.
If you need to message friends or family that are with you on the cruise, if your cruise ship has it you may be able to message through the cruise line app.
This is only on newer cruise ships though, and there still may be a charge for using this service.
Using Apps Onboard the Cruise Ship
We use apps on our phones and tablets all the time, but do you know which ones will work without an internet connection?
This article breaks down which apps will work on board a cruise ship without a WiFi connection.
From email apps, podcasts, music, social media, books, and game apps to fitness apps, see which ones you can use on your next cruise.
Using Your Smartwatch on a Cruise Ship
Will my Apple watch work on a cruise ship? This was my biggest question recently.
I have good news it does! But as you may know, smartwatches sync with your phone, so of course some features work and others don’t when you are not connected to the internet on your phone.
I have tried and tested how to use your Apple iWatch on a cruise ship and you can read more in the full article.
Cruise Life
My backstory with the cruise industry – for the last 19 years, I have worked on board and traveled as a passenger.
I have traveled worldwide several times and been on most cruise itineraries and have a wealth of knowledge about different cruises, cruise ships, cruise ports, and cruise tips and tricks.
I started this website in 2017 as I thought it would be a great insight into the world cruise I was traveling on at the time and it continued from there.
The website has expanded from cruise ports to all aspects of travel from cruise travel to land vacations, packing guides to travel tips.
(We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
Cruise Ship Essentials
Do you need some help with your cruise packing?
From gadgets to toiletries to clothing, here are some cruising accessories from Amazon you may find useful on your next cruise.
To see more, have a look at my Amazon Storefront.
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I hope this information helps you on your next cruise, with ‘All the Cruise WiFi, Phone & Smartwatch Cruise Tips You Need to Know.’
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Happy Cruising!
