As much as we all love a getaway that gives us a break from our busy and stressful lives, there’s still something a little unsettling about the thought of having no internet access.
In our modern-day world, it’s hard to even imagine that there was a time before the internet, and for most, it is not a time period we would like to revisit.
Let’s face it, nowadays living without being able to quickly recap your emails, play your online games, check your messenger apps, or video call your friends and family seems almost impossible.
Plus, have you ever tried to keep a child entertained without internet access, parents are we right?
So, if you’re getting away on a stunning Caribbean cruise, it’s normal to be a little concerned about the internet situation. After all, it’s not as if there are high-speed internet cables that run through the sea.
Well, you’ll be happy to know that Royal Caribbean does offer a variety of different internet packages for its guests that include varying levels of service. Find out more about them in this handy travel guide.
Voom Internet And Starlink
Okay, so before we get into all the nitty-gritty details of the different internet service packages on board, let’s take a minute to just talk about how the internet actually works when you take to the seas.
Generally speaking, you can expect internet speeds to be somewhat slower than the access you’ll likely have at home.
And really, when you think about it, you can see why. After all, there are no internet cable connections underneath the water or line-of-sight transmitters to provide super speedy service.
So, how do ships get access to the internet? They use a complicated, and costly, satellite system that can connect guests to the internet while bouncing over the waves. Does that then mean that you can expect slow and sluggish internet connections while aboard?
Not exactly.
This is because Royal Caribbean has partnered with nonother than Elon Musk’s SpaceX to use Starlink internet on its cruise ships.
What this means is that you’ll have a much higher speed internet connection than you could expect on most other cruise liners due to the shorter travel distance than more traditional satellite providers.
Essentially, what all this complicated jargon means is that Royal Caribbean’s internet access is the fastest option available outside of the mainland! Woohoo!
Royal Caribbean Internet Packages
Considering the quality of the internet onboard, the packages are pretty inexpensive. And you’ll also be granted unlimited internet access during your stay so you can boast those Insta-worthy photographs any day or night!
But there are two different options available in terms of internet packages, so you’ll want to decide which is the best option for you. Let’s take a look at them both in a little more detail now.
Voom Surf Voyage Package
Okay, so your first option is the more basic internet package. It still allows you to do most of the essential things you’d want to do online such as basic web browsing, checking your emails, scrolling through social media, and accessing your messenger chats. But it doesn’t allow for additional services such as streaming.
However, if what is covered is all you really need from your internet access, it’s a great option to choose since it does come at a cheaper price than the more inclusive package.
It is worth noting, though, that the internet speeds tend to be a little slower with the basic package than with the upgraded option. So, if you’re hoping to use more demanding applications it may not be the appropriate option.
Voom Surf & Stream Voyage Package
While this option is a little more expensive, it does include the full internet experience, making it well worth the additional cost.
The internet speeds are significantly higher than its cheaper counterpart and thus it works much better for more demanding applications such as audio and video streaming services.
With the upgraded package, the following features are included:
24-hour access to the internet
Ability to browse websites
Send and receive emails
Use social media
Use messenger apps
Live video calls
Streaming services – music, videos, TV, movies, and more.
Live Streaming for social media
We recommend always opting for the more inclusive package if you can afford it as it gives you more freedom while on the waters. It gives you access to all that the internet has to offer and it’s always better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Royal Caribbean’s Voom Internet Pricing
Please Note – While we’ll try to give as accurate information as possible in terms of internet pricing, it is important to know that the prices are often subject to change. Rates are a general approximation but may differ depending on the cruise liner and the time of travel.
Now, there is some discussion about the pricing of the Royal Caribbean’s internet pricing in terms of value. Some regard it as relatively expensive when compared to other cruise ships.
However, it’s important to remember that this internet connection differs vastly from pretty much every other cruise ship across the globe.
Royal Caribbean cruise ships, as we learned earlier, use complex and expensive satellites to ensure the most premium and quick internet connection, and thus this bumps up the price somewhat. In terms of the service provided, the price is actually fairly inexpensive.
But enough talking about the prices let’s actually show them:
Basic Surf Package – Around $12.99 – $15.99 per device per day
Upgraded Surf & Stream Package – Around $17.99 – $19.99 per device per day
These rates are based on purchasing the service for the entirety of your stay.
However, if you think you can live without internet service every single day then there are 24-hour passes available onboard too, though these tend to work out a fair bit more expensive. The rates are stated below:
Basic Surf Package Day Pass – Around $25.99 per device
Upgraded Surf & Stream Package – Around $32.99 per device
Voom Internet Discounts
Okay, so here’s our top tip when it comes to purchasing your internet package for the best value – purchase your package before you depart.
This tip will honestly save you tons of money which can then be put to better use – souvenirs, trinkets, experiences, meals out, or anything else you’d prefer to spend your hard-earned money on.
And doing so has never been easier. Simply log into your Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner and then make your way to the Internet & More tab. Here you’ll be able to order your desired internet package. At a much cheaper price.
Further discounts are also provided when you order internet for more than one device. And let’s face it, it’s likely you’ll need at least one device per passenger in your party.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the prices will fluctuate throughout the year, so if you notice that the prices have dropped since your purchase, you can always call the cruise line and politely enquire as to whether you can get a discount.
Failing that, you can always cancel your package and re-order it at the discounted rate!
Royal Caribbean Diamond Discount
Those that happen to be Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society members with a Diamond or above level can also receive an additional discount on their internet packages.
These discounts can be pretty significant, so you should definitely take advantage of them if you can. However, you won’t be able to pre-book your package in advance if you hope to claim your discount. You’ll have to wait until you’re aboard the ship.
The discount amount will depend on the duration of your trip, but you can expect it to look a little something like this:
4-Night Stay – 28.8% discount
5-Night Stay – 23% discount
6-Night Stay – 19.2% discount
7-Night Stay – 16.4% discount
8-Night Stay – 14.4% discount
9-Night Stay – 12.8% discount
10-Night Stay – 11.5% discount
11-Night Stay – 10.5% discount
12-Night Stay – 9.6% discount
You may still want to keep an eye out on the internet pre-voyage discounts, though, to double-check which option works out at the best value, especially if you are staying for a longer duration.
So, Just How Fast Is Voom Internet Connection?
So, we’ve learned that thanks to the ships’ partnership with Starlink, it offers some of the fastest speeds while taking to the waters, but just how fast is it exactly?
Well, of course, it can differ slightly from voyage to voyage, but you can expect approximately 77.03 Mbps download speeds and around 15.72 Mbps upload speeds.
Keep in mind, though, that this may fluctuate depending on the number of satellites overhead and the exact location of the ship. Guests have also noted that the internet connection speeds deteriorate somewhat once you head to your personal cabin.
Overall though, the speed of the internet is, in most cases, fast enough for you to do most of the things you wish to do on your devices.
From time to time there may be a few moments of waiting patiently for things to load or a few instances of buffering. But considering you’ll be in the middle of the ocean, the internet access is truly impressive.
How Reliable Is Royal Caribbean’s Voom Internet Access?
While we understand the importance of staying connected to the internet and appreciate the annoyance and frustration that can come with internet access issues, it is important to remain realistic while aboard a cruise ship.
And what we mean by this is that you should expect that there may be connectivity issues from time to time while you are onboard.
Though the cruise ship uses some of the best and most expensive technologies currently available, you are still on a ship in the middle of the ocean.
You will be relying solely on satellite technology that won’t always be as impressive or reliable as the standard high-speed cable lines that you’re used to at home.
Because of this, several different factors may influence just how reliable the internet access is. For example, the weather can affect the internet speeds as can the exact location of the ship.
With that being said, though, it is unlikely that you’ll spend days or even hours without internet access. And of all the cruise ship internet packages out there, voom is the most reliable.
Generally speaking, you’ll have internet access consistently wherever you are in the world.
The only real exceptions to this rule are when you are sailing through Alaska or some areas in Northern Europe. While you may run into trouble from time to time, these moments tend to be brief and infrequent.
Overall, Which Internet Package Should You Purchase?
Ultimately, this decision will come down to several factors such as your specific needs and your budget. However, if we were to recommend one of the packages it would certainly be the upgraded Surf & Stream option.
Simply put, it is so much quicker than the basic package, offers more freedom and flexibility in what you can do online, and provides an overall better experience.
Even if you’ll only use your device for what’s stated in the basic package, you’ll still be able to do so much quicker with this package and can hopefully escape the dreaded waiting and buffering times.
How To Access Voom Internet When Aboard A Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
You’ll be happy to hear that accessing Voom Internet on any of the Royal Caribbean cruise ships is a relatively easy and pain-free process. Nevertheless, we’ll still walk you through everything you need to know.
Enable Wi-Fi – The first thing you’ll need to do if it isn’t already automatically turned on is enable your device to use Wi-Fi. From there you can then select the ship’s internet service from the list provided.
Web Browser Opened – Once you connect, your device should automatically open a new web browser. If it doesn’t you can always do so manually.
Log-In – Once the web browser loads, it should prompt you to log in. If this does not happen you can type ‘Login.com’ into your browser which will navigate you to a page where you can sign in using a provided password.
All Done – From there you should have internet access for the package that you have purchased.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the service won’t be as strong in all locations on the ship.
You may find that the lower down the decks you go, the worse the signal becomes. If you lose connection at any point you can always repeat the aforementioned process.
If you are still having internet connection issues, then always feel free to visit the help desk situated on the boat where friendly and helpful staff will be sure to walk you through the process and help with any troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
Generally, it’s a pretty universal thing to hope for a decent internet connection wherever you are across the globe.
After all, that is the way of technology nowadays, it is so accessible that we can feel really lost without it. Plus there’s no better time to litter your social media with stunning pictures than when you’re on vacation.
Thankfully, as you’ve learned from this article, you couldn’t really pick a better cruise ship to board if you’re looking for a fast and speedy internet connection.
The Royal Caribbean uses the most advanced and high-quality internet connection technology possible when at sea.
Of course, you can still expect to have moments where the internet lags, buffers, or takes a minute to load. That is the way of the internet at sea, unfortunately.
But with that being said, voom offers the most reliable service possible at pretty great value prices. And you even know all the top tips for deals and discounts now too.
So, overall, you can expect great internet service for a great price while aboard the Royal Caribbean. So what are you waiting for, get booking your internet package today. After all, we learned that it’s cheaper to do it in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Stream Movies With VOOM?
Yes, you can! According to the popular streaming service Netflix, a minimum internet speed of 0.5Mbps is required to stream their abundance of TV shows and Movies, with 3Mbps being their recommended option for standard definition and a further 5 Mbps for HD.
The upgraded Surf & Stream packages often show speeds of 3-5 MBPS meaning that you should be able to stream to your heart’s content while onboard. Other popular streaming services are also accessible such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Can You Video Chat While Connected To VOOM?
Yes, you can! We all know how individuals can enjoy a quick call back to their family and friends at home, whether that’s just to catch up or to gloat.
Well, you can do so via Facetime, Whatsapp, or Facebook Messenger while aboard. It’s worth keeping in mind that sometimes the connection can be a little choppy and may buffer from time to time depending on the location and weather.
However, overall, it’s definitely still possible to converse with friends from afar while on vacation.
Can You Use One Account For Multiple Devices?
Alas, no, not really. The service only includes internet access for one device at a time, so if you want everyone to have internet access on their devices, you’ll need to pay for at least one device per person.
The only real way around this is to use multiple devices on one account but with only one of your devices connected at any one time.
Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Starlink Internet?
That will depend on when you are reading this article, currently, there is Starlink internet access available on the following ships:
1. Freedom of the Seas 2. Independence of the Seas 3. Allure of the Seas 4. Enchantment of the Seas 5. Liberty of the Seas 6. Harmony of the Seas
However, the Royal Caribbean is set to roll out Starlink Internet Access across their entire fleet by the end of 2023.
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
