How to Get Free Wi-Fi Onboard Royal Caribbean
The big debate while cruising! Do you need the internet while onboard or should you completely unplug and put all of your daily stresses aside?
If staying connected is essential for you while on your cruise the big question is, does Royal Caribbean offer free Wi-Fi onboard?
Unfortunately, the short answer is no. The internet is typically not included in your cruise fare. BUT there are a few ways to get it for free or at a discount.
Royal Caribbean offers VOOM onboard their cruise ships. VOOM is their high-speed internet service, designed to offer fast and reliable connectivity while you’re at sea.
The cost of the VOOM Internet Package can vary based on the ship, itinerary, and specific packages. Don’t be surprised to pay around $20 per day, and that is only for use of the internet on one device! For a 7-Night Cruise, this means that you can expect to spend $140+ just to access the internet for a week! For many, that can add up pretty fast, and just isn’t worth it.
While VOOM is typically not free, there are a few ways to get free Wi-Fi while onboard, as well as some additional ways to get a discount on it.
Become a Crown & Anchor Member
Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society is the cruise line’s loyalty program that is designed to reward repeat cruisers.
The program is free to join. After your first cruise, you will earn points every time you sail with Royal Caribbean. With how the program is currently designed, you receive one point for each night you’re onboard. You’ll earn double points per night if you stay in a suite. The more points you earn, the higher your elite status, and the more perks you receive. Pretty simple.
Crown & Anchor Member Benefits | Internet
Gold | 3 Points – 10% discount on any internet package onboard. (not combinable with other VOOM offer)
Platinum | 30 Points – 15% discount on any internet package onboard. (not combinable with other VOOM offer)
Emerald | 55 Points – 15% discount on any internet package onboard. (not combinable with other VOOM offer)
Diamond | 80 Points – 1 free day of internet.
Diamond Plus | 175 Points – 2 free days of internet.
Pinnacle Club | 700 Points – Free unlimited Surf & Stream Internet Package for one device.
Book a Suite
If you are lucky enough to have booked a suite for your upcoming cruise, you may receive some exclusive benefits for doing so. On of those being free Wi-Fi.
Guests staying in Grand Suites and above on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships are part of Royal Caribbean’s most exclusive suite program.
A benefit for these guests is that each guest in the Grand Suites receive a complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi Package for one device.
Gamble in the Casino
If you plan to gamble while on your cruise, be sure to sign up for Club Royale. With Club Royale, you’ll earn points every time you play. The more points you earn, the more perks you get. One of those being discounted, and even free internet.
How the Program Works:
Slot Machines – Earn 1 point for every $5 you play on a reel slot machine or $10 on a video poker machine.
Table Games – Earning points is based on the type of table games you are playing, your average bet and how long you play. Note, certain games are not eligible for point earning such as Texas Hold’em Poker, Keymaster, Cash Crane and coin pushers.
Club Royal Has Four Tiers:
Choice: 1-2,499 Tier Credits
Prime: 2,500 – 24,999 Tier Credits
Signature: 25,000 – 99,999 Tier Credits
Masters: 100,000+ Tier Credits
Members in the Prime Tier qualify for a discount on the Internet Package. Those in the Signature Tier receive complimentary Wi-Fi on one device. Those that reach the Masters Tier will receive complementary Wi-Fi on two devices.
Use Your Onboard Credit
Many times, when you are booking a cruise, you will receive some perks for booking. One of those being an Onboard Credit.
The amount of the Onboard Credits varies based on the current promotion. Those credits can be used towards extras such as purchasing your onboard Wi-Fi package.
You can use your Onboard Credits simply by logging into the Royal Caribbean app or your online Cruise Planner. Add the Internet Package, or any other purchases to your cart, apply your Onboard Credit, and check-out.
Find Free Wi-Fi While in Port
If you really don’t want to spend any money onboard on an Internet Package, but occasionally want to check in on your emails and social media, your best bet is finding free Wi-Fi while in port.
Regardless of the port, it is usually pretty easy to find a place that offers free Wi-Fi. Many of these establishments cater to tourists and will offer free Wi-Fi with the purchase of your meal or drink. Just keep your eyes open for signage on the businesses that indicate they have free Wi-Fi for customers.
If you have an excursion booked for the day, be sure to check to see if they offer any sort of Wi-Fi. Many of the day beach passes and all-inclusive day passes offer up some free Wi-Fi with your daily admittance. Once you arrive to the beach or resort, just connect to their Wi-Fi and you are all set for the day.
If you are worried that you will not be able to find a spot with free Wi-Fi once you get off of the ship, be sure to speak with a crew member on your ship. Believe it or not, crew members do not receive free Wi-Fi while they are on board. They are required to pay for the internet just like a vacationing passenger. They are likely to know some spots to hook up to free Wi-Fi right at the port.
Other Options
If all else fails, here are a couple more ideas to keep in mind if purchasing an Internet Package is an essential part of your cruise.
Purchase the Internet for the Day – If you don’t want to spend all of that money on the Internet Package for the entire cruise, consider purchasing the internet for just a day or two while onboard. Just stop by the VOOM Desk onboard for the latest prices on the Daily Internet Packages.
Watch for Sales – Royal Caribbean is known to offer Pre-Cruise Sales. Some of which can offer anywhere from 15% to up to 50% off select onboard items. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been known for some great Pre-Cruise Sales. Check the app or online Cruise Planner frequently so you don’t miss out.
The Wrap-Up: Does Royal Caribbean Offer Free Wi-Fi Onboard?
There you have it. While Internet Packages are not typically free on Royal Caribbean, there are ways that you can obtain that free, or discounted Wi-Fi package.
Now, it is up to you as to whether you want to have access to the internet during your vacation or to fully unplug.
Whatever you decide, we really think that you will enjoy sailing the seas with Royal Caribbean. We know that we did on our latest cruise on the Oasis of the Seas.