Whether you’re planning to stream Netflix at sea or just want to check in with family back home, Royal Caribbean WiFi makes it easier than ever to stay connected. If you’re still in the early stages of planning your cruise, it’s smart to think ahead about WiFi needs too.
But here’s the catch: not all WiFi packages are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can leave you frustrated, buffering, or overpaying for features you’ll never use.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how Royal Caribbean WiFi works in 2025, what the Voom packages actually include, how to get the best deal, and whether it’s truly worth it for your cruise. If you’ve ever felt confused about internet at sea, this post is for you.
Table of Contents
What is Royal Caribbean WiFi?
When you hear about Royal Caribbean WiFi, you’re really hearing about Voom, the cruise line’s branded high-speed internet service. It’s not just a clever name. Voom uses low-orbit satellite technology, powered by Starlink, to bring faster and more stable internet to ships all around the world.
Compared to older cruise internet options, this is a night-and-day difference.
With Royal Caribbean WiFi, you can:
- Stream Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify
- Video chat using FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype
- Upload vacation photos instantly to your social media
- Stay connected to work via VPN (if you absolutely have to)
On newer ships like Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas, the speeds are surprisingly good, fast enough to stream or even take a Zoom call from your balcony.
But here’s the thing: it still depends on the ship, your location, and how many guests are logged in. While performance across the fleet keeps improving, Royal Caribbean WiFi isn’t always perfect. Still, for cruising at sea, it’s one of the best internet systems available at sea? It’s one of the best systems available.
How to Get Online Onboard
Connecting to Royal Caribbean WiFi is pretty straightforward, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Once you board the ship, here’s how to log in:
- Turn on WiFi on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Connect to the network named:
royal-wifi. - Open your web browser and go to any website.
- You’ll be redirected to the Royal Caribbean WiFi login portal, where you can either:
- Log in to your pre-purchased package, or
- Buy a plan on the spot and charge it to your stateroom account.
You can also pre-purchase your internet package using the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or the app before you sail. It’ll be waiting for you the moment you connect onboard.
It works a lot like hotel WiFi — just floating in the middle of the ocean.
If you’re anything like me, getting online early is a must. I usually hop on right after muster so I can check my upload queue or post cruise day updates to my site. But if you’re just using it to scroll Instagram or message friends, there’s no rush.
Voom Internet Packages Explained
Royal Caribbean WiFi is powered by Voom, and it comes in two main flavors: Surf and Surf + Stream. Choosing the right plan depends entirely on how you plan to use the internet during your cruise.
Let’s break down exactly what each package includes — so you don’t waste money or end up frustrated mid-sailing.
Surf Package
This is the entry-level plan, perfect for cruisers who just want to stay lightly connected without streaming.
With the Surf package, you can:
- Browse the web
- Check and send emails
- Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage
- Scroll social media (expect slower load times)
It’s totally fine for most casual users. But don’t expect smooth video calls or fast-loading Instagram reels, the bandwidth just isn’t built for that.
Surf + Stream Package
This is the full-throttle internet experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re planning to stream, work, or video chat, this is the package you want.
With Surf + Stream, you can:
- Stream Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more
- Video chat on Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype
- Upload videos and large media files
- Connect to work via VPN access
This is the plan I personally use every time I cruise. Between writing for the blog, replying to emails, and uploading content for my YouTube channel, I need the extra speed and stability this package provides.
Most people won’t need this level of access, but if you’re working onboard, sharing across multiple devices, or hate buffering, it’s 100% worth it.
Pricing: What Does Royal Caribbean WiFi Cost?
The cost of Royal Caribbean WiFi in 2025 depends on which package you choose, how many devices you want to connect, and whether you buy it before or during the cruise.
But here’s the key: pre-purchasing your internet package almost always saves you money. Royal Caribbean often offers 20% to 30% off when you buy WiFi through the Cruise Planner before sailing.
Here’s a general pricing range for 2025:
| Plan | Devices Allowed | Price Per Day (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Surf | 1 | $16.99 – $19.99 |
| Surf + Stream | 1 | $19.99 – $24.99 |
| Additional Devices | +1 each | ~$15 extra per day, per device |
Prices may vary slightly based on your ship, itinerary, and time of booking.
A quick breakdown:
- Surf is cheaper, but very limited
- Surf + Stream is more expensive, but way more functional
- Multi-device plans exist, but the cost adds up fast
- Single-device plans still let you switch between devices (I’ll show you how in a later section)
If you’re traveling with family, you may be tempted to get a plan for each person, but that adds up quick. In the past, Britini and I used to split our 24 hours of free WiFi between us. One day she’d use it, the next day I would. Now that I’m working while cruising, I rely more heavily on Surf + Stream to stay online daily.
If your needs are light, go basic. If you’re working, streaming, or just hate slow internet, go all in.
Can I Use WiFi at CocoCay?
Yes — you can use your Royal Caribbean WiFi package at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and there’s no extra charge to do so.
This is a huge perk. Most cruise lines cut off WiFi access the moment you step off the ship, but Royal Caribbean keeps you connected while you’re on their private island.
Whether you’re lounging at the Oasis Lagoon, grabbing a snack at Snack Shack, or riding the helium balloon up into the Bahamian sky, your connection goes with you.
As long as you’re connected to the ship’s WiFi network (which stays active from the pier), your internet plan continues working — just like you’re still onboard.
So if you want to:
- Post beach photos in real-time
- Text family back home
- Check in with work while in a cabana
you’re covered.
It’s a small thing, but honestly? Being able to stay connected at CocoCay is one of those modern luxuries that makes the experience just that much better.
Which Devices Work?
Good news — most modern devices can connect to Royal Caribbean WiFi with no problem at all. If it can connect to a standard WiFi network on land, it’ll connect at sea.
Here’s what works:
- Smartphones (iPhone, Android, Google Pixel, etc.)
- Laptops (MacBook, Windows, Chromebook)
- Tablets (iPad, Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab)
- Smartwatches with WiFi capabilities
- Kindles and e-readers (for syncing books or updates)
All of these can access Royal Caribbean WiFi using the ship’s network, typically called royal-wifi. Once you log in through your browser, you’re good to go.
Even though Royal Caribbean ships have a few shared workstations in public areas, I wouldn’t rely on them. They’re often outdated and much slower than just using your own device.
If you’re traveling with multiple people or devices, remember, you don’t need to buy a separate plan for each one. You can share access between devices by logging out of one before logging into another. (More on that coming up.)
For the smoothest experience, I always recommend updating your device’s software before you sail. Cruise WiFi isn’t the place to be downloading major system updates.
Tips to Save Money on Internet Packages
Royal Caribbean WiFi isn’t cheap, but there are a few smart ways to cut the cost without cutting your connection.
These tips will help you get the same service for less, and avoid wasting money on things you don’t actually need.
1. Pre-purchase your package in the Cruise Planner
Booking your internet plan before you sail is almost always the best move. Royal Caribbean often offers 20% to 30% discounts when you buy through the Cruise Planner. Sometimes they’ll even run limited-time sales with steeper discounts.
Here’s the trick:
If you already bought WiFi and the price drops later, just cancel your original purchase and re-buy it at the lower price. It only takes a minute.
What you don’t want to do is wait too long trying to time the “perfect” price.
In most cases, the price goes up closer to the sail date… and by then, the deal is gone.
2. Share a single-device plan
You don’t need a plan for every person or every device. If you’re cruising as a couple or family, consider buying one single-device plan and taking turns.
All you have to do is log off one device and log in on another, it takes about 10 seconds.
Back when Britini and I weren’t working on cruises, we’d split our 24 hours of free WiFi. One day she’d use it. The next, I would. It worked great and saved us money.
Switching Devices Made Easy
Let’s say you bought a Royal Caribbean WiFi plan for just one device — but now you want to switch from your phone to your laptop. Can you do it? Absolutely.
You can switch between devices as many times as you want. You’re only limited to having one device connected at a time (unless you paid for a multi-device plan).
Here’s how to switch devices the easy way:
- On the device you’re currently using, open a web browser
- Go to: logoff.com
- That logs you out instantly
- Now, open the browser on your second device and log in using the same account
You’re back online — no extra charges, no headaches.
This method works seamlessly and is the best way to stretch a single-device plan across your trip. It’s especially handy for families or couples who want to stay connected without doubling the cost.
Whether I’m working from my laptop in the morning or checking messages on my phone by the pool, being able to toggle back and forth keeps things easy and efficient.
Jim’s Take: Is WiFi Worth It on a Cruise?
If you asked me this 10 years ago, I would’ve told you no chance. Cruise internet used to be painfully slow, frustrating, and barely usable for anything beyond checking email.
But in 2025? It’s a different world.
These days, I’m using Royal Caribbean WiFi to run my blog, post YouTube content, and even prep for livestreams right from the ship. And while it’s not as fast as home WiFi, it’s more than usable, especially on newer ships like Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.
Most people aren’t going to work on their cruise, though… and that’s important to remember.
If you’re just checking in with family, uploading vacation pics, or scrolling Instagram by the pool, the basic Surf package may be all you need.
If you plan to stream Netflix or video chat with the kids back home, Surf + Stream is the way to go.
Back in the day, Britini and I would split our free 24-hour package, she’d use it one day, I’d take it the next. It worked great.
Now that I’m cruising and working more often, I need full-time access. But most families won’t.
The key is knowing what kind of internet user you are.
Cruises are meant to help you unplug, but in today’s world, some of us need to stay plugged in.
If that’s you, the WiFi is worth it. If not, skip it and enjoy the escape.
Also, if you’re sailing with little ones or teens, and you’re debating whether staying connected will help or hurt the experience, check out our guide to family-friendly cruises.
There’s more than one way to cruise smart.
Final Thoughts: Stay Connected, But Stay Present
There’s no question that Royal Caribbean WiFi has come a long way. Whether you’re streaming movies, sending work emails, or just messaging friends, the connection at sea is better than it’s ever been — and on many ships, it’s actually pretty impressive.
Still, the internet isn’t why most people book a cruise. You’re here for the ocean views, the shows, the food, and the chance to unplug from the real world — even if just for a few days.
So here’s my advice:
Use the WiFi if it adds value to your cruise. Skip it if it doesn’t.
If you’re like me and need to stay connected for work, Surf + Stream gets the job done. But if you’re taking that long-overdue break, consider logging off — and leaning into the moment instead.
No matter which plan you pick, having a better understanding of how Royal Caribbean WiFi works means you’ll cruise smarter, save a little money, and avoid those “why is this taking forever?” moments.
Now I want to hear from you.
Have you tried Royal Caribbean WiFi lately?
Did it meet your expectations — or drive you nuts?
Drop a comment below and share your experience!
Let’s help each other cruise better, one signal bar at a time.
