Technology on board
Wi-Fi and Mobile Data on Cruise Ships
One of the biggest issues on cruise ships is poor internet connection, which is often very expensive, even for crew members. While crew members enjoy lower Wi-Fi prices compared to passengers, the quality of the connection is usually unsatisfactory, and the price remains high. Because of this, many crew members, whenever they have free time, seek out bars or restaurants on land that offer better internet connections to make calls and handle tasks that require the internet. If someone wants to secure a better and cheaper internet connection during their travels, it's best to prepare in advance. Before leaving home, they should unlock their phone and check what mobile data options are available. Once they know which cruise they will be taking, they can visit sites like Cruisemapper.com to check the ship's route. Buying a SIM card at one of the destinations can be a much cheaper option than using the ship's Wi-Fi, which, as mentioned earlier, is typically expensive and slow.
SIM Cards and Global Mobile Providers
If the cruise primarily operates within one region, such as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia,
purchasing a SIM card at the destination can be a very cost-effective option. However, if the
cruise is a world voyage or the ship visits multiple continents, it may not be economical to
buy a SIM card at each new port. In that case, it's recommended to consider a mobile
provider that offers global coverage. This way, the user will have access to mobile data in
most of the places the ship visits.
Note: Mobile data is not available until the ship is close to shore. If someone wants internet
access while the ship is at sea, they will have to use the ship's Wi-Fi, which can be very
expensive and slow.
Using a VPN on Cruise Ships
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a useful tool for protecting privacy and securing internet connections, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. It also allows users to change their virtual location, meaning they can access geographically restricted content. For example, if someone is in Asia but wants to watch UK TV channels or content from the US Netflix, a VPN allows them to change their virtual location to the UK or the US.
However, some cruise lines prohibit the use of VPNs on their ships. Before deciding to use a
VPN, users should check the policy of their cruise company, as they may be denied access to
this service. If someone enjoys watching live sports or wants to access content unavailable in
their region, a VPN is certainly a helpful tool.
Tech insurance
If someone is bringing valuable devices like a phone, laptop, camera, GoPro, or any other electronics, it is recommended to insure them before heading to the ship. There are several options for insuring tech equipment, and one popular site is protectmybubble.com, but users can explore other companies offering this service as well. Insuring equipment provides extra peace of mind, ensuring there won't be financial problems if any tech is damaged or lost during the trip.
Hard drives and memory sticks
It is recommended to bring an external hard drive or USB drive with a large capacity. Onboard, with very limited internet access and lower-quality entertainment channels, a hard drive can be used to watch movies and TV shows on a laptop or TV in the cabin. It’s the simplest way to ensure entertainment while on the ship. Many crew members bring hard drives filled with movies, and some crew members, after eight years on ships, now have hard drives with hundreds of movies.
It is also recommended to bring a USB drive for backing up photos. If the phone is used for
photography, a USB drive can be a great alternative to cloud services, which the user might
not use or know how to navigate. Many crew members have lost their phones over the years,
and the biggest complaint has been the loss of photos. Backing up on a USB drive can save a
lot of stress in the event of a phone being lost.
Conclusion
Preparing for technology and internet connectivity can significantly ease life on a cruise ship. Whether it's setting your phone to airplane mode, using a VPN, buying a SIM card, or insuring your equipment, these steps can help you better prepare and enjoy your time onboard. Additionally, bringing an external hard drive and USB drive can ensure entertainment and safeguard precious memories throughout the journey.
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