The short answer
You can use your phone on a cruise, but cellular service at sea can be expensive. The safest approach is to use airplane mode, then turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the ship’s network, which usually requires buying a Wi-Fi plan. Check your phone carrier’s international policies before you go, since rules and rates vary.
Why roaming charges happen at sea
Once a ship is away from shore, your phone may connect to a cellular network provided on the ship itself, which relies on satellite links. Those connections are treated as international roaming, and rates can be much higher than those of your home plan. Your phone may connect automatically, even if you are not making calls, if it is using data in the background. Near land, the ship may connect to local networks, which can also create roaming charges.
Step-by-step phone setup
- Turn on airplane mode before the ship leaves port.
- Turn Wi-Fi on separately, since airplane mode usually disables it.
- Turn off cellular data and data roaming in your phone’s settings.
- Disable automatic updates and background app refresh.
- Turn off cloud backups such as photo syncing.
- Check the ship’s Wi-Fi network name so you do not connect to a cellular service by mistake.
Using ship Wi-Fi
Most major cruise lines sell Wi-Fi plans, in tiers that vary in price and capability. Some offer a free or low-cost tier for using the cruise line’s own app. Compare plans before you sail, as discounts are sometimes available for pre-booking. For more about connection speeds, see Starlink at sea.
Wi-Fi calling and messaging
If your carrier and phone support Wi-Fi calling, you can often make calls over the ship’s Wi-Fi without paying cellular rates. Messaging apps also work over Wi-Fi, though some require a plan that supports them. Read using Facebook Messenger and other apps on a cruise for details. Video calls usually need a higher-tier plan.
Phone use in port
In port, your phone may connect to local networks. Check your carrier’s international plan or day-pass terms, which sometimes apply only on land, not on the ship’s network. If you want to use your phone in port, consider a local or travel SIM or eSIM if your phone is unlocked, or stay on Wi-Fi at cafes and visitor centers.
Carrier plans and SIMs
- Ask your carrier about international plans, how they work, and whether they cover maritime networks. Many do not.
- An international SIM or eSIM can help in port but typically will not work on the ship’s network.
- Keep your phone in airplane mode overnight, including when it is your alarm clock.
Related reading
For a wider look at costs, see what’s included on a cruise.