Wi-Fi, Internet and Mobile Service at Sea

“Wi-Fi on board” initially refers to the wireless connection to a ship’s network. Internet access may be separate and require its own plan. Mobile service through a SIM card also varies depending on whether the device uses a terrestrial network on land or a satellite-based onboard network. The ship’s location alone does not determine the cost; the network it is connected to does.

Ship Wi-Fi does not automatically mean internet access

A ship’s network may provide access to an onboard portal or ship app without automatically providing regular internet access. Which features are free and which require an internet plan depends on the provider and plan. Information about Wi-Fi should therefore be read separately for the onboard portal, the app and general internet access. The same applies to other onboard services and extras: it depends on what is included in the price you booked.

Mobile network on land or through the ship

In ports and near the coast, a phone may connect to a terrestrial mobile network. At sea, a satellite-based onboard network may be available. According to Germany’s Federal Network Agency, the EU’s “Roam like at home” rules apply as long as the device is connected to a terrestrial mobile network within the EU. Calls made over a satellite-based onboard network can be significantly more expensive. So a ship being within the EU does not automatically mean that your phone is using EU roaming.

EU roaming does not automatically apply at sea

Germany’s Federal Network Agency distinguishes between terrestrial networks and satellite onboard networks: EU roaming domestic rates do not apply to satellite networks, and additional charges may also arise in ports. Near coasts, rivers or borders, a device may also automatically select an available network. The network name displayed on your phone and your mobile provider’s plan terms are therefore what matter—not just the area in which you are travelling. You can prepare for other practical matters before departure with these cruise travel tips.

How to keep track of your connection

The cruise line’s plan information explains what is available for Wi-Fi, the onboard portal and any internet packages.
Your mobile provider’s terms determine the cost of maritime networks and satellite connections.
The network name displayed on your phone can help you tell a terrestrial network from an onboard network; manually selecting a network can prevent an automatic connection.
With data roaming turned off, mobile data use abroad is restricted. Airplane mode turns off the mobile connection; you can then activate Wi-Fi separately if needed.

Take particular care in coastal areas, on rivers, in ports and near national borders, where networks from different countries or satellite-based onboard networks may overlap. Germany’s Federal Network Agency recommends checking the connected network or selecting one manually.