What you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line’s onboard wifi

Have you wondered how you can use the internet while onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing? 

Nearly every cruise line offers onboard wifi to its guests. However, while nearly every cruise vessel has wifi available, most cruise lines have very different wifi policies and packages. Not every cruise line is the same when it comes to wifi and internet access. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in my experience, offers great wifi connectivity on its ships.

I sailed onboard the Norwegian Getaway in August 2022, and used both a phone and a laptop on the ship’s wifi, and experienced no issues accessing the internet and social media.

Norwegian Cruise Line, like many cruise lines, offers different wifi packages for passengers to chose from. Of course purchasing a wifi package is completely optional, and is an additional charge that will be added to each passenger’s account upon purchase.

Internet Cafe

Norwegian Cruise Line offers specific spaces onboard its ships for guests to access the internet, in addition to offering wifi packages to purchase. “Just because you are a million miles away from the ordinary on a Freestyle Cruise does not mean you need to be disconnected from the rest of the world. All of our ships feature Internet Cafes where you have the ability to surf the web, chat online and access your private e-mail account. All of our ships are equipped with 24 hour Interest cafes hosted by MTN,” states NCL.

While wifi is available on all NCL ships, some offer a limited range of connectivity. For example, the following ships offer In-Stateroom wifi access: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Sky, Spirit, Star, Sun, Pride of America, and Prima.

While the remainder of the vessels in the NCL fleet offer wifi to guests only within the Internet Cafe. Norwegian Cruise Line does state, “access available via wireless connectivity or with the use of ethernet cable (complimentary cables can be obtained from the Internet Cafe Manager in the Internet Cafe during posted hours).”

Money Saving Tip

An important note for purchasing wifi with Norwegian Cruise Line; wifi for any cruise sailing will be much cheaper if it is purchased ahead of a cruise voyage. NCL offers a discounted rate on wifi for guests who choose to prebook their wifi prior to boarding.

This price difference is rather significant, and it is highly recommend that any guests considering wifi for their cruise sailing, purchase before their voyage.

NCL WiFi Packages

Unlimited Internet Access for One Device

The unlimited wifi package gives guests access to unlimited web surfing, email access, social media, and all apps:

• $25.50 USD, per day ($29.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• This package does not allow streaming of shows or movies.
• Cruise sailings of 13 days or longer will have a lower rate.
• Can be used on one device at a time.
• VPN not allowed with this package.
• Some social media apps not allowed with this package, such as TikTok.

Unlimited Internet Access for Two Separate Devices

Unlimited wifi access to web surfing, email access, social media, and all apps.

• $44.99 USD, per day ($52.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• Does not allow for streaming.
• Sailings of 13 days or longer will have a lower, discounted rate.
• VPN not allowed.
• Tik Tok not allowed.
• Can be used on two separate devices simultaneously.

Unlimited Internet Access for Four Separate Devices

Unlimited wifi gives guests access to web surfing, email access, social media, and all apps.

• $84.99 USD, per day ($99.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• Does not allow streaming.
• Sailings of 13 days or longer will have a lower, discounted rate.
• VPN not allowed.
• Tik Tok not allowed.
• Can be used on four separate devices simultaneously.

Unlimited Premium WiFi Package for One Device

Unlimited Premium Wifi package allows access to unlimited web surfing, email access, social media access, and all apps.

• $34.99 USD per day ($39.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• This package gives passengers access to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Cruises of 13 days and longer will have a lower price.
• Can be used on one device at a time.
• This package allows access to all social media sites, such as Tik Tok.

Unlimited Premium Wifi Package for Two Devices

This package offers the same amenities, but for two separate devices, simultaneously.

• $57.99 USD per day ($67.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• Access to all streaming services.
• Access to all social media sites.

Unlimited Premium Wifi Package for Four Devices

This package offers the same amenities as the Unlimited Premium Wifi Package, but for four separate devices, simultaneously.

• $109.99 USD per day ($129.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• Access to all streaming services.
• Access to all social media.

Unlimited Social Media Wifi Package

This unlimited social media wifi package gives guests access to a majority of social media apps and sites.

• $12.50 USD per day ($14.99 USD per day, onboard price)
• Includes access to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WeChat, etc.
• Excludes access to Tik Tok.

250 Minutes of Internet Access Package

This timed wifi plan gives guests 250 minutes of internet connectivity to be used throughout the duration of the cruise sailing.

• $105.00 USD per day ($125.00 USD per day, onboard price)
• Save $3.95 USD activation fee when guests book online before cruise.
• Can be used on only one device at a time.

Laptop Rentals

Subject to availability, some NCL ships have laptop computers for rent upon request.

• Laptop rental insurance $3 per day (optional)

Access to Printing

Some NCL ships do have the ability to print documents. Guests can locate the onboard printer in the Internet Cafe.

• $0.50 per document

Using Multiple Devices on a Package for One Device

Something that guests may not realize when looking into purchasing a wifi package with NCL, is that guests can use multiple devices on a wifi package for one device. Let me explain!

The wifi packages for one device mean that guests can connect to the wifi onboard with one device at a time. But they may disconnect one device and switch to a different device should they want or need to. When I sailed with Cruise.Blog on Norwegian Getaway in August of this year, I brought both my phone and my laptop with me in order to work. I utilized the Unlimited Premium Wifi Package for One Device, and I was easily able to switch between using my laptop and phone. Having one device at a time connected to wifi.

Upon purchasing a wifi package with NCL, guests will be given detailed instructions on how to access the onboard wifi, as well as how to switch between devices. Guests can also pick up a print-out with instructions on how to activate their wifi packages once onboard, at the guest services counter.

What Kinds of Devices?

Guests can bring nearly any internet enabled device with them onboard. Including; phones, laptops, i-Pads, tablets, e-readers, etc. Guests should make sure to bring the proper charging cables and adaptors for their devices. Many NCL vessels use standard European plug inserts for charging devices in the staterooms onboard. It is highly recommended that guests bring the proper adaptors with them onboard so they are able to charge their devices.

Conclusion

Passengers traveling with Norwegian Cruise Line are easily able to access wifi onboard should they wish. Wifi onboard most cruise sailings can be rather pricey, and it is recommended that guests consider ahead of their voyage if access to wifi will be necessary or not, and budget accordingly.

My one experience with NCL’s ship wifi was very positive. I had heard from colleagues that cruise line wifi can be very hit or miss, and I was nervous about what that would mean for work. However, in my personal experience onboard the Norwegian Getaway, I felt the wifi was quite adequate and was able to serve my needs of accessing both the internet and social media for work onboard the ship. I believe that passengers with NCL will face no problems when it comes to the wifi onboard!