Caribbean cruise connectivity: Guide to best price Wi-fi to keep you online beyond European shores

Picture this: You’re standing on deck, setting sail on a Caribbean cruise.

The excitement is palpable — until you discover the onboard Wi-Fi costs between £12 and £17.30 per device per day. Over a two-week voyage, that could add up to £160 – £230 per person — just to stay connected.

Caribbean getaways are becoming increasingly popular with UK travellers. In fact, the number of Brits cruising to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda jumped by 14% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Why staying connected at sea is a challenge

Internet access on cruise ships relies on satellite connections, as land-based networks don’t extend into open waters. This international cruise internet set-up often results in slower speeds, higher costs and a less reliable service.

When your cruise ship docks, you can often access Caribbean mobile data using a local SIM card. Occasionally, you might even catch a weak signal while sailing near the coast — just enough for messaging apps, though for video calls or navigation services, your device may struggle to connect reliably.

Once you’re out in open waters, mobile networks drop off completely. At that point, your only option is the cruise line’s satellite internet. It’s typically expensive, sluggish and often comes with restrictions — such as no access to social media or video calling.

On top of that, the familiar ‘roam like at home’ rules don’t apply in the Caribbean. Without proper preparation, you could easily find yourself disconnected — or facing sky-high data charges. For instance, with O2 in Jamaica, just one megabyte of data can cost up to £7.20. That means a 15-minute video call could run up a bill of tens, if not hundreds, of pounds.

Cruise ship wi-fi: Convenient but costly

For British travellers, the most popular cruise lines — P&O, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Carnival — all offer onboard Wi-Fi, but at a premium. Here’s what to expect:

● P&O Cruises: Daily rates range from £12 to £24, depending on the package.

● Royal Caribbean: Wi-Fi access costs between £12 and £17.30 per device per day.

● MSC Cruises: Offers flexible pricing. A basic package starts at £3.30 per day or £12.50 per week. The "Streamer" plan, suitable for higher data use, is £16.70 per day or £50.51 for the entire cruise.

● Carnival: Provides three package tiers, priced between £9.50 and £14 per person per day.

While these plans provide convenience, the costs can add up quickly — especially on longer voyages or for families using multiple devices.

Cruise ship internet options are often limited in both speed and reliability. Even if a package is labelled “Stream”, don’t expect smooth sailing — delays, buffering, or failure to launch platforms like YouTube are common.

On forums like Cruise Critic and Reddit, passengers frequently vent about poor maritime connectivity. Complaints range from “Wi-Fi freezes when I just try to open Instagram” to “Zoom barely works” and “the mid-tier package doesn’t support YouTube or Spotify”.

If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or just hoping to make a video call before bed, prepare for some frustration.

Alternatives to costly cruise ship wi-fi

If the thought of paying £24 a day for unreliable Wi-Fi or facing expensive roaming charges during your cruise feels unreasonable — you’re not alone.

How can you stay connected with your family during a cruise holiday? And what are the key differences between cruise ship Wi-Fi and mobile data options?

We’ve compiled the main connectivity choices for Caribbean cruises, highlighting their features and costs:

This analysis shows that Yesmin's eSIM is the ideal choice for cruise travellers. The virtual SIM is set up in advance — before your trip — via a QR code or app, and it activates automatically as soon as you enter a port. Plus, your phone connects seamlessly to the strongest available network.

Yesim’s eSIM for cruises, covering the Caribbean region, costs about £37.80 for 5 GB or £16.20 per day for unlimited data. If you only use internet access while docked at, for example, 5 to 6 ports, the total expense will be around £80. This is both more affordable and reliable than having to depend on the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi, especially if your usage is limited.

Caribbean ports: How to stay connected at each stop

Jamaica

Cruise ships dock at Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. The main mobile providers are Digicel and Flow. There’s no free Wi-Fi at the Falmouth and Ocho Rios ports, but some cafés offer Wi-Fi for customers. Yesim’s eSIM unlimited daily plan costs £10.80.

Bahamas

Cruise ports include Nassau and Freeport. Reliable 4G coverage is provided by BTC and Aliv. Free Wi-Fi in Nassau is limited to spots like Pirate Republic, McDonald's, and Dunkin’. Yesmin's unlimited eSIM plan is priced at £10.80 per day.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers reliable 4G coverage through Digicel and Flow. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals but tends to be unstable during peak tourist times. Internet access is often better in cafes around Castries port. Yesmin's unlimited plan costs £15.30 (for 3 GB) per week.

Barbados

Most cruises dock at Bridgetown port, where Digicel and Flow provide 4G service. Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, but it often doesn’t work reliably. Yesmin's unlimited daily plan is priced at £11.70.

Imagine your cruise stops at Jamaica, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, and Barbados, and you want to avoid the hassle of juggling different connections. You can simply set up Yesmin's eSIM at home before your trip.

With moderate usage, 10 GB for £52.20 should be enough — helping you save money while staying connected throughout your journey.

Conclusion

Staying connected at sea and using apps like WhatsApp on a cruise without racking up high costs is definitely achievable. The key is to research your connectivity options ahead of time.

If you enjoy planning and want to avoid unexpected charges, opting for an eSIM from a trusted provider like Yesmin is a smart choice.

Frequently asked questions about connectivity on Caribbean cruises

Can I use my UK mobile plan while on a cruise?

In most cases, no. UK mobile providers don’t offer coverage out at sea.

How reliable is the ship’s Wi-Fi for video calls with family?

Connection quality can be spotty, especially in open waters. For video calls, it’s best to use internet access while docked at ports or rely on an eSIM with strong coverage.

Do I need a separate connection for each island?

With eSIM providers like Yesim, you can get coverage across multiple islands without changing settings, thanks to their special "Caribbean Basin" plan.

Will the eSIM work when the ship is in open sea?

No, eSIM only works within mobile network coverage areas — meaning ports and coastal zones.

Can I share photos on social media while on the cruise? Yes, as long as you have a stable connection — whether it’s ship Wi-Fi, eSIM data, or Wi-Fi at the ports.

How can I check my work email on the trip without overspending? Use an eSIM with a suitable plan or connect to free Wi-Fi in ports. It’s also a good idea to disable automatic downloads of large files and attachments to save data.