Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It's a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.

Yes, using your phone on a cruise ship in 2026 can be very expensive if you do not plan ahead. Once the ship is about 12 miles out to sea, it connects to a "Maritime Satellite" network (often labeled as "Cellular at Sea"). Roaming on this network can cost $2 to $6 per minute for calls and up to $20 per MB of data. To avoid a "bill shock" of hundreds of dollars, you should keep your phone in Airplane Mode and use the ship’s Wi-Fi packages, which typically cost between $15 and $35 per day. Many cruise lines now use Starlink to provide high-speed internet that allows for messaging and video calls. Additionally, some mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon offer "Cruise Passes" for a flat daily fee (around $20) that include a set amount of data and minutes, providing a much more predictable way to stay connected while sailing through international waters.