Celebrity Cruises Wi-Fi: Packages, Pricing & What You Need to Know

Let’s be honest—getting away from it all is one of the best parts of a cruise, but most of us still want to stay connected. Whether you need to check email, post those gorgeous ocean views, keep up with social media, or stream a show, you’ll need a Celebrity Cruises Wi-Fi package to access the internet onboard.

You can still use the Celebrity Cruises app to message other guests without purchasing a package, which is handy when you’re traveling with family or friends. And if you’re trying to save a little money, you can always wait until you’re in port and connect to Wi-Fi there.

But if staying connected throughout your cruise matters to you, understanding Celebrity’s Wi-Fi options can help you choose the package that makes the most sense for your trip.

Using Your Cell Phone on a Celebrity Cruise

One of the first things I do when I board a cruise ship is put my phone in airplane mode. In fact, I recommend doing it before the ship even leaves the pier. Using your regular cellular service at sea can lead to some seriously expensive charges, and nobody wants to return from vacation to a shocking phone bill.

If you’ve purchased a Wi-Fi package, airplane mode doesn’t mean you have to be completely disconnected. Simply turn on Wi-Fi after switching to airplane mode, then connect to the ship’s network. Celebrity typically provides instructions in your cabin, and if you run into trouble, a crew member can help you get connected.

When you’re in port, your options change. Before your cruise, check with your mobile carrier to see what international coverage is included with your plan and whether you’ll incur additional charges in the countries on your itinerary. You may also find free Wi-Fi at ports, restaurants, and cafés, which can be an easy way to check email or post those vacation photos without using cellular data.

And here’s a little tip from someone who has spent plenty of time cruising: follow the crew members! They usually know exactly where to find a good Wi-Fi connection in port.

Basic Wi-Fi

If you mainly want to stay connected without spending a lot on internet access, Basic Wi-Fi may be all you need. It allows you to browse the web, check email, and stay in touch with family and friends through select messaging apps.

Keep in mind that Basic Wi-Fi has some limitations. Things like sending large attachments, uploading photos or videos to social media, streaming movies or music, and making video calls generally require Premium Wi-Fi.

Cost: $21 per passenger, per day
Check your specific cruise for current pricing and available savings.

Good to know:

If you’re mostly checking email, browsing the web, or sending messages, Basic Wi-Fi may be enough. But if posting photos, streaming, or video calling is important to you, you’ll want to look at the Premium option.

Premium Wi-Fi

If you want to do more than simply check email and browse the web, Premium Wi-Fi is the option to consider. It offers Celebrity’s fastest and most reliable internet access while you’re at sea, making it easier to stay connected throughout your cruise.

With Premium Wi-Fi, you can message and video call family and friends, browse the web, send emails with larger attachments, and share your vacation photos and videos on social media. You can also stream your favorite movies, shows, videos, and music while onboard.

Cost: $30 per passenger, per day
Check your specific cruise for current pricing and available savings.

Good to know:

If streaming, video calls, and sharing vacation photos are important to you, Premium Wi-Fi gives you considerably more flexibility than the Basic plan.

Premium Wi-Fi 2 Devices

Traveling with someone who also needs internet access? This Premium Wi-Fi option includes 2 devices that can be connected at the same time, making it convenient for couples or travel companions. Each person can use one device, or one guest can use both connections if that works better for you.

Cost: $54 per passenger, per day
Check your specific cruise for current pricing and available savings.

Good to know:

If both of you plan to use Wi-Fi regularly, having two simultaneous connections can be much more convenient than sharing a single device connection.

How to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Package

Premium Wi-Fi Upgrade – 1 Device per passenger

If you book Basic Wi-Fi and decide you need more internet access, you can upgrade your package before your cruise through Cruise Planner or by contacting the Celebrity Cruises Contact Center.

The current upgrade cost is approximately $10 per person, per day, although pricing can vary. You can also upgrade once you’re onboard by visiting the iLounge, but keep in mind that onboard pricing may differ depending on the ship and length of your sailing.

Captain’s Club members: You may be eligible for a discount when upgrading before your cruise. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what offer is available for your sailing.

My advice? Check Cruise Planner before you board. If you know you’ll want Premium Wi-Fi, upgrading ahead of time may give you access to better pricing than waiting until you’re onboard.

Premium Wi-Fi – 2 Devices

Traveling with someone who needs to stay connected, too? If you’ve already purchased Premium Wi-Fi for one device, you can upgrade to Premium Wi-Fi for two devices before your cruise and potentially save by booking in advance.

Powered by Starlink, Celebrity’s Premium Wi-Fi is designed to keep you connected throughout your cruise. You can share vacation photos and updates on social media, message or video chat with family and friends, browse the web, and send emails—including those with larger attachments. You can also stream your favorite movies, shows, videos, and music while onboard.

Highlights:

Cost: $24 per passenger, per day
Check your specific cruise for current pricing and available savings.

Captain’s Club members: You may qualify for an additional discount. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what offer is available for your sailing.

And don’t assume the price you see before your cruise is the only deal you’ll get. Celebrity occasionally offers mid-cruise promotions that let you purchase or upgrade your Wi-Fi at a discounted rate. If an offer is available, it will typically be listed in your daily planner, so it’s worth checking each day.

Celebrity Cruises Premium Access

Want to make your cruise a little easier from the moment you arrive at the terminal? Premium Access bundles several convenience-focused perks designed to take some of the waiting and hassle out of your cruise experience.

From getting through the terminal faster to having your luggage delivered to your stateroom, Premium Access is all about making the beginning and end of your cruise—and everything in between—a little more seamless. You’ll also receive Premium Wi-Fi, reserved seating in The Theatre, complimentary room service delivery, and priority departure when tendering is required.

What’s Included:

There are several Premium Access options available for purchase prior to sailing.

Want to see exactly how Premium Access works and whether it makes sense for your cruise? I’ve covered all the details in my Premium Access on Celebrity Cruises guide.

Beverage and Wi-Fi Packages

Celebrity Cruises offers several beverage and Wi-Fi packages, giving you more flexibility to customize your cruise experience based on how you like to travel. Whether you want to stay connected, enjoy your favorite drinks, or bundle additional perks, there are options to fit different needs and budgets.

For a closer look at the available beverage packages and tips for deciding which one may be right for your cruise, check out my guide: Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages – Are They Worth It?

Final Thoughts:

I hope this guide helps take the guesswork out of Celebrity Cruises Wi-Fi packages and makes it easier to decide how you want to stay connected during your cruise. Whether you choose to stay online at sea or use your vacation as an excuse to unplug for a while, the choice is yours.

Now that the Wi-Fi is figured out, what about your shore excursions? Don’t wait until you’re onboard to start planning. You can save up to 40% off cruise excursions with my recommended provider.

Pack your bags, plan your adventures, and get ready to enjoy your cruise!

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