Royal Caribbean Clamps Down on Popular Wi-Fi Hack
In a move sure to stir discussion among frequent cruisers, Royal Caribbean has officially banned travel routers, a widely-used device passengers employed to bypass the cruise line’s notoriously high Wi-Fi fees.
This policy change underscores the cruise giant’s focus on cybersecurity and reflects a growing trend among cruise lines to tighten restrictions on onboard internet access.
The Appeal and Ban of Travel Routers
Travel routers allowed passengers to connect multiple devices—like phones, tablets, and laptops—to a single Wi-Fi package, effectively splitting the cost among a group or family.
With Royal Caribbean’s internet fees starting at $15.99 per device per day, these routers were a cost-saving lifeline for many. However, the cruise line cites concerns over cybersecurity and “deliberate electronic crime” as reasons for enforcing the ban.
Passengers have reported that travel routers are now being flagged and confiscated during embarkation luggage scans. Carnival Cruise Line has also taken similar measures, adding travel routers to their list of prohibited items.
Costly and Sluggish Wi-Fi at Sea
Staying connected at sea has always been a point of contention for cruisers. Royal Caribbean’s internet plans, while marketed as offering high-speed access, often leave much to be desired in terms of performance. Some passengers report speeds as slow as 2MB per second and note that connectivity worsens as more users log on.
Even for crew members, internet access doesn’t come cheap. One Royal Caribbean employee shared that $12 only covers three hours of internet—at speeds that struggle with basic tasks. This has led to many crew members and passengers pre-downloading entertainment to avoid relying on onboard internet.
Planning for Your Next Cruise
If you’ve relied on a travel router in the past, it’s time to rethink your strategy. With enforcement ramping up, attempting to bring one onboard could result in it being confiscated at the port. Whether these devices will be returned at the end of the cruise remains unclear, so it’s best to leave them at home.
For passengers looking to stay connected, the only option is to purchase the cruise line’s Wi-Fi package. To save money, consider limiting your devices to one per package or preloading content before departure.
Alternatively, this could be an opportunity to disconnect entirely and embrace the unique experience of cruising without constant connectivity.
As cruise lines continue to prioritize cybersecurity, this crackdown highlights the growing challenges of balancing modern digital demands with life at sea.
