In this day and age, it’sbecoming ever more difficult to “disconnect” from it all…We need access to the our news… emails… work… maybe even the occasional Facebook.And if we don’t have this access? Wecan feel stressed or anxious.
When boating, a time when we are meant to be worryfree… as much as we probably need it, wemaynot want to fully disconnect.
And if cruising with the family, your internet demands willundoubtedly be even higher…
A combination of Netflix, YouTube, or HBOGO now may be added to your list of boat internet requirements. But no worries. Whatever your price range and internet requirements are, there are ways to stay connected while out at sea. I will provide with you with some internet solutions to stay connected while out cruising, as well as some recommended devices to support each option.
Your three main options for onboard internet, at least for full boat internet access as is needed to stream shows and movies, are:
- Connecting with marina WiFi
- Using and amplifying cellular data
- Satellite
I will go into each of these solutions, as well as their pros and cons, below.
Note:Note, if looking to purchase the different components needed to set up internet on your boat, including components to boost cell and wifi signal, see here: Marine Wifi Boosters – Marine Cell Signal Boosters.For specialized help getting what you need to set up internet on your boat,contact us here.
If close enough to shore, most marinas provide WiFi, butto varying degrees of signal quality.
An issue with marina WiFi signal, evenwhen at its strongest, is that when pulling away from the marina, the WiFi signal can quickly diminish. This is where a WiFi antenna / extender can come into play, and help strengthen the signal for longer.
As to thedistance that a WiFi signal can be strengthened using a WiFi extender, be wary of a product manufacturer’s claims. A strong hotspot signal, good whether conditions, low interference and a direct-line-of-site are necessary to reach the max distances claimed. But regardless of any possible discrepancies between max distances claimed and actual range provided,WiFi signal range is generally greatly improved with an extender.
I will share a couple of popular models of marine WiFi antennas and extenders. Bear in mind, setting up internet anywhere is not always a simple task, and even more so on a boat, so some extra equipment may be necessary to complete your installation. However, this will give you a basic idea of what you’ll need for boat internet using WiFi.
Note: Should you need more detailed instructions as to what equipmentyou need and actually setting up your system, feel free to contact usor chat with us below, and one of our electronics specialistswill help you complete your on-boardinternet connection. Also, feel free to click on any of the links in the products below to take you to the products for purchase, if interested.
Shakespeare WiFi2 WebWhip Long-Ranged Wi-Fi Receiver WITH Weatherproof Metal Housing – $309.00
The Shakespeare WiFi2 WebWhip – a fully integrated and waterproof Wi-Fi antenna, radio and router – increases the coverage of public hotspots by up to to 7 miles by creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot with any standard Wi-Fi router. Access the internet onboard directly through LAN or wirelessly. Manage the network without any software installation through any device with a web browser. 100+ Mbps throughput.
Wave WiFi Rogue ProWiFi Extender – Starting at $439.00 (Single Band)
The easy-to-mount, marinized Rogue Wave Pro by Wave Wifi can be connected directly to any WAN ethernet enabled device, router or switch. When connected to a wireless router, the Rogue Wave Pro DB provides Internet connectivity for numerous wireless devices aboard the boat. There is no software installation and all operation is web-based.
Wave WiFi Rogue Pro productsare said to provideoutstanding performance because of the firmware embedded in each unit that permits the user to scan for hotspots and provides a detailed diagnostic of the quality of each signal. 7 mile range in optimum conditions. Connects to both2.4ghz and 5ghz marina networks.
WaveHigh Performance WiFi Access System – Starting at $1,879.00 (Single Band)
Wave EC-HP High Performance Wifi Booster produces the highest allowable output power of 1 Watt allowing WiFi signals to be received up to 12 miles from a solid hotspot with direct line of site. It also allows a wireless hotspot to be created around the vessel. It is an ethernet converter (EC) so a direct connection can be made to any ethernet enabled device, resulting in flawless performance as a standalone system or integrated into the boat’s network. The built-in amplifier supplies maximum receive sensitivity (-107dBm @ 11Mb/s). Includes antenna and cables.
The Wave EC-ER (Extended Range) is available at a lower starting price of $1,129.00, and still provides a major 800mW boost in signal (estimated 10 miles).
Once out the range of a WiFi hotspot, you can switch over to a cell phone’s data/LTE plan, and boost the signal even further with a cellular booster. You can access cell internet on your boat for as far out as 8 – 10 miles from shore.
This method of providing boat internet via a cell company’s data plan generally comprises of the following pieces of equipment:
- Sim card –Sim cards may be purchased in several different ways. Your own cell company may allow you to “add a line” for little cost, and just get a bigger data plan that fits what you need. Certain companies have data plans for regional areas, so you may wish to consider purchasing a sim card for that specific area. Others have international data plans and rates. More on that below.
- Modem that can read sim cards
- Marine cellular antenna to better receive the signal
- Cellular signal amplifier to amplify the strength of the cell signal
Whether you have a WiFi or cell connection, you will need a router to “route” the internet to your devices. Many routers allow you to automatically switch between WiFi and cell connection, based on availability, giving priority to the WiFi. More on that below as well.
Recommended cellular signal boosters and parts:
Digital 4′ Cellular 9DB Dual BandCellular & WLAN Antenna (1183-CW) – $249.00
Digital Antenna’s dual band cellular antennas improve signals on cellular (824-894 MHz) and PCS (1850-1990 MHz) bands. They are omni-directional, transmitting and receiving signals from all directions, which provides you with 10 times the signal strength of a cell phone used by itself.With a powerful 9dB gain and professional marine grade construction, these 4′ cellular antennas deliver high performance that will last for years. Each antenna is designed for easy connection to your cell phone or cell signal amplifier.
Digital Antenna 4′ Dual Band Cell Antenna (1183-CW) comes witha collet ferrule to ensure no cable twisting and allows the antenna to be removed when needed. A tapered collet securely locks the Digital Antenna’s 1183-CW Antenna to the bottom ferrule which mounts standard 1″-14 threads.Made in the US with 316 surgical stainless, UV stable high gloss finish and precision soldered components. Sleek, rugged design.
Shakespeare SuperHALO Cellular Booster Kit (Antenna & Amplifier) – $1,059.00
The Shakespeare SuperHALO Cellular Booster Kit is a marine grade 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE voice and data cellular reception solution. Its 5-band compatibility makes it compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. The Super HALO is optimized to boost cellular reception for your boat with support of 10+ users simultaneously and an indoor antenna to direct the signal where you really need it. High quality metal construction so it is durable and resilient.
The kit includes:
- Galaxy 5239 outside omni marine antenna
- 50dB adjustable marine booster / amplifier
- 248W-M inside panel antenna
- 110W-M 10-ft inside patch antenna
- Cables and power cord
Options For Sim Cards / Data Plans When Using A Cell Signal For Boat Internet
As mentioned above, you can use the sim card from your phone, purchase an extra sim card from your company, or find a sim card that works in different areas. Ben Ellison from Panbo.com recommends 4G Antenna Solutions which provides cellular internet connectivity to rural areas, or using a local cell provider when traveling in different areas, for instance, BTC when in the Bahamas. These can be purchased pre-paid, post-paid, or pay as you go.
Other companies provideinternational SIM cards which can be used around the world, such as these. However, purchasing local SIM cards will be more cost effective and provide better quality service in general, and can be swapped out of your modem when switching between areas.
When it comes tomodems that can read theSIM card, you may require one that is “unlocked” for more carriers (cell phone companies), especially if travelingto different regions. Unlocked versions of the modems can be found on eBay.
Netgear has a couple of solid options:
NETGEAR LTE Modem LB1120 4G LTE Modem
NETGEAR LTE Modem LB1120 is a simple LTE connectivity solutionthat connects directly to your router, switch or computerand provides anautomatic 4G LTE or 3G fallback broadband connection, with download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. You can plug in your wireless router and share connection with all your WiFi and wired devices.
Other suggested router:Wave WiFi MBR 550 Cellular Router – With Cellular Failover
NETGEAR AirCard 340U USB Modem
NETGEAR’sAirCard340U USB Modemprovides download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. The helpful LCDdisplay shows how much data you have left, as well as network and signal strength info at a glance.
A key piece of equipment you’ll need to finalize the setup of the internet on your boat isthe router.
After pulling in signal from your antennas, either via WiFi or cell data, and properly converting it, you will need to have this connected to a router, which will then share the internet signal to allyour devices onboard.
One highly recommended router is the Pepwave Surf Soho by Peplink.
PEPLINK Pepwave Surf Soho Router – $199.00
Peplink enjoys a good reputation for high-quality hardware, durability, good features andease of user interface.With the Peplink Pepwave Surf SOHO Router, you can connect to the Internet using a USB cellular modem, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.
Hook the Surf SOHO up to your WiFi and cellular connections, and it will allow you to set priorities so that if there is WiFi available, it will connect to the WiFi. Then if WiFi becomes unavailable, it will automatically switch over to your cellular connection. Once WiFi is available again, it connects back up, always keeping WiFi as the priority.
Now that you know all of the mainequipment needed to setup internet on your boat using WiFi and cell signals, here’s an illustration showing the basic components of a WiFi and Cell Signal internet setup on your boat. Please note, this is just a simple illustration, and there may be extra components needed to complete the system:
WiFi and cell service – with the proper equipment – provide excellent internetif close enough to the hotspot / shore. But once out of the hot spot range, and cruising 10 miles or beyond from shore, your only option for internet is satellite.
While the most steady boat internet service, and available pretty much anywhere, satellite internet dishes and services come with a heavy price tag – substantially more than any other option. If you rarely venture offshore, your WiFi and cell internet solutions will be more than good enough, but if you can afford it, and would like to stay connected while traveling significant distances offshore, then satellite is the way (and only way) to go.
The satellite dish itself will cost no less than $1,500, and can go up to as high as $50,000. Monthly costs can be quite high as well. Premium boat internet, but comes at price. For more information on marine satellite and pricing, this is a helpful article.
To give you a rough estimate on the cost of the equipment and monthly charge for service, please see the table below. We carry KVH, Intellian and Iridum dishes, so if interested in adding satellite internet service to your boat or yacht, please contact us or chat with us below for best pricing.
| Manufacturer | Type | Model | Equipment | Hardware Cost | Speed | Price / Month |
| Iridium | Sat | Pilot | Dish plus software | $4800 | 128 kbps | $50 – $1000 |
| Furuno Inmarsat | Sat | FleetBroadband Felcom 250 | Dish | $11000 | 432 kbps | $106 – $2000 |
| Furuno Inmarsat | Sat | FleetBroadband Felcom 250 | Dish | $16000 | 432 kbps | $1060 – $2000 |
| Inmarsat | Sat | Sailor 150 | Dish | $6000 | 150 kbps | $106/5MB |
| Raymarine | Sat | 33STV | Dish | $2500 | $995 | |
| KVH | Sat | Mini Vsat V3 | Dish | $13000 | 2 Mbps | Starts at $49 |
| KVH | Sat | Mini Vsat V7 | Dish | $30000 | $995 | |
| Inmarsat | ISAT | IsatHub | Dish | $1400 | 384 kbps | $59.99 for 10 MB |
| Ground Control | BGAN | MCD-4800 | Standalone / Dish | $14200 | 464 kbps | $69 – $995 |
Hopefully this internet for boats primer will give you a better understanding of what it takes to stay connected while out at sea. You have plenty of internet solutions for your boat, depending on how much you are looking to invest, and where you will be traveling. And remember, if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
For different products to help setup internet on your boat, see here: Marine Wifi Boosters – Marine Cell Signal Boosters
Have a good one!
CitimarineStore.com
3300 NW 112th Ave,
Doral, FL 33172
(800) 766-5256
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- Marine Solar Panel Kits
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FAQs
How can I get internet when living on a boat? ›
Cellular-based internet is probably the most popular option today for boaters looking to enjoy reliable internet while on the move. Cell phone coverage and speed are constantly improving and since everyone already has a cell phone in their pocket, it can be extremely easy to set up a basic mobile hotspot.
How do you get Wi-Fi on a boat at sea? ›You'll need to outfit your boat with a satellite hotspot or antenna to get service on the open sea. Global satellite internet service plans are available through VSAT internet, SeaSat, iDirect, and other carriers.
How does internet work on boats? ›BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network)
These are portable systems which essentially create a mobile hotspot on your boat, with a device that resembles a notebook or laptop. This service is offered by a private company that operates multiple satellites that connect to various terminals.
There are basically three ways to get connected: pick up a signal from your marina or another land-based WiFi source; use the connectivity from your cellular phone; or install your own satellite connected marine WiFi network.
Will Starlink work for boats? ›SpaceX's satellite internet service provides fast download speeds for coastal cruisers, and global coverage isn't far off. Editor's Note: As of June 30, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission authorized SpaceX to provide Starlink internet service to vehicles in motion, including boats, cars and RVs.
Can you get satellite internet anywhere? ›Instead, a home satellite dish communicates with a satellite in space to provide internet service. So satellite with internet is available virtually everywhere. That means you can get satellite internet anywhere you are, so long as you have a clear view of the southern sky and a place to install your satellite dish.
How do I get free Wi-Fi at sea? ›At sea, mainstream cruise lines usually do not include Wi-Fi in their cruise fares, but premium and luxury lines almost always do. Cruise lines that include free Wi-Fi for all passengers are luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with upscale cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Viking.
Can you get Wi-Fi over the ocean? ›Does airplane Wi-Fi work over the ocean? Airplane Wi-Fi can work over the ocean, but the plane has to use a different method than the one used over land. Over large bodies of water, a plane will connect to satellites that in turn connect to ground stations.
Can you get 4G in the sea? ›While there is no 4G reception in the middle of the ocean, a ship spends 60% of time in port or in coastal waters where they would be within reach of a mobile connection.
Is satellite Internet a Wi-Fi? ›Is satellite internet the same as Wi-Fi? You can get Wi-Fi through a satellite internet connection, but it's not the same as Wi-Fi. Satellite internet is a type of internet connection, while Wi-Fi refers to a wireless network.
Is there Wi-Fi on boats? ›
Today, mobile Wi-Fi is usually available in many marinas, or even from a neighbouring boat, however the low power of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets does not always afford a strong connection due to range limitations.
Is Satellite Internet fast? ›Satellite internet is one of the slowest high-speed internet services available. While it can get to fixed broadband internet speeds (classified by the FCC as 25 Mbps or higher), it can't reach the speeds cable and fiber optic can.
How do I extend my Wi-Fi to the dock? ›1. Run an ethernet wire from the house router down to the dock and install a wifi router there. 2. Install a wireless wifi extender with the transmitter at the house and receiver down on the dock.
Do mobile hotspots work in the ocean? ›Portable wireless hotspots do work on cruise ships but only when the ship is docked or VERY close to land. Your phone's hotspot will also work on a cruise ship as long as you have cell service, are docked or close to land and roaming is included in your plan.
How much is Starlink for a boat? ›However, it doesn't come cheap: The hardware alone will set customers back $10,000, which they have to pay for up front. The service itself costs $5,000 a month, though like Starlink for RVs, customers can pause it when it's not in use.
How much does Starlink cost a month? ›In the US, you can get Starlink service beginning at $110 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $599. There are no long-term contracts, data caps or exclusivity requirements. Starlink Business is available for remote and rural businesses across the globe for $500 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $2,500.
Is Starlink unlimited data? ›Starlink internet data caps
Starlink currently has no internet data caps and offers unlimited satellite internet. This is huge in the satellite internet world, where you often end up paying more money for less data than you'd get with DSL, cable, or fiber providers.
While it is possible to get free satellite Internet access for a short time, there is no way to keep it. Many Internet providers, including satellite Internet providers, will offer a combination of discounted or even free service, equipment and installation for a limited period only.
How can I get internet without a provider? ›- Mobile Hotspot. The best way to ensure you have the internet on your laptop is to use a mobile hotspot. ...
- Tether Your Smartphone or Tablet. 2 Images. ...
- Find a Public Wi-Fi Network. ...
- Use a Wi-Fi USB Dongle. ...
- Share Someone's Internet.
Someone using mobile satellite internet can expect to pay around $785 to purchase a hotspot Wi-Fi device like the Iridium Go! and upwards of $42,000 for a large-use system such as the Explorer 5075 GX. Monthly plans range from $69/month for 5 MB of data and up to $5,729 for 2 GB of monthly data.
What is sea Free Wi-Fi? ›
Connect to the SEA-FREE-WIFI for free Airport WiFi
Wireless internet access s available in all public areas of the airport and is free of charge. Terms and conditions for your use of the Airport's Free WiFi may be found here.
Here's how it works: All you need to do is pack a wireless travel router, like this one. Once on the ship, set the device to “bridge mode.” Then it can be paired to the cruise wifi network to create a new mini wireless network right within your cruise stateroom.
Do travel routers work on cruise ships? ›For cruise ships, a travel router will work so long as you have a wired connection or the wi-fi connection allows wireless travel routers.
Is there Wi-Fi over the Atlantic? ›Delta is now offering high-speed Internet access on all trans-Atlantic flights between the United States and the UK, mainland Europe, Israel and West Africa.
Does Wi-Fi work over Atlantic? ›Can you get Wi-Fi on a plane over the ocean? Airplanes can provide Wi-Fi when flying over oceans if they are supplied by a satellite operating system. This is where signals from ground units are beamed to satellites in orbit, which then relay these signals to an airplane even when traveling over water.
Does Delta Wi-Fi work over the ocean? ›Delta's High-Speed Wi-Fi, powered by Gogo's 2Ku Wi-Fi technology, is delivering next-generation technology that provides consistent, uninterrupted coverage anywhere in the world, including over oceans.
How far offshore does 4G work? ›Typically, coastal 4G/LTE services have a range to around 12 nautical miles, but a new service introduced this month extends this out to 60 nautical miles for fast and low-cost connectivity.
Do cell phones work at sea? ›It's possible to send and receive text messages at sea on a cellular signal, as long as you have a signal through your ship's roaming network. (Just make sure you turn on data roaming in your settings.) Texting costs a lot less than a voice call -- usually in line with standard, international "pay as you go" rates.
How far offshore will my phone work? ›Being away doesn't mean being disconnected
Even on the water. The good news is that cell signals do tend to travel very well over the water. If there's a cell tower close to shore, you'll easily get 1-2 miles distant from it. That's typical for cell signals traveling on shore.
The downsides of satellite communication can include higher latency (delays) and slower speeds than cable, which interfere with online gaming and real-time stock market trading. Some satellite plans also have data restrictions.
How do I install satellite internet? ›
Internet Basics : How to Connect to Satellite Internet - YouTube
Is 5G faster than satellite internet? ›Which internet connection is faster—5G or satellite? 5G offers faster speeds, maxing out around 1Gbps. Satellite service only goes as high as 500Mbps. However, both are more than adequate even for activities that require more bandwidth, such as gaming and streaming content.
How do you stream TV on a boat? ›What Is the Best Way to Watch TV on My Boat? - YouTube
How does TV work on a boat? ›Cable TV — A cable TV drop is delivered to your slip, possibly by your marina or via direct subscription with a cable company. When the boat is in the slip, you connect the boat to the cable; when you're away from the slip you don't get any programming.
Can you watch Netflix with satellite internet? ›Netflix. Yes, you can watch Netflix with satellite internet. Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services, and for good reason. It offers a wide variety of movies and shows on demand, and it has some of the best original programming of any streaming platform, including hits like Bird Box and House of Cards.
What is the cheapest internet? ›| Provider and plan | Promotional price | Equipment rental fee |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 | $55.00/mo.* | $10.00/mo. |
| Simply Unlimited Internet 100 Mbps | $50.00/mo.† | $15.00/mo. |
| Connect | $24.99/mo.‡ | $14.00/mo. |
| Spectrum Internet® | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos.^ | $5.00/mo. |
Satellite internet's distribution point is a satellite that's orbiting the Earth about 22,000 miles away. Fixed wireless's distribution point is more local—typically a cell tower within ten or so miles from your access point.
How can I get WiFi off 300 feet? ›- Choose the right location for your router or access point. ...
- Stay away from repeaters. ...
- Use the right equipment. ...
- Employ a unified management system. ...
- Configure your equipment properly. ...
- Choose cable, when possible. ...
- Opt for outdoor access points. ...
- Mind the gap with a wireless bridge.
If using a cable isn't feasible, outdoor wireless access is the way forward. Wireless signals can typically transmit up to 1000 feet, provided their path is unobstructed.
How far can you extend WiFi signal? ›Without additional help from boosters and such, a router can broadcast a signal within a limited area of about 150 feet (depending on the type of router you have). Boosters, extenders, and repeaters can spread your Wi-Fi signal much farther—up to 2,500 feet.
What is difference between Wi-Fi and hotspot? ›
Wifi is a wireless communication technology that is used for LAN(Local Area Networks). Whereas the hotspot provides internet to wireless devices by using wifi. There is no hotspot without wifi. Whereas a hotspot is created using wifi.
How much does a hotspot cost? ›How much does a mobile hotspot cost? Hotspots cost anywhere from $59 to $400 for the device, plus the cost of a data plan. Good quality 4G LTE hotspots are usually $200 and up and give you just what you need. 5G hotspots cost much more, but there are fewer of them to choose from.
How do I get free Wi-Fi at sea? ›At sea, mainstream cruise lines usually do not include Wi-Fi in their cruise fares, but premium and luxury lines almost always do. Cruise lines that include free Wi-Fi for all passengers are luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with upscale cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Viking.
Can you get internet on a yacht? ›In fact, even many big-domed yachts have alternate Wi-Fi and/or cellular internet facilities in order to minimise costs when moored, and also for speed and redundancy.
How do I get Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere? ›- Try using a Broadband Address Checker. ...
- Consider 'Rural Wireless' if it's Available. ...
- Wait Years for The Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) ...
- Take a Gamble With Elon Musk's Starlink Network.
- Get a Gravity Satellite Internet Connection Now.
Yes, all cruise ships today offer an internet connection, but it might not be the seamless experience you've come to expect on land. For most of the many years I've been writing about cruising, the typical internet connection at sea hasn't just been slow. It's been glacial.
What is sea Free Wi-Fi? ›Connect to the SEA-FREE-WIFI for free Airport WiFi
Wireless internet access s available in all public areas of the airport and is free of charge. Terms and conditions for your use of the Airport's Free WiFi may be found here.
Here's how it works: All you need to do is pack a wireless travel router, like this one. Once on the ship, set the device to “bridge mode.” Then it can be paired to the cruise wifi network to create a new mini wireless network right within your cruise stateroom.
Can you get 4g on a cruise ship? ›Most cruise ships offer their own supported internet connectivity, however from time to time you can connect to the internet using your phones 3G or 4g if you don't want to pay for the internet package from your cruise line.
How fast is internet on a yacht? ›Viasat High Speed Satellite Yacht Internet Systems. Typical Speeds you can expect are 25MBPS – 50 MBPS.
Is satellite Internet a Wi-Fi? ›
Is satellite internet the same as Wi-Fi? You can get Wi-Fi through a satellite internet connection, but it's not the same as Wi-Fi. Satellite internet is a type of internet connection, while Wi-Fi refers to a wireless network.
Is Satellite Internet fast? ›Satellite internet is one of the slowest high-speed internet services available. While it can get to fixed broadband internet speeds (classified by the FCC as 25 Mbps or higher), it can't reach the speeds cable and fiber optic can.
Can you live off grid with internet? ›Yes, you can generally get internet off the grid as long as you have a source of power (solar, wind, or standard power service with a utility company). Satellite internet is available almost everywhere in the US, and LTE home internet (delivered with cellular data) has an expanding footprint.
How do I get Internet access away from home? ›- Use Your Mobile Provider.
- Buy a SIM Card for your trip.
- Use a Mobile Hotspot.
- Use a specialist roaming SIM.
- Consider Satellite Internet.
- Just use WiFi for Internet Access.
- Purchase a wireless router. To create your own Wi-Fi network, you'll need a wireless router. ...
- Connect the cables. Once you've acquired a wireless router, you'll need to connect it to your existing Internet modem. ...
- Configure your router. ...
- Connect! ...
- Congratulations!
Yes, you technically can but it's not always possible depending on the amount of phone signal you have. When you do get signal, as mentioned above, it'll be through an at-sea provider and will be considered a roaming charge by your network provider. Rates for these phone calls can be pretty high.
Will my hotspot work on a cruise ship? ›Do Hotspots Work on Cruise Ships? Portable wireless hotspots do work on cruise ships but only when the ship is docked or VERY close to land. Your phone's hotspot will also work on a cruise ship as long as you have cell service, are docked or close to land and roaming is included in your plan.
Will cell phone work on cruise ships? ›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.