When embarking on a cruise, passengers enter a unique vacation environment with its own set of considerations. This blog post aims to shed light on two critical aspects of cruising: navigating international laws and understanding the potential pitfalls of onboard internet usage.
Navigating International Waters
Internet Packages and Costs
The cost of internet packages offered by major cruise lines varies based on the cruise line and the specific package. Here are the details for Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruises, and Royal Caribbean, including the availability of Elon Musk’s Starlink service:
Carnival Cruise Line:
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald advised passengers to avoid unexpected charges by ensuring that their phones are in airplane mode once they board a ship. He emphasized that failing to activate airplane mode can lead to incurring significant roaming charges. He also highlighted that while T-Mobile sends a text message warning customers about potential charges at sea, other major carriers may not provide the same warning. Therefore, he urged passengers to take personal responsibility and be aware of their cell phone plan’s coverage to avoid incurring unexpected charges.
- Pre-cruise: Prices start at $15.30 USD per day
- Onboard: Prices start at $18.00 USD per day
- The plans allow access to popular social websites and applications, but may not include access to most websites, email, video and music streaming services, iMessage, Skype, cellular-network-dependent Wi-Fi calling, and FaceTime services
Norwegian Cruises:
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers various packages, including a One-Day Pass for $29.95 (single 24-hour period)
- The cost of Wi-Fi on Norwegian Cruise Line varies, with options for basic internet access as well as premium packages that enable streaming and video calls
Royal Caribbean:
- Royal Caribbean offers different internet packages based on data level and device usage, with prices starting from $93 per cruise for 3GB for the Standard plan
- The cruise line also offers an Unlimited Internet Cruise package starting from $159.90 per cruise for unlimited data on one device for a single day or less
Elon Musk’s Starlink Service:
- Some cruise lines have invested in Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite-driven service to improve their onboard internet offerings
- The availability of Starlink may vary by cruise line and specific ships, and it is often offered as part of enhanced internet packages with potentially higher costs
The importance of passengers taking responsibility for understanding their cell phone plans and the potential forgiveness of charges by major phone companies on a one-time basis is underscored by the risk of incurring significant roaming charges while using cellular services on a cruise. As highlighted by Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald, failing to activate airplane mode upon boarding a ship can lead to unexpected and substantial charges. Therefore, it is crucial for passengers to be aware of their cell phone plan’s coverage, including roaming and international usage charges, and to take proactive measures to avoid incurring such charges. While major phone companies may be willing to forgive these charges on a one-time basis, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. Passengers are encouraged to be informed and to make use of options such as airplane mode and onboard internet packages to manage their connectivity and avoid unexpected expenses.
Drinking and drug laws vary by country
Drinking Laws:
- In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21. However, in many European/Caribbean countries, the legal drinking age is 18. For example, in the Bahamas, the legal drinking age is 18, while in countries like Italy and Germany, it’s also 18. It’s crucial for passengers to be aware of and adhere to the drinking age laws of the countries they visit during a cruise.
Drug & Smoking Laws:
- Drug laws vary significantly from one country to another. For instance, the possession of certain prescription medications that are legal in one country may be illegal in another. In some countries, the penalties for drug possession can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. For example, in Singapore, severe penalties, including the death penalty, are imposed for drug offenses. Alternatively, in Mexico, vaping could land you in prison.
By being knowledgeable about and respecting the drinking and drug laws of the countries you visit during a cruise will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience without running afoul of local regulations.