Sometimes guests go on Disney cruises to get away from it all. Others want a relaxing vacation, while still others need to work a bit. So how do you connect to the internet on Disney Cruise Line while on the high seas? Latina SheBuysTravel Tania Lamb gives you the scoop on how to connect and how much Wi-Fi costs onboard. Is it a good value or are you better off leaving your devices at home?
How to Connect to the Internet on Disney Cruise Line
My familia and I recently traveled on the Disney Dream and had a wonderful time. I was good about being in the moment and enjoying my time with them. However, I also needed to do a little work and a little posting on social media. Wi-Fi is not free on Disney Cruise Line, so if you’re going to need it, prepárate.
How Much Does Internet on Disney Cruise Line Cost?
Wi-Fi is referred to as Connect@Sea. There are different Connect@Sea packages, and you pay for the megabytes you use. Here are the current prices (Winter 2017), but prices are subject to change at any time.
Pay-As-You-Go
Get started with this package if you’re not sure how much you’ll be online. You can add a package at any time for greater savings. Price: $.25 per MB
Small
This package is for the occasional user. You want to check your email really quick or just make sure things are all right at home? Then this is the package for you. Price: 100 MB for $19.00 ($.19/MB)
Medium
For the moderate user. So yes, you want to be away from it all, but you still want to show your amigos all the fun you’re having! You want to post to Facebook and Instagram? Then here’s a package for you. Price: 300 MB for $39.00 ($.13/MB)
Large
The package description says you can stream movies with this package and that it will cover all your Internet needs, but I’m doubtful on that one. You can use those MBs really quickly. Price: 1000 MB for $89.00 ($.09/MB)
How Do You Connect?
When you board your Disney Cruise, you will be given a paper with information on cost, how to connect to devices, and other frequently asked questions. They are even kind enough to give you a paper with information on how to minimize data consumption. Use it, follow it. Trust me. You want to turn off apps, background apps, your photo stream, etc.. All the instructions are on the paper.
Usually they will have an offer to sign up for 50 MB for free on the first night of the cruise. I use that as my trial run. That’s also how I found out I did not follow the instructions correctly on how to minimize data. I used that 50 MB in about 5 minutes.
So I went to the Connect@Sea desk to get some help. I feel awful, because I can’t remember the name of the cast member at the desk who helped me. I handed my phone over to him and he worked his magic. He also gave me my 50 MB back to try again. This time I was in business.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you turn off iCloud Backup while onboard, don’t forget to turn it back on once you’re on land. I almost lost a lot of pictures.
How Much Data Will You Need?
Realistically, how many MB do you need to buy? With doing a quick email check and maybe posting a picture to Facebook every day, I could have gotten away with the free 50 MB. However, I ran into a little snafu with work and needed more data. At first I bought the small package to fix my problem. That would have been sufficient, but then I ran into a bigger problem. The nice thing is that if you find you need more data, you can go back to the desk, and they’ll add on a bigger package and you just pay the difference in package price. You don’t have to buy an additional package.
After I told the nice Connect@Sea cast member my problems, he took pity on me and gave me some more data for free. I really did visit him every day of the cruise. He felt like a friend. He’s only there certain hours in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.
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The Next Best Thing to Disconnecting
As much as I would have loved to have completely disconnected during our family’s cruise, it just wasn’t possible. I’m grateful that there is an option to connect onboard. I found reception to be better at the ports.
It was also fun to post a few things on Facebook and Instagram and have people comment on their experience with Disney Cruise Line. They gave me suggestions on what to eat and activities to do on the ship. Sometimes connecting at sea isn’t so bad, mateys.
Would I love it even more if the internet on Disney Cruise Line was free? Absolutely! While a little pricey, it was worth it for my needs.
Great news, fellow Avengers fans! Now Disney Cruise Line is offering Avengers Day at Sea cruises! Sherry, Melodious SheBuysTravel shares all the details with you. Bon voyage!
John says
Thanks for the info! This is best resouce for wifi on Disney cuises. Well done. What was the speed like? Was it noticably slow ?
CF says
This post is over a year old and still has the best information on the Disney Cruise Line WiFi prices. Thanks!
Ryan says
I just wanted to throw a quick “Thank you” your way for this invaluable information!
Jordan says
Question is this per day or per trip…..or is it “when you run out, you run out”?
I’m going on April and I teach online – was hoping to not take off everyday because I only get so many a year for the days I teach…. was just hoping to stay connected from my laptop, not searching just connected…. advice?
Tania Lamb, Latina SheBuysTravel says
Yes, once you run out, you run out. However you can always buy more. It depends on how much data you need for teaching. There are different packages. I would recommend talking to the Connect at Sea Cast Member and talking about what your data needs are. He was very helpful and it’s easier to buy less and then upgrade if you need more.
Taty Pradilla, Cross Cultural SheBuysTravel says
Talk about great timing! I was wondering about this for our upcoming cruise in a week! Thanks for all the answers and pointers
Tania Lamb, Latina SheBuysTravel says
You’re welcome! Have a fabulous cruise and post pictures 😉
Kuleen Lashley, Kid at Heart SheBuysTravel says
Perfect! I’m leaving in a week for a Disney Cruise on the Wonder and I needed this informaiton.
Tania Lamb, Latina SheBuysTravel says
Have so much fun!!