AT&T, Verizon Launch New Phone Plans for Cruise Passengers

In a significant development for cruise passengers, mobile carriers AT&T and Verizon have each unveiled new international phone plans tailored for use on cruise ships. This marks a substantial shift in coverage availability, as travelers have historically faced high roaming charges or depended on limited cruise-specific Wi-Fi packages. Both companies aim to offer cost-effective solutions for staying connected on the high seas, addressing longstanding frustrations among cruisers.

AT&T’s International Day Pass: Affordable Coverage at Sea

AT&T’s “International Day Pass” extends coverage to more than 400 cruise ships and over 200 international land destinations, allowing subscribers to use their phones much like they would at home. Priced at $12 per day per device, additional devices can be added for only $6 each per day. Customers have the option to activate the pass in advance or mid-cruise; however, any roaming charges incurred before activation will not be covered retroactively. Activation options include AT&T’s website, the myAT&T app, or contacting customer support.

The potential cost savings can be considerable. According to AT&T, a family of four taking a five-night international cruise could face up to $4,100 in roaming fees without a plan. With the International Day Pass, that amount decreases to $240—a reduction of roughly 94%.

Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass: Designed for Onboard Use

Verizon’s “Cruise Daily Pass” focuses on usage while onboard, offering unlimited data, talk, and text for $20 per day. Unlike AT&T’s plan, it excludes coverage at international ports, applying only during the time spent at sea. Notably, high-speed data usage is capped at 0.5 GB per day, after which speeds revert to 3G—potentially affecting data-heavy activities such as streaming.

Verizon also requires manual activation before or during embarkation; neglecting to activate in time could leave travelers without coverage. This extra step, combined with its limited port functionality, may make the plan less appealing to some cruisers compared to other options.

Cruise Wi-Fi Packages vs. Cellular Plans

Cruise-specific Wi-Fi packages, traditionally the primary means for onboard connectivity, vary considerably in both cost and performance. Carnival Cruise Line’s internet plans range between $18.70 and $23.80 per device per day, and the premium option that supports up to four devices costs $84. Royal Caribbean’s VOOM Wi-Fi—billed as the fastest service at sea—ranges from $24.99 to $30.99 per device per day. These plans, provided by Starlink’s satellite network, generally offer reliable coverage but may be pricier depending on the voyage length and number of devices.

For social media browsing or modest data use, cellular offerings like AT&T’s International Day Pass can be more economical. However, passengers anticipating substantial internet usage might find a cruise Wi-Fi package more practical, despite the higher base cost.

Smart Tips to Avoid Surprise Fees

• Always confirm coverage options with your carrier before your cruise starts.
• Use airplane mode to prevent accidental roaming charges when coverage details are unclear.
• If choosing a cruise-specific cellular plan, remember that retroactive coverage is not available once fees have begun accruing.
• Keep an eye on daily data limits, especially for bandwidth-heavy activities like video streaming.

By weighing personal usage needs and exploring available plans, travelers now have more flexibility than ever to remain connected while enjoying their cruise experience.

How do AT&T and Verizon’s plans differ?

AT&T’s International Day Pass covers both cruise ships and international ports for $12 per day, with a $6 rate for additional devices. Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass, at $20 per day, applies exclusively to onboard usage and restricts high-speed data after 0.5 GB daily.

Are cruise Wi-Fi packages more cost-effective than cellular plans?

Cruise Wi-Fi packages tend to be more expensive but can better suit heavy internet users, especially for streaming or multiple devices. Cellular plans are usually cheaper for lighter usage and include daily data caps that can help control costs.

What should passengers consider before choosing a plan?

Travelers should evaluate how much internet they plan to use, whether they need port coverage, and how many devices require connectivity. Comparing cellular and cruise ship Wi-Fi packages helps determine which route is more economical or convenient.