Royal Caribbean Bans Travel Routers
In a move that has already stirred up controversy, Royal Caribbean recently updated its banned items list to include travel routers. These devices are commonly used by passengers to bypass the cruise line’s Wi-Fi charges. With the aim of curbing unauthorized access to the internet, the cruise line’s security team is now confiscating these devices at embarkation, raising questions about whether the company is going too far in regulating passengers’ online access.
What is Behind the List of Banned Internet Devices?
Royal Caribbean’s decision to ban travel routers follows a growing trend among cruise lines seeking to control passengers’ internet access at sea. While the use of travel routers is not illegal, these small devices allow travelers to connect more than one device to the Wi-Fi service included in the cruise’s basic package, thus avoiding additional charges.
Royal Caribbean’s move comes a few months after Carnival added satellite dishes to their list of banned items. This is part of a broader effort to prevent passengers from circumventing the cruise lines’ paid Wi-Fi offerings. Though some guests may feel this move limits their freedom, the cruise lines assert that the bans are necessary to ensure smooth, secure operations and avoid potential disruptions in service.
Royal Caribbean’s Alternative to Travel Routers
Royal Caribbean is encouraging guests to opt for their own “VOOM” Wi-Fi packages. These include the Surf + Stream option, which offers access to messenger apps, video chat, and basic browsing, as well as more expensive plans for video streaming and remote work. While these packages provide a reliable connection, they come at a premium. The cost of the VOOM plan for a seven-day cruise can be as high as $29.99 per day, or nearly $210 for the entire trip. For those who don’t require internet throughout the cruise, 24-hour passes are also available. However, passengers should expect slower download speeds, as Royal Caribbean’s satellite-based internet is not only more expensive than typical Wi-Fi, but also significantly slower due to the challenges of connecting at sea.
