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How to upgrade wifi onboard Royal Caribbean?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 1 December 2025

How to Upgrade WiFi Onboard Royal Caribbean

Staying connected while cruising has become as essential as packing sunscreen or planning shore excursions. Whether you’re working remotely, sharing vacation moments online, or streaming your favorite shows, knowing how to upgrade WiFi onboard Royal Caribbean can dramatically enhance your experience. Despite being in the middle of the ocean, Royal Caribbean offers surprisingly reliable internet—especially through its signature VOOM service, often called the “fastest internet at sea.”

Yet many travelers board the ship unsure of how the upgrade system works. Can you upgrade anytime? Can you upgrade from a single-device plan to a multi-device plan? Does upgrading mid-cruise cost more? What’s the fastest way to complete the upgrade?

This pillar article provides a detailed, easy-to-understand, interactive guide that answers all these questions and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to upgrade your WiFi plan, optimize your connection, and choose the best package for your needs—without overspending.

Why WiFi Upgrades Matter During Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

Internet habits have changed drastically in recent years. Once upon a time, guests wanted to disconnect during vacations. Today, however, digital needs have expanded. Many guests need to work online, manage businesses, attend virtual meetings, livestream their vacation, or stay connected to family members at home.

What Makes Royal Caribbean WiFi Different?

Royal Caribbean uses advanced satellite technology that allows fast connectivity even in remote waters. This includes:

  • High-speed internet even in the middle of the ocean

  • Support for video calls, browsing, and streaming

  • Options for multiple device connections

  • Packages tailored to browsing needs or streaming preferences

Signs You May Need a WiFi Upgrade

If any of the following match your situation, upgrading might be the best choice:

  • You initially purchased only a basic Surf plan but now need dynamic connectivity

  • You underestimated how many devices your family uses

  • You’re working remotely and need stronger, more stable internet

  • You want to stream movies, music, or shows

  • You bought just one device but now want to switch among more devices seamlessly

  • You are sharing media on social platforms frequently

Understanding your needs helps you make the right upgrade choice without unnecessary expenses.

Ways to Upgrade WiFi Onboard Royal Caribbean

Upgrading your WiFi package onboard is easy, flexible, and accessible through multiple methods. Whether you're comfortable using your phone or prefer direct assistance from staff, Royal Caribbean gives you several convenient ways to upgrade.

Using the Royal Caribbean App

The Royal Caribbean mobile app is your primary tool for managing onboard services. Once connected to the ship’s network—even without a paid package—you can browse available WiFi plans and make upgrades anytime during your trip.

Steps to Upgrade Using the App

  1. Connect your device to the ship's WiFi network (no purchase required for browsing).

  2. Open the Royal Caribbean app.

  3. Go to Internet & WiFi under your account or service options.

  4. Find your current package details.

  5. Select Upgrade Package to view all available upgrade options.

  6. Complete the check-out process.

This method is ideal because it’s quick, available 24/7, and lets you compare upgrade prices in real time.

Upgrading Through Your Browser

If your app is not working, don’t worry. You can also upgrade right from your internet browser through the login portal.

How Browser Upgrade Works

  • Connect to the ship’s network.

  • Your browser should automatically redirect to the Royal Caribbean WiFi portal.

  • Find your current plan.

  • Look for an Upgrade or Manage Package button.

  • Choose your new plan and follow the purchase steps.

Browser access works even without internet because the portal is hosted on the ship.

Visiting Guest Services

If technology isn’t your strong suit or you prefer human help, Guest Services can assist. They can:

  • Show available packages

  • Explain upgrades clearly

  • Handle manual changes

  • Resolve billing concerns

  • Help with device connection problems

Speaking with Voom Internet Support Desk

Some Royal Caribbean ships feature a dedicated VOOM desk or kiosk. Their staff specialize in all connectivity-related upgrades and troubleshooting. They may:

  • Optimize your connection

  • Identify device issues

  • Recommend the best plan based on usage

  • Help you transition from Surf to Surf + Stream plans effortlessly

This is the best choice if you’re looking for technical expertise.

Types of Upgrades Available Onboard

Royal Caribbean's WiFi service typically includes two primary types of plans—each customizable and available for upgrade during your cruise.

Surf Plan to Surf + Stream Plan

Guests often start with the Surf plan for basic browsing but eventually realize they need more speed and capability. Upgrading to Surf + Stream offers benefits like:

  • Faster load times

  • Seamless video calls

  • Support for streaming movies and social media content

  • Better overall performance across multiple apps

Single Device to Multiple Devices

Sometimes a single device plan sounds good—until the family arrives on the ship and everyone wants access. Upgrading to multiple devices allows you to connect:

  • Phones

  • Tablets

  • Laptops

  • Streaming gadgets

This upgrade is especially helpful for families, digital nomads, or guests with multiple work tools.

Adding More Days to Your Plan

If you initially purchased a plan for only part of your trip or activated your package late, you can upgrade to extend it for the remaining cruise days.

Upgrading Mid-Cruise

Many guests worry they’ll pay the full package price even if upgrading mid-cruise. Fortunately, the system is typically prorated based on:

  • Remaining cruise days

  • Current package value

  • New plan cost

This ensures you pay fair pricing for the upgrade.

Tips to Get the Best Value When Upgrading WiFi

Optimizing your WiFi experience is just as important as choosing the right upgrade. The following tips help you get fast, stable internet while ensuring you don’t overspend.

Compare Packages Before Upgrading

Look at:

  • Cost difference between Surf vs Surf + Stream

  • Number of devices you truly need

  • Your usage requirements (browsing vs video)

  • Time remaining in the cruise

This helps prevent unnecessary add-ons.

Upgrade Early If Possible

Early in your cruise, the internet tends to be:

  • Less congested

  • Priced more competitively

  • Easier to set up before onboard demand increases

Use One Device at a Time If You’re on a Single-Device Plan

You can still switch between devices by logging out from one to activate another. But if you find yourself switching constantly, a multi-device upgrade might be worth it.

Check Signal Zones on the Ship

Some areas offer better connectivity:

  • Lounges

  • Observation areas

  • Some stateroom corridors

  • Upper decks

Using stronger zones helps maximize your upgraded speed.

Monitor Your Data Usage

While Royal Caribbean WiFi is typically unlimited, maintaining fewer active devices prevents slowdowns.

Common Questions About Upgrading WiFi Onboard Royal Caribbean

How much does it cost to upgrade WiFi during the cruise?

The upgrade price depends on:

  • The remaining number of cruise days

  • The package you’re shifting to

  • The number of devices added

It is usually prorated and fair for mid-trip upgrades.

Do upgrades work instantly?

Yes. Most WiFi upgrades activate within minutes of purchase.

Can I downgrade after upgrading?

Generally, WiFi downgrades are not available once the package is activated. It’s best to choose carefully before upgrading.

Can I upgrade only one traveler’s plan in a group?

Yes. Each guest may purchase or upgrade their WiFi packages independently.

Mistakes to Avoid When Upgrading WiFi

Waiting Until the Ship Is Far Into the Ocean

Internet congestion increases deeper at sea, making upgrades a bit slower or more expensive.

Not Checking How Many Devices You Actually Need

Guests often underestimate or overestimate their needs. Evaluate device usage before upgrading.

Ignoring the Surf + Stream Benefits

If you rely on video calling, uploading content, or watching shows, Surf alone may feel inadequate.

Forgetting to Log Out Before Switching Devices

This is a common cause of slow speeds or login errors.

Upgrading Without Checking the App First

The app often shows exclusive discounts not available at Guest Services.

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