Royal Caribbean markets VOOM as “the fastest internet at sea,” and while speeds vary by ship and location, the network is consistently stronger than many competing cruise lines. The service uses advanced satellite technology to provide ship-wide coverage, allowing guests to stay connected from their cabin, dining rooms, pool deck, lounges, and entertainment areas.
Royal Caribbean offers two VOOM WiFi plans, each suited to different usage needs:
VOOM Surf – Designed for light internet users who want to browse, email, and message family or friends.
VOOM Surf + Stream – A more advanced plan capable of high-speed activities such as video calling, streaming movies, uploading content, and remote work.
These two options allow travelers to choose the level of connectivity that matches their lifestyle while onboard.
When determining whether VOOM is worth the price, speed is one of the most important factors.
Download: 3–6 Mbps
Upload: 1–3 Mbps
This is enough for:
Emailing
Web browsing
Posting text updates
Social media scrolling
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp or iMessage
It is not ideal for:
Streaming videos
Uploading large photos
Video calling
Download: 10–25 Mbps
Upload: 3–8 Mbps
Suitable for:
Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+
Zoom and FaceTime
Instagram Reels and TikTok
Remote work and cloud-based tools
Gaming with moderate performance
These speeds are impressive considering you’re sailing in the middle of the ocean.
VOOM internet is priced by device and plan type, and the cost can vary depending on your ship, itinerary, and whether you pre-purchase.
Surf: $15–$20 per day
Surf + Stream: $20–$30 per day
Pre-purchasing online through the Cruise Planner often saves 10–30%.
When evaluating worth, consider:
How many devices you need
How many people plan to use the internet
Whether you need streaming or just basic browsing
Purchasing a multi-device plan is typically cheaper than individual packages for each person.
VOOM Surf + Stream is fast enough to watch video content without significant buffering. Most passengers report smooth playback even during sea days, although occasional slowdowns happen when many guests are online.
Netflix: Solid for SD and often HD
YouTube: HD videos load well
TikTok & Instagram: Smooth scrolling
Music streaming: Reliable with minimal dropouts
Live sports: Variable—works but may buffer during peak times
For travelers who enjoy unwinding with shows or movies, VOOM Surf + Stream is absolutely worth it.
Many guests now work during cruises, and VOOM has made this possible.
Email and cloud file services
Slack and Microsoft Teams
Video conferencing at standard resolution
Uploading documents and photos
Managing websites or online tools
VPNs may slow the connection
Large file transfers can take longer
HD video meetings can fluctuate during peak usage hours
Still, for productivity and communication, VOOM is one of the most reliable cruise internet options.
Ship class plays a big role in determining the value of your VOOM package.
Icon Class
Oasis Class
Quantum Class
These ships have the newest systems, offering the most stable connection.
Freedom Class
Voyager Class
Radiance Class
Vision Class
Knowing your ship helps you predict real-world performance more accurately.
VOOM is absolutely worth it for the following types of travelers:
If you enjoy sharing your trip in real time—posting photos, reels, stories—VOOM Surf + Stream is ideal. Sea days especially become more fun when you can stay active online.
Those needing reliable connectivity will find VOOM extremely valuable. You can check email, join meetings, track work progress, or manage projects without major disruptions.
Teenagers rarely want to disconnect, and VOOM gives them entertainment during downtime. Parents also appreciate having messaging access to check in with family onboard.
Some travelers feel anxious being unreachable. VOOM provides peace of mind with the ability to communicate anytime.
FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Messenger video calls work well on Surf + Stream.
The VOOM package might not be worth it for:
Some cruisers choose to disconnect entirely and enjoy their vacation offline. If that’s your goal, you can skip VOOM.
Many destinations offer cafés, hotspots, or phone data signals. If you don’t need sea-day connectivity, VOOM may not be essential.
If you only need basic messaging, consider using:
Offline apps
Texting over cellular
Port WiFi
This can help you save money.
Yes—especially for long sea days or travelers who enjoy evening entertainment in their cabin.
Worth it with Surf + Stream.
Surf is usually enough, making VOOM worth it at a lower cost.
Surf + Stream recommended.
Playable, but dependent on satellite position—high-speed multiplayer games may lag.
Perfect for accessing coursework, virtual classes, and assignments.
Compared to other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean consistently delivers better speeds.
More stable connection
Broader ship-wide coverage
Stronger speeds even during peak usage
Better for streaming than many competitors
Royal Caribbean has invested heavily in upgrading its internet systems, making the price feel more justified.
Pre-purchasing is almost always cheaper—savings range from 10–30%.
Surf for casual users
Surf + Stream for heavy users
Switching between devices is simple—log out on one, log in on another.
Early mornings or late evenings offer the best speeds.
Turn off auto-updates to prevent bandwidth drain.
Yes—for most travelers, the VOOM package is absolutely worth it. Royal Caribbean’s internet is one of the fastest and most reliable at sea, offering strong performance for browsing, streaming, video calls, messaging, and remote work. Whether you want to stay connected, share your vacation on social media, or maintain productivity, VOOM delivers excellent value.
However, if your goal is to fully unplug or rely solely on port WiFi, then purchasing a VOOM package may not be necessary. Ultimately, the value depends on your digital lifestyle, trip expectations, and connectivity needs.
Most cruisers find that the convenience, performance, and peace of mind VOOM offers make it a smart investment for a flawless vacation experience.
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