Cruise: book wifi before boarding to save 20% on this often overlooked expense

Planning a cruise for the summer of 2026? The fares advertised by cruise lines often seem attractive. However, there is one expense that most passengers ignore before boarding.

A booming market with rock-bottom prices

With summer just around the corner, cruise ships will once again be filling up with passengers. According to the latest report from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), the number of passengers on cruise ships worldwide will reach 37.2 million in 2025, an all-time record. More and more companies are taking to the water.

A small handful dominate the market: MSC Croisières, Costa Croisières and Royal Caribbean. These giants have managed to slash prices in recent years. On the other hand, there are a number of costs that future passengers may not be aware of.

Long seen as a hobby for retirees with purchasing power, the world of cruising has rejuvenated its clientele. MSC Croisières, for example, offers a top-of-the-range experience known as Yacht Club. But it’s perfectly possible to spend a week on board at an affordable price.

“Adding the wifi option to your cruise before boarding saves you around 20% compared to buying it on the spot.”

A concrete example from Marseille

Here’s an offer that speaks for itself: 7 nights from Marseille with stopovers in several Mediterranean cities, from May 7 to 14. The advertised price is just 529 euros per person for an inside cabin. That’s a lot cheaper than any campsite.

On board, there’s plenty to do: swimming pools, a cabaret, play areas for adults and children alike. There’s also a cinema and boutiques for shopping. Enough to keep the whole family busy for a whole week.

• Pools accessible to all passengers
• Cabaret and evening shows
• Play areas for adults and children
• Cinema on board
• Shopping boutiques

On-board wifi: the expense everyone forgets about

At the top of the list of forgotten expenses is the cost of on-board wifi. Companies such as MSC and Costa have equipped themselves with a fast, reliable connection from Starlink. But this comes at a cost that few travelers anticipate before departure.

These companies then offer different packages, per day and per device. Options also vary by use: streaming, video or calls. So if you connect 2 or 4 devices, the price per unit drops sharply.

Depending on the company, the least expensive package costs a minimum of 5 euros per day. This is the least comprehensive package in terms of services. For basic needs, it may suffice.

Packages up to 22 euros per day

The most expensive package costs up to 22 euros per day. It allows you to watch your Netflix series. You can also keep in touch with grandma via Skype.

Even if it’s not a big total cost, it’s worth bearing in mind. This expense accumulates over several days of sailing. So it’s best to build it into your initial budget.

How to save 20% on this expense

The solution is simple: book your wifi package before you embark. Generally speaking, adding this option to your cruise in advance saves you around 20%. Buying it on board always costs more.

Remember to check the offers available at the time of booking. Some companies offer packages that include several aircraft. This way, the whole family stays connected without any unpleasant surprises.

By anticipating this detail, you can better control your travel budget. This makes vacations at sea really affordable. It would be a shame to spoil this good plan with an impulse purchase on board.

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