Gone are the days when cruising meant completely disconnecting from the world—at least for most of us! As someone who loves to stay connected while sailing, I was intrigued to see that Verizon now offers a Cruise Daily Pass for onboard cell service.
This new option lets you use your phone at sea for $30 per day per device, giving you:
- 0.5 GB of data
- 50 minutes of calling
- Unlimited text messages
- Available on select cruise lines
It sounds like something cruisers have been asking for, but personally, I won’t be using it. Here’s why.
Why I Won’t Be Using Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass
Most cruise ships now use Starlink satellite internet, offering fast and reliable Wi-Fi at sea. Instead of paying Verizon’s $30 daily fee for limited minutes and data, I prefer to use the ship’s Wi-Fi for calls and messages.
Here’s how I stay connected, and you can too, without Verizon’s cruise plan:
✅ Wi-Fi Calling – Enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone to make and receive calls without a 50-minute limit.
✅ Texting for Free – If you’re an iPhone user, use iMessage over Wi-Fi to other iPhone users. If you have an Android or need to text someone with an Android device, apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram let you text and call for free over Wi-Fi.
✅ More Device Flexibility – Most cruise Wi-Fi plans let you switch between devices or offer multi-device packages, making them more cost-effective than Verizon’s per-device charge.
🚨 Important Tip: Always keep your phone in Airplane Mode when cruising and using the ship’s Wi-Fi to avoid unexpected roaming charges!
When I DO Use Verizon’s Travel Pass
While I skip Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass, I do use Verizon’s Travel Pass when docked at a port. For $10 per day per device, you get access to your regular call, text, and data plan in over 210 destinations. This is a great option for staying connected on land without worrying about Wi-Fi.
Would You Use Verizon’s Cruise Plan?
What do you think—would you pay $30 a day for Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass, or do you prefer to use Wi-Fi? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚢📱
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