• Royal Caribbean charges for internet access on cruises, with costs that the company views as substantial, despite improved connectivity via Starlink.
• Purchasing internet packages pre-cruise can result in significant savings, up to 30% off, and promotions are frequently available.
• The author finds the internet packages worthwhile for both professional and personal connectivity needs, citing improved speeds and the ability to stay in touch with family and friends.

Royal Caribbean offers internet packages, known as Voom, for an additional cost on its cruises. These packages have evolved from tiered services to a universal speed option. The company justifies the cost due to the significant expense of providing internet access at sea, even with the implementation of Starlink technology. While some high-end cruise lines include internet in their fares, Royal Caribbean does not, opting for a modular experience where guests pay for the services they want. The author argues that purchasing a Voom package is worth it for staying connected and enhancing the cruise experience.

• What: Royal Caribbean offers Voom internet packages for purchase on their cruises. These packages provide unlimited internet access, and pre-cruise purchases offer discounts.
• Who: Royal Caribbean International, cruise passengers, Michael Bayley (President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International), Matt Hochberg (Author)
• When: May 8, 2025 (article date). Discounts are available pre-cruise, and the author consistently purchases internet packages.
• Where: Royal Caribbean cruise ships globally.

The article presents a case for purchasing Royal Caribbean's Voom internet packages, emphasizing the convenience and necessity of staying connected while on a cruise. The author argues that the improved internet speeds resulting from the Starlink transition make the packages more valuable than in the past. The piece also highlights the potential cost savings available through pre-cruise purchases and ongoing promotions. A key argument is that, for many, internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, both for work and personal communication, making the added cost worthwhile. The author also disputes the notion that being online detracts from the relaxation of a cruise vacation.

"We got to pay a ton, a ton, a ton of money for Wi-Fi... I sign the invoices when they come in [and] every time I see them I'm like, oh my God."

Royal Caribbean's Voom internet packages offer cruise passengers the ability to stay connected while at sea. While they come at an additional cost, the author argues that the benefits, including improved speeds, pre-cruise discounts, and the ability to stay connected for both work and personal reasons, make them a worthwhile investment. As internet access becomes increasingly essential in daily life, the demand for reliable and affordable connectivity on cruises is likely to continue to grow.