If you are planning for a Cruise but worried about staying connected to everyone during the journey. Fortunately, AT&T Cruise Package offers a solution to this modern-day dilemma.
The AT&T Cruise package promises to provide reliable connectivity, ensuring that you can flawlessly communicate with friends and family all while enjoying your time aboard a cruise ship.
In this article we will discuss the AT&T Cruise Package and its features comparing to onboard Cruise WiFi.
What is AT&T Cruise Package
AT&T (American Telegram & Telephone) is a cruise package that offers a specialized cellular wireless plan for individuals. It ensures that you can place calls and send text messages while on a cruise.
AT&T offers communication coverage for over 175 cruise ships including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, guaranteeing the coverage regardless of the cruise line you select.
The AT&T cruise package offers unlimited Calls and SMS, allowing you to communicate without any time restrictions. You will get specific amount of data for 30 days depending on AT&T cruise plan you choose.
Types Of AT&T Cruise Package
AT&T cruise plan offers two main packages for smooth cellular connectivity specifically designed for different needs and budgets.
AT&T Cruise Basic
The AT&T Cruise Basic package is a lighter package that offers affordability and user-friendly features. This AT&T cruise basic cost $60 for month with 100 minutes of talk time. It’s perfect for casual users or those who simply want a safety net for emergencies.
The AT&T Cruise Basic package offers only 100 MB of Internet data, which is quite limited. Once you open a streaming app, the data will be used up very quickly. After consumption of initial 100MBs, additional 100MB charge 10$.
Note: This package may not be suitable for you if you are a heavy internet user. In that case consider choosing the Cruise Wifi package in addition to the AT&T cruise basic package.
AT&T Cruise Plus
The AT&T Plus package is perfect for those who enjoy staying connected on the go. It costs $100 for a month. It provides unlimited talk & text without worrying about time constraints.
It includes 1GB of data for social media light internet users. It is ideal for business professionals who often communicate with clients through calls and texts.
Heavy data consumers should be cautious as they may quickly exceed the 1GB limit. Streaming with this amount of data may not be the best choice, so it’s advisable to avoid streaming services to conserve data.
Note: Exceeding the 1GB limit will result in a $10 fee for every additional 100MB.
How does AT&T Cruise Package Works?
Cellular At Sea Network
It is also known as “Cellular at sea.” The AT&T Cruise Package works by connecting to cellular network of ship. Your phone will connect to this network when you are on the ship. Once connected, you can make calls, send texts, and use data.
The costs for using Cellular at Sea are remarkably high, that is why it is recommended for passengers to switch their smartphone to “Airplane Mode” to avoid accidental connections.
With the AT&T cruise package, you can use the Cellular at sea network without worrying about excessive charges.
Port Network not Included
It’s crucial to be aware that your device may connect to a local cellular network when the ship arrives at a port, which could be on a Caribbean Island or any other stop on the cruise.
At&T Cruise package does not work at Port when ships dock. Your cell phone may connect to local cellular network.
At port, AT&T Cruise Package will not work. If there is no other package at your phone you may have to pay standard international roaming charges.
If you want to stay connected at port, AT&T provides the International Day Pass as a solution. It cost 10$ per day.
AT&T Cruise Plan Vs Cruise Ship WiFi
Here is the difference between AT&T Cruise Package & Cruise ship WiFi
Connectivity
The AT&T Cruise Ship Package will start working once you are 10 to 12 nautical miles away from the shore. It results in a reliable and stable network that keeps you connected no matter where your adventure takes you.
Cruise Ship WiFi will automatically connects to user’s phone once they board the ship. As a result, slow internet speeds due to the large number of users.
Lower Cost
Starlink at Cruise ship provides a more reliable WiFi connection at a reduced price, guaranteeing consistent expenses.
Data Allowance
The ATT cruise plan is best suited for those who prioritize calls, texts, and occasional browsing, while ship WiFi is more suitable for the users who utilize streaming services for music and video.
Impact of Starlink
With the emergence of advanced satellite networks like Starlink, cruise lines are now offering faster and more reliable internet connectivity, transforming the onboard experience for guests. Starlink provides faster and more dependable WiFi services. Even though Starlink offers more reliable WiFi but there is no indication that cruise companies plan to lower their WiFi prices as a result.
Why Should You Consider AT&T Cruise Package?
The ATT Cruise Plan is an ideal partner for travelers, offers unlimited talk and SMS, daily data access, user-friendly features, and extensive flexibility, and is cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for all your travel needs. Five important reasons are given below:
Cost-Effective
The cost-effectiveness of the ATT Cruise Plan is a game-changer for travelers who want to stay connected while at sea. Unlike international roaming charges, this plan has the potential to save you a lot of money, enabling you to allocate your budget towards other vacation activities.
This plan provides a consistent pricing system with a fixed rate.
By paying a single fixed fee for your entire cruise, you can avoid unexpected costs when you return.
Unlimited Talk & Text
The AT&T Cruise Plan provides unlimited talk and text, making it a valuable tool for staying connected, for both personal and business matters. You can share live updates of your Coco Cay snorkeling experiences without worrying about exceeding your call or text limits.
Data
The ATT Cruise Plan offers a daily data limit that can be used whenever needed.
It may not be suitable for heavy data users, it typically satisfies the requirements of people who use it for activities like checking emails and casual internet browsing.
Ease of Use
The AT&T setup is simple and friendly to the user. Once you subscribe to the plan, it activates automatically when you’re on the ship.
Flexibility
The ATT Cruise Plan is an excellent choice for many due to its flexibility. It offers coverage on more than 175 cruise ships globally, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you journey.
What is AT&T International Day Pass
AT&T International Day Pass
AT&T International Day Pass plan costs $10 per day in addition to your AT&T plan. You can add more devices for $5 each. Travelers can now enjoy a flawless communication experience in over 210+ destinations worldwide. It provides unlimited data, talk, text and offer 5G international coverage in some areas.
The maximum charge per billing cycle is $100. After the first 10 days at $10 each, you can use the international plan for free for the rest of the billing cycle.
When you add an International Day Pass to your AT&T account, you will be charged for a full day whenever you use your phone in a supported country. You only need to sign up for the plan once.
Comparison
The AT&T International Day Pass is a versatile solution for those embarking on land-based international travel.
The ATT Cruise Package is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of those on a cruise vacation.
AT&T Pay Per Use Rate
AT&T charges $2.05 per megabyte for international mobile data in most countries. If you don’t buy an AT&T Cruise Package or ATT International Day pass then you’ll be charged with their standard pay-per-use rates. Your usage is billed per kilobyte, so if you use 100.2MB of data, you will be billed for exactly that amount.
Talk Pay Per Use Rate
- $1 per minute cost to Call to Canada & Mexico
- $2 per minute cost to Call to Europe
Text Pay Per Use Rate
- Each Text message cost $0.50
- Sending picture & videos message costs $1.30
Data Pay Per Use Rate
- AT&T charges $2.05 per megabyte
Is AT&T Package Available on Cruise Ships
AT&T network is available on over 175 cruise ships. Some of these are given below:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Dream Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
AT&T Cruise Package Limitations
Here are the certain limitations of AT&T Cruise Package
Limited Data
Basic internet packages have limits on data, and these limits are becoming more obvious as online activities become more complex. The AT&T Plus package only has 1GB of data, which used to be enough. But now, with high-definition streaming, video calls, and cloud-based apps, this data runs out fast. The Cruise Basic package only has 100MB, which used to be okay for light browsing and emailing. But now, it’s not enough for normal online tasks.
Limited Movie & Music Streaming
When it comes to streaming HD movies, the data usage can quickly add up. In fact, watching a high-definition like 1080p movie can consume anywhere from 1GB to 2GB per hour. So it is impossible to stream movie with AT&T Plus Package.
Streaming music at standard quality uses 40-70MB per hour whereas AT&T Cruise Basic Package offers just 100MB per day for internet usage.
Over Usage Costs High
The AT&T Cruise Basic package only includes 100 MB of Internet data, which is not much. If you use up the initial 100 MB, you will be charged $10 for every extra 100MB.
Tips to Save Your AT&T Cruise Package Data
Here are some tips to save your AT&T Cruise plan Data.
Utilize Wifi When it is Available: Use the cruise’s Wi-Fi package if you have it and remember to disable data roaming to conserve data. Some cruise lines provide free Wifi in certain areas, so take advantage of that choice.
Disable Data Roaming: To conserve data, make sure to disable data roaming when you’re not actively using cellular data.
Avoid streaming: Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify can quickly drain your data when you’re on an ATT cruise package.
Disable unnecessary App: Disable the unnecessary apps that you rarely use to save data which they consume in the background while updating.
Caution: Check your data usage to conserve MBs. iMessage will provide updates on your AT&T cruise Internet package status, so be alert.
FAQs – AT&T Cruise Package
Is AT&T Cruise Package works on Port?
Unfortunately, AT&T cruise packages do not work at ports. These packages are meant for using cell services on the ship. So, you need to find other options when you are at port. AT&T International Day Pass is a better option.
Is AT&T Better Than Cruise Ship wifi?
The majority of cruise ships provide Internet packages for passengers to remain connected during their voyage. We have a detailed guide on Carnival Cruise WiFi. We also explore if Royal Caribbean WiFi Cost is worth it.
Can I Use AT&T Outside the America?
AT&T works in 210+ countries and has data coverage in over 180+ countries. If you’re outside America in the Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea, AT&T’s network will work. Data speeds and coverage may vary, but performance will stay the same during your cruise.
Is AT&T Cruise Package worth it?
AT&T is a good choice for people who make a lot of phone calls or talk to clients on the phone. They offer unlimited calls, minutes, and texts so you can stay in touch with business partners and loved ones. The downside is that the cruise package has limited Internet data, with only 1GB in the premium plus package. This may not be enough for heavy Internet users.
If you use a lot of data or stream often, it’s better to consider using the regular cruise Wi-Fi or be prepared for extra charges. I suggest getting the basic AT&T cruise package and adding the ship’s dedicated Wi-Fi package for better connectivity and Internet usage.
Is it Important to Monitor Your Data Usage?
It’s important to keep an eye on your network data usage to prevent high charges. You make sure your phone settings prioritize the ship’s cellular service instead of local networks by selecting Manual for Cellular network selection.
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