Reviewed: MSC Cruise Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, & More) | Cruzely.com
Are you heading on an MSC cruise and wondering about the availability of internet access while sailing? You're definitely not the only one with this question.
Not too far back in time, it used to be a fancy thing to have internet access onboard a cruise. But nowadays, it seems like a requirement to stay connected. It could just be to briefly update your boss on your whereabouts or to stay in touch with family and friends while you're out at sea. Even if it's just to binge-watch your preferred program on Netflix, there are a plethora of reasons to log on...even during your holiday.
If you're going on an MSC cruise soon, you'll need to familiarize yourself with information about internet access, wi-fi, and staying connected throughout your journey.
MSC Wi-Fi Plans: What's Available?
If you want to use the internet on MSC, there are two choices for how much you pay. You can get the basic internet called “Browse” or a faster one called “Browse & Stream.”
There is no specified variation in speed between the two options according to MSC. They both enable users to conduct tasks such as sending text messages on messenger apps, surfing the internet and sending electronic mail using their gadgets.
There's a distinction between the two services: one called "Browse & Stream" permits activities such as streaming Netflix, video chatting, etc. We recommend opting for the highest-tier service while cruising so you can enjoy the same level of access and speed you usually get back home.
You have the choice of purchasing a complete cruise package or opting for a 24-hour pass if you only need access for one day with both alternatives.
MSC Wi-Fi: What's The Internet Price?
The price you shell out for internet connection relies on certain components.
Initially, you can avail of a 20% reduction when you pre-book a wi-fi package before embarking on your cruise. However, the prices on the ship for the same service are elevated. Moreover, if you opt for the top-tier service that permits streaming, you will be required to pay a greater amount than the standard option.
Ultimately, the cost you incur will be affected by the number of devices you wish to connect. The cheapest option available provides a connection for a single device. However, if you require access for numerous gadgets, you will have to pay additional fees. Here are the charges observed on a recent voyage:
Wi-Fi Speed: How Fast?
On a recent journey on a cruise ship, we tried out the "Browse & Stream" package of the Wi-Fi. Throughout the trip, we checked the speed of the internet several times and each time it came back with a speed range of 4-5 Mbps.
The internet speed on the MSC cruise may seem slow compared to what you have at home. But when compared to other cruise lines, it is not bad at all. We have been on cruises with other lines where the service was even slower. During our MSC cruise, we measured the speeds and found that they ranged between 4-5 Mbps. Interestingly, using the internet felt much faster than that.
Having mentioned that, we were pleasantly surprised with how fast everything felt. Typically, when operating at such a pace, web browsing seems slow and video playback can appear fuzzy.
We noticed that the internet speed was quicker than we expected, even though it was still slower than what we are used to. Despite the slow speed, websites loaded faster than we thought and streaming videos began with low quality, but the resolution soon improved to HD.
"Sharing Access: Can I Use It Across Multiple Devices?"
Typically, when cruising with most companies, buying access for a single device will restrict you from using more than one gadget simultaneously. For instance, if you access the internet using your phone, you must first log out before utilizing your laptop.
MSC operates differently from other cruise lines. Once you've connected to a device, you won't be able to switch to another one for the duration of your trip. This means that if you initially connect to the internet with your phone, and later want to switch to your laptop to check work emails, you'll need to pay for internet access on both devices.
Additionally, in case you're going on a trip with a partner and both of you only need access during daytime (as not many people require constant internet connection), you may have to acquire access for numerous gadgets.
Streaming Music And Movies On Wi-Fi: Is It Possible?
Occasionally, a cherished pastime we indulge in while on a cruise is watching a series non-stop since we usually have more leisure time available. Alternatively, on some occasions, we come across a sporting event that we simply cannot afford to miss, hence, we opt to stream it while holidaying.
If you are using the "Browse & Stream" service, you can stream shows using the same service. For example, during our last trip, we streamed car racing. It took around 20-30 seconds for the picture to become crystal clear, but once it did, it was incredibly sharp and we enjoyed watching it.
We didn't stream music ourselves, but since it requires less bandwidth, there shouldn't be any problem.
"FaceTime On Ship Wi-Fi: Possible?"
Looking to stay connected with loved ones from afar? Utilizing software like FaceTime or video chats through WhatsApp is among the top choices. Plus, by selecting the "Browse & Stream" package, these communication channels become accessible for use.
The more expensive package from MSC has a feature called "video chat" that they specifically mention. Unfortunately, this feature is not included in the cheaper "Browse" package.
Texting Over Wi-Fi: Is It Possible?
Many of us rely on text messaging to communicate nowadays. It's beneficial for keeping in touch with loved ones, conversing with fellow passengers on board, and sending brief messages.
It's useful to be aware that you can send messages to other people on the MSC ship at no cost by using the app. However, if you decide to access the wi-fi, standard texting options are also available. We utilized the wi-fi in order to send messages to users on both iPhones and Android devices.
It's worth mentioning that someone else in our group could send and receive messages on and off while on MSC's private island Ocean Cay even though they didn't have any access to Wi-Fi and had their phone on airplane mode.
Can Ocean Cay Access Wi-Fi Service?
If you happen to be taking a cruise with MSC that departs from the United States, it's probable that you'll be visiting Ocean Cay - their very own private island - during your voyage. In fact, some itineraries even allow for an overnight stay.
It's great to be informed that you can utilize your internet package even while being at Ocean Cay provided that you have one. However, you will need to change networks from the ship's network to the island's network. Once switched, you will have complete accessibility similar to when you were on the ship.
Is Internet Access Required For MSC’s App?
Similar to numerous other companies offering cruise services, MSC provides an app that features a wide array of functions. These include the itinerary for the day, recommendations on eateries, bars and activities aboard the ship as well as an expense tracker, among other features.
You can download the app for free and utilize it by connecting to the ship's wi-fi. You won't be charged for internet access, and you can connect to the app via wi-fi without purchasing a package.
"Can MSC's Wi-Fi Support VPN Access?"
Although MSC doesn't state anything about utilizing a VPN when connecting to the internet, we experimented with it on a recent cruise. The outcome was sporadic.
By utilizing the services of ExpressVPN, we were able to connect to the internet and browse as usual, without encountering any decrease in speed or any other undesirable interruptions that may occasionally come with the usage of such services.
However, there were some imperfections. We observed that while using the VPN, the MSC application didn't function properly. But once we disconnected, the app started to function normally.
Is Wi-Fi Suitable For Work Or School?
In today's world, lots of individuals desire to take a cruise while staying connected with their daily responsibilities like their job or education. Is it feasible for you to handle both?
Overall, we discovered that the internet speed during the entire trip was around 4 to 5 megabytes per second. Even though it's considered a slower connection, browsing the internet didn't take too much time, although it was still slower compared to what you're used to on land.
However, what was equally significant was that we didn't encounter any instability in the connection, akin to a roller coaster ride. Normally during a cruise, the connection tends to fluctuate in frequency or slow down. Despite the fact that we remained near land for most of the trip and experienced excellent weather conditions, the connection never faltered and remained consistent.
If that's the situation, we assume that tasks which don't need a lot of internet speed should be okay. If you want to have a video call with multiple people, it could be challenging. However, if you only need to talk to one person through video, it should work well. Additionally, if you have to watch a pre-recorded video for school, it shouldn't be a problem.
Tasks such as handling emails, turning in assignments, or browsing the net for research purposes should be straightforward, albeit somewhat less speedy than what you're accustomed to.
"Is MSC Wi-Fi Worth The Cost?"
For our trial, we spent $14.39 each day prior to embarking on the cruise (and also before they raised the rates) for the package that allows us to surf the internet and stream videos. As of now, the cost is much more expensive.
In our experiments, we frequently observed velocities around 4 to 5 Mbps, which is satisfactory for a voyage with any provider. However, what astonished us was that the link was rather steady. It's usual for the signal to appear erratic during trips, but we barely faced any such dilemma. When we watched a video stream, the imagery rapidly transitioned to high definition quality in under a minute and persisted in that fashion. Searching the internet was rapid (for a maritime vessel), although slower than on the mainland. Besides, we're pleased that the service persists until Ocean Cay, yielding greater worth.
We were happy with the service provided and although we believe that internet fees on all cruises are pricey, if you require it, then the expense is justified.
We are facing a problem where we have paid for access to a single device. This usually implies that you can alternate between devices, however, you can only have one device connected at any given time. Thus, several individuals traveling together could utilize one connection.
Additional Information About MSC Sailing:
