Internet access

What is satellite internet access and how does it work?

When at sea, it is not possible to access the internet using a high-speed broadband connection as you would on land. Instead, internet connectivity on board is provided by links between the ship and communications satellites in orbit far above the Earth.

Why is satellite internet access slower than a normal connection on land?

Your internet data needs to travel vast distances between the ship’s antennae and the nearest satellite, and it needs an unobstructed line of sight between them.
A number of things may interfere with this, like storms and large objects that can block the signal, such as steep mountains close to the ship or tall buildings in ports. This interference can result in slow response times or even the system becoming unresponsive.

When is the best/worst time to use satellite internet access?

The peak use periods for internet use on board tend to be first thing in the morning or when large numbers of guests return from shore excursions. During these periods, congestion can make internet access slower, just as it would on land.
It is therefore best to avoid these periods if possible.

Where is satellite internet access available on board?

Satellite Internet Access is available in all public areas of the ship and in most cabins, including all MSC Yacht Club suites. All you need is one of our Satellite Internet Access packages and a mobile internet device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

- Browse Cruise Package

The "Browse Internet Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

 

  • Unlimited data
  • 24 hour access
  • Browse the web
  • Send and receive emails and images
  • Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp)

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    Please note that with this package it is not possible to view videos or access video or music streaming websites (such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Music, YouTube etc.) or video chat.

     

    Package options:

    • 1 DEVICE: Ideal for guest that want to connect 1 device only and do not want to spend too much.
    • 2 DEVICES: Ideal for couples that want to connect to Internet for checking email, chat and surf the web.
    • 3 DEVICES: Perfect for families of 3, or for couples that want to connect 2 mobile devices and 1 tablet or laptop with no need to access to video streaming websites.
    • 4 DEVICES: Perfect for families or for guests that want to connect up to 4 devices (e.g. 2 mobile devices, 1 laptop, 1 tablet) with no need to make video call or access to Youtube and other streaming websites.

    - Browse and Stream Cruise Package

    The "Browse & Stream Cruise Package" keeps you connected with friends and family all cruise long. Text on messenger services, browse the web and send emails using your devices.

     

  • Unlimited data
  • 24 hour access
  • Browse the web
  • Send and receive emails and images
  • Chat on messenger apps (e.g. WhatsApp)
  • Video chat
  • Stream music and videos
  • Post video and live stream on social media 

     

    Package options:
  • 1 DEVICE: Ideal for people that only need to connect 1 device and want to upload videos on social networks, enjoy video calls, or access video and music streaming.
  • 2 DEVICES: Ideal for couples that want to connect to Internet for uploading videos on social networks and make video calls
  • 3 DEVICES: Perfect for families of 3 or for couples that want to connect 2 mobile devices and 1 tablet or laptop, and that want to upload videos on social networks, enjoy video calls or access video and music streaming or YouTube
  • 4 DEVICES: Perfect for families or guests that want to connect up to 4 devices (e.g. 2 mobile devices, 1 laptop, 1 tablet) and that want to upload videos on social networks, enjoy video calls or access video and music streaming websites or YouTube.

    • How much does each satellite internet access package cost?

    Packages are available for the duration of your cruise. The “per cruise” rate is based on the length of the cruise.  To see prices for a specific cruise, go to the “Wifi” section of the website or consult the ship's network while on board.

    Why is satellite internet access more expensive than a normal connection on land?

    Providing internet access on board via the ship’s satellite connectivity involves significant investment in cutting-edge technology. The fees charged to those using the Satellite Internet Access service help cover the considerable costs of providing the service

    Is the price for satellite internet access the same on every ship?

    No, on ships offering a premium service called Satellite Internet Plus, the rate is higher. Ships with this service include MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, and MSC Splendida. Guests will experience faster speed and a better connection on these ships.

    Why does my internet connection cut off after [xx] minutes?

    When a user is logged on, updates and apps running in the background can increase traffic even when he/she is not actively using the internet. In order to reduce congestion and speed up internet access for active users, the system will automatically disconnect each user after XX minutes.

     

    To avoid being disconnected, you can return to this page before the XX minutes have elapsed and RESET the countdown.
    If you are automatically logged out by the system, you can reactivate your connection by simply clicking START.

    The package details include an allowance of mb per day/per cruise. what is a mb?

    MB stands for 'megabyte', which means 1 million bytes. It is a measure of the amount of information sent or received across an internet connection. For example, one photo upload to social media is approximatley 5MB.