Best 4 VPNs for Cruise Ships

People love to sail. Or just have some time away from the chaos and enjoy nature. However, for those who want to, cruise lines let them stay in touch with the outside world. This comes at the risk of cyber threats and constant frustration over unreliable connections. That is why we have made this article about the best VPNs for cruise ships so that you can stay shielded from those hazards.

So if you want to know how to protect your online privacy and personal information when using cruise ship wi-fi, let’s dive right in!

Does VPN Work on Cruise Ships? Why Use One?

Going off on a sea journey gives you an opportunity to flee from the chaos of the world and enjoy peaceful waters. To accomplish this, others even take the additional step of turning off the internet and just riding in peace on their boats. There is no way some people can be disconnected from the online world. With this problem in place, many modern cruise ships now provide internet and WiFi for both passengers and employees. So how do cruise ships have internet access?

Most cruise ships get internet connectivity from satellite communication systems. On board the vessels are hi-tech satellite dishes and antenna systems for connecting to geostationary satellites above us here on Earth. Satellites communicate with one another to provide internet connectivity for cruise ships that can be miles away.

One popular cruise ship is Carnival Cruise, a company with a rich history dating as far back as 1972. Carnival Cruise has adapted to modern times and offers WiFi plans to its passengers. Carnival Cruise knows that passengers and staff want to stay online while sailing and have different plans to fit different needs. Depending on the Wi-Fi plan passengers pick, they get either full access to streaming or limited access to just social media platforms and emails.

The issue, however, is that the internet speed on cruise ships always varies. It might be sufficient to check your email and browse social media, but it may not always be fast for smooth streaming or gaming experiences. The limited bandwidth causes occasional slow internet speeds and unexpected disconnections. Compounded with the risks of being on a WiFi router, which exposes you to hackers and cyberattacks, there are many good reasons to use a VPN when sailing on a cruise ship.

A VPN is similar to a hidden tunnel for your internet. It directs your online traffic through a server in another country, where the other website and app are hosted. You’re assigned a new public address so that no one can trace you, let alone know where your real location is.

There are a plethora of VPN services around, and not all of them are secure to use. Therefore, we have tested and reviewed several VPNs here, so we’re able to share with you the best VPN options for using on cruise ships. We considered factors like security and speed when compiling this list to ensure you enjoy a secure and reliable internet connection while you're sailing.

Top 4 VPNs for Cruise Ships

• NordVPN: NordVPN offers double data encryption and a vast server network, ensuring both enhanced security and smooth online experiences for cruise ship travelers.
• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN provides split tunneling guaranteeing no data is stored, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious cruisers.
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost's dedicated streaming servers and NoSpy servers provide an ideal combo for cruise ship users seeking privacy and smooth streaming.
• Surfshark: Surfshark's camouflage mode hides VPN usage from ISPs ensuring privacy and security for your devices.

1. NordVPN: Navigate Secure Seas with NordVPN's Double VPN Feature

The first VPN we tried was NordVPN. NordVPN is exceptionally well known for its robust security features. One of those unique features is the DoubleVPN feature. This feature routes your internet traffic through two distinct servers to encrypt your data online not just once but twice. It helps keep you safe because it’s an additional layer of security between you and your online activities.

Another feature that intrigued us is NordVPN's extensive server network. NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. These servers are super fast and reliable—a welcome feature when you want to stream your movies or play games smoothly and without buffers. You can finally enjoy a smooth online experience whether you're sending emails, streaming entertainment, or video chatting with loved ones back on land.

NordVPN's extensive server network and its Double VPN feature make it a perfect choice for cruise ship travelers who want a secure and anonymous online environment. Your data will remain protected, your identity hidden, and your online activities kept away from prying eyes.

2. ExpressVPN: Stay Anonymous While Sailing with ExpressVPN's TrustedServer Technology

ExpressVPN makes another good pick for cruisers. One of our favorites in the features department is ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature, which enables you to choose which websites or applications on your device should use a VPN server and which ones don’t. We know how important it is for you to encrypt your financial transactions (like paying bills or doing online shopping) or confidential emails behind ExpressVPN security. That's why this feature is valuable for you.

One more advantage of ExpressVPN that makes it the best choice is its TrustedServer technology. In contrast to the majority of VPN servers we tried, which store data on hard drives, ExpressVPN employs RAM to store data on their servers. As with any secure browsing, your online activity information is not stored electronically, and therefore, there is no trace of your online activities on the server. This provides another layer of security because no logs are kept and no one can track what you’re doing while using the internet.

3. CyberGhost: Cruise with a Safety Net Thanks to CyberGhost's NoSpy Servers

CyberGhost VPN has a standout feature that convinced us to add it to this list: its dedicated streaming servers. These optimized servers allow an optimal streaming experience for users, making them perfect for someone looking forward to watching their favorite shows and movies while at sea.

Another cool thing about CyberGhost is its NoSpy servers. CyberGhost solely operates and maintains these servers, providing another layer of protection and privacy. Your data is protected from third-party access and governing bodies.

CyberGhost's NoSpy servers and dedicated streaming servers provide an amazing combo for people on cruise ships. Not only do you get absolute privacy and security, you also get specialized servers that provide smooth streaming services without buffers or unexpected disconnections.

4. Surfshark: Stay Hidden and Safe with Surfshark's Camouflage Mode

Surfshark's camouflage mode enticed us so much that we couldn't afford to not add it to our list. Surfshark camouflage mode ensures that your ISP can't detect that you're using a VPN. You can browse the internet without any third party, including your ISP, tracking your online activities.

In addition to the camouflage mode, Surfshark allows users to use the VPN service on multiple devices. Unlike many VPN services that have a limited number of simultaneous connections, Surfshark protects you on an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription. This is really useful for families on cruise ships. No matter how large your family is, a single subscription is enough to protect the family.

Surfshark's unlimited device connections and camouflage mode make it an ideal VPN for cruise ship travelers. You can protect all your devices effortlessly, keep your online activities private, and navigate the internet with the utmost security.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cruise ships offer relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. You do not want to run into internet problems while you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself. With a VPN, there is no need to fear cyberattacks or an unstable internet connection.

While having fun on a cruise ship, the VPNs mentioned in this article will be your most dependable friends. With this in mind, you can now sail away to your next destination, knowing your Wi-Fi connection is protected from cybercriminals and that your online data is secure.