Verizon does not offer a dedicated cruise package, but you can use your regular plan while at sea

Verizon does not sell a separate cruise-specific plan. Instead, you use your existing monthly plan and pay per-use rates when your phone connects to a ship's network or to cellular towers from ports of call. The cost depends on which network the ship uses and where you are sailing.

Most cruise ships partner with one of two companies: Verizon Global Network Services (which handles Verizon customers) or Maritel (which handles other carriers). When your phone connects to the ship's network, you are roaming on that partner's system, not Verizon's own towers. The rates are set by the ship's provider, not by Verizon directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon charges per-use rates for calls, texts, and data on cruise ships; there is no bundled cruise package to purchase in advance.
  • Most ships use Verizon Global Network Services, which charges roughly $7 to $10 per minute for calls and $0.50 to $1 per text, though rates vary by ship and region.
  • You can turn off data roaming before boarding to avoid surprise charges, then use ship Wi-Fi (often paid separately) or wait until you reach port to use cellular data.
  • Some cruise lines offer their own Wi-Fi packages that may be cheaper than cellular roaming for data-heavy use.
  • Contacting Verizon or your cruise line before departure is the only way to confirm the exact rates for your specific sailing.

How Verizon charges for calls and texts at sea

When your phone connects to a ship's network, Verizon bills you for each call and text separately. Outgoing calls typically cost $7 to $10 per minute, and incoming calls cost the same. Text messages usually run $0.50 to $1 each, both sent and received. These are not your home plan rates—they are maritime roaming rates set by the ship's network provider.

The exact price depends on which ship you are on and which region you are sailing. A ship in the Caribbean may have different rates than one in Alaska or the Mediterranean. You will not see these charges until your next Verizon bill arrives, which can be weeks after your cruise ends. There is no way to cap or limit these charges once you are connected to the ship's network, so the best protection is to disable cellular service before you board.

Data roaming costs and how to avoid them

Data roaming on a cruise ship is expensive. Verizon charges per megabyte or per day depending on the ship's setup, and costs can easily reach $10 to $25 per day or more. If you use email, social media, or streaming video, charges accumulate fast. The safest approach is to turn off data roaming entirely in your phone's settings before you leave port.

To disable data roaming on an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Roaming and toggle it off. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Roaming and turn it off. Once roaming is off, your phone will not connect to the ship's network for data, and you will not be charged. You can still make calls and send texts if you choose to connect manually, but data will stay blocked.

If you need internet access during your cruise, use the ship's Wi-Fi instead. Most cruise lines charge a separate fee for Wi-Fi (typically $8 to $20 per day for a single device), but this is usually cheaper than cellular data roaming. Some lines offer Wi-Fi packages for the full cruise at a flat rate, which works out cheaper if you plan to use it daily.

What to do when your ship reaches port

When your ship docks at a port, your phone may automatically connect to local cellular networks instead of the ship's system. These are standard international roaming rates, which are different from—and often cheaper than—maritime rates. Verizon's international rates vary by country, but many popular cruise destinations (Mexico, Caribbean islands, Canada) have rates of $2 to $5 per minute for calls and $0.50 per text.

Before your cruise, check Verizon's international roaming rates for the countries your ship will visit. You can do this on Verizon's website or by calling 1-908-559-4899. If rates are high, keep data roaming off and use port Wi-Fi instead. Many ports have free or low-cost public Wi-Fi at cafes and tourist areas.

Contacting Verizon before your cruise

The only way to know the exact rates for your specific ship and sailing is to contact Verizon directly. Call 1-908-559-4899 and tell them your cruise line, departure date, and ports of call. They can tell you which network provider your ship uses and what the per-minute and per-text rates will be.

You can also ask your cruise line directly. Most cruise lines publish the roaming rates for their ships on their website or in your booking confirmation. Some lines have partnerships with Verizon that offer slightly discounted rates, though these are rare. Getting this information before you board means no surprises on your bill.

Alternatives to cellular roaming

If you want to stay connected without paying maritime roaming rates, consider these options: purchase a local SIM card at your first port of call (works only if your phone is unlocked), use ship Wi-Fi exclusively, or straightforward stay offline during the cruise and catch up on messages when you reach port or return home.

Some travelers buy an international prepaid phone plan from a third-party carrier before their cruise. These plans are designed for travelers and sometimes offer better rates than Verizon's maritime roaming. However, you would need to switch SIM cards, which requires an unlocked phone. Check whether your Verizon phone is unlocked before your trip—most newer phones are, but some older ones are not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular Verizon plan on a cruise ship without extra charges?

No. Your regular plan rates do not explore at sea. When you connect to a ship's network, you pay maritime roaming rates set by the ship's provider, not your home plan rates. These are typically $7 to $10 per minute for calls and $0.50 to $1 per text.

Will my phone automatically connect to the ship's network when I board?

It depends on your phone's settings. If you have data roaming turned on, your phone may connect automatically. To prevent unexpected charges, turn off data roaming before you board. You can still make calls and send texts by manually connecting, but data will stay off.

Is ship Wi-Fi cheaper than cellular roaming?

Usually yes. Most cruise lines charge $8 to $20 per day for Wi-Fi, or offer a flat rate for the full cruise. Cellular data roaming can cost $10 to $25 per day or more depending on usage. For most travelers, ship Wi-Fi is the cheaper option for staying connected.

What happens if I use my phone in a port city instead of on the ship?

You will be charged Verizon's international roaming rates for that country, not maritime rates. These vary by destination but are often lower than ship rates. Check Verizon's international rates for your ports before you sail so you know what to expect.

Can I buy a temporary plan from Verizon for my cruise?

Verizon does not offer cruise-specific plans. Your only options are to use your regular plan and pay per-use rates, use ship Wi-Fi, or disable roaming and stay offline. Contact Verizon before your cruise to confirm rates for your specific ship and sailing.