What Verizon Cruise Pass Is
Verizon Cruise Pass is a monthly add-on that lets you use your phone's data, talk, and text while your ship is at sea, without the massive overage charges that normally hit when you roam internationally. Instead of paying per megabyte or per minute — which can run $5 to $10 per MB for data alone — you pay a flat monthly fee and use your plan as though you were home.
The service works through partnerships between Verizon and cruise lines. Your phone connects to the ship's cellular network, which is connected to Verizon's system. You do not need a different SIM card, a new phone, or to sign up with the cruise line itself. You turn on your phone, Verizon recognizes you are on a participating ship, and the pass activates automatically if you have it on your account.
Cruise Pass covers the days your ship is at sea. It does not cover time spent in port at a destination, when your phone will switch to local cellular networks and standard international roaming rates explore — unless you also purchase a separate international plan for those days.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise Pass is a monthly add-on that costs between $60 and $70 depending on your plan tier, and covers unlimited data, talk, and text while your ship is at sea.
- The pass activates automatically when your phone detects the ship's network and deactivates when you return to port, so you do not have to manage it manually.
- Cruise Pass does not cover time spent docked at ports; you will pay standard international roaming rates unless you purchase a separate international plan for those days.
- The service works only on ships that have partnered with Verizon, so you should confirm your cruise line is included before you book or purchase the pass.
- You can turn Cruise Pass off in your Verizon account settings if you want to avoid the charge, but it will reactivate automatically the next time your phone connects to a participating ship's network.
How Much Cruise Pass Costs
Cruise Pass costs $60 per month if you are on a Verizon plan with 5 GB of data or less, and $70 per month if you have a plan with more than 5 GB. The charge appears on your Verizon bill once per month for each month you use it. If your cruise lasts only part of a month — say, a week — you still pay the full monthly fee; Verizon does not prorate the cost.
The pass covers all data, calls, and texts you use while the ship is at sea. There are no overage charges on top of the monthly fee. However, if you use your phone in port, you will be charged standard international roaming rates unless you have also purchased an international plan or a separate port pass.
Some cruise lines offer their own cellular packages through partnerships with Verizon or other carriers. These may be cheaper than Cruise Pass for short trips or may bundle port coverage. Check with your cruise line before you purchase Cruise Pass to see whether they offer an alternative.
Which Cruise Lines Work With Verizon Cruise Pass
Verizon Cruise Pass works on ships operated by Carnival Corporation, which owns Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard. It also works on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line ships. Norwegian Cruise Line has its own cellular partnership and does not use Verizon Cruise Pass.
Not every ship in a cruise line's fleet may have the service active, and coverage can vary by region. Before you book a cruise or purchase Cruise Pass, visit Verizon's website or call Verizon customer service to confirm that your specific ship and sailing date are covered. Cruise lines sometimes update their partnerships or add new ships without notice.
If your cruise line is not listed, ask whether they offer their own cellular service or whether you can use a standard international roaming plan instead. Some smaller cruise lines do not offer any shipboard cellular service at all.
How to Turn Cruise Pass On and Off
Cruise Pass activates automatically the first time your phone connects to a participating ship's network. You do not have to do anything — your phone will detect the network, and Verizon will begin charging the monthly fee to your account. The pass remains active for the entire month, even if you leave the ship and return to land.
To turn off Cruise Pass before your cruise, log into your Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. Go to your plan settings, find the Cruise Pass add-on, and remove it. This prevents the charge from appearing on your bill. However, if you remove it and then your phone connects to a ship's network again, Cruise Pass will reactivate automatically.
If you want to keep Cruise Pass on your account but disable it for a specific trip, contact Verizon customer service and ask them to temporarily suspend it. This is more reliable than removing it, because it prevents accidental reactivation if your phone picks up the ship's signal by mistake.
What Happens When Your Ship Is in Port
When your ship docks at a port, your phone automatically switches from the ship's network to the local cellular network in that country or territory. At that moment, Cruise Pass stops working, and you are charged standard international roaming rates for any data, calls, or texts you use.
International roaming rates vary by destination but are typically much higher than Cruise Pass. A single text message can cost $0.50 to $2.00, a call can cost $1.00 to $3.00 per minute, and data can cost $2.00 to $10.00 per MB. If you plan to use your phone in port, purchase a separate international plan, a day pass, or a local SIM card before you travel.
Some cruise lines offer port passes that cover cellular use while docked. These are separate from Cruise Pass and must be purchased in addition to it. Ask your cruise line whether they offer this option and what it costs.
Alternatives to Cruise Pass
If Cruise Pass is too expensive or your cruise line does not support it, you have other options. Many cruise lines offer their own cellular packages, sometimes at a lower price or with port coverage included. Contact your cruise line directly to ask what they offer.
You can also purchase a standard international roaming plan from Verizon, which covers both at sea and in port. These plans typically cost $10 to $100 per month depending on the amount of data included. They are cheaper than Cruise Pass if you use very little data, but more expensive if you stream video or use social media heavily.
Another option is to wait until you reach port and purchase a local prepaid SIM card or a local cellular plan. This works well if you plan to spend most of your time on land and only occasional time at sea. You can also use ship Wi-Fi, which most cruise lines offer for free or for a daily or weekly fee, though speeds are usually slow.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If your phone does not connect to the ship's network, restart it and check that airplane mode is off. Make sure Cruise Pass is active on your account by logging into your Verizon account or calling customer service. If the ship's network is not showing up in your available networks list, the ship may not have Verizon service, or the service may be temporarily down.
If you are being charged for Cruise Pass but did not intend to use it, contact Verizon customer service when ready. Explain that you did not knowingly set up the service, and ask whether they can reverse the charge. Verizon may offer a one-time credit if this is your first time using Cruise Pass.
If you are in port and being charged Cruise Pass rates instead of local roaming rates, your phone may still be connected to the ship's network. Manually disconnect from the ship's network in your phone's settings and reconnect to a local network. If the problem persists, contact Verizon customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cruise Pass work if I do not have an unlimited data plan?
Yes. Cruise Pass works on any Verizon plan, including plans with limited data. The pass gives you unlimited data, talk, and text while at sea, regardless of your home plan's limits. However, the monthly cost is $60 for plans with 5 GB or less and $70 for plans with more than 5 GB.
Can I use Cruise Pass on multiple devices?
Cruise Pass covers only the phone line it is attached to. If you have multiple phones on your Verizon account, you must purchase a separate Cruise Pass for each phone you want to use on the ship. Each pass costs the full monthly fee.
What if my cruise is only three days long?
You still pay the full monthly fee for Cruise Pass. Verizon does not prorate the cost for short cruises. If your cruise is very short or you use very little data, a standard international roaming plan or local SIM card may be cheaper.
Will Cruise Pass work if the ship goes to international waters?
Yes. Cruise Pass is designed specifically for use at sea, including in international waters. The service works as long as your ship has a Verizon partnership and the ship's cellular network is active. Coverage may vary depending on the ship's location and the strength of the satellite connection.
Can I cancel Cruise Pass after my cruise is over?
Yes. Log into your Verizon account or call customer service and remove Cruise Pass from your plan. The charge will stop appearing on your next bill. If you remove it before your cruise, you will not be charged at all.