If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering whether to buy VOOM Internet, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: how it works, how it’s priced, what’s included, and whether you really need it.
🌐 What Is VOOM Surf + Stream?
VOOM is Royal Caribbean’s high-speed Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX. It’s available fleetwide and keeps guests connected anywhere on the ship- from your stateroom to the pool deck.
There were once two tiers, Surf (for basic browsing) and Surf + Stream (for faster speeds and streaming).
Today, ships now only offer Surf + Stream, which combines both browsing and streaming speeds in one plan.
💸 How VOOM Pricing Works
Here’s the part that confuses a lot of cruisers: VOOM is sold per person, but you can choose how many devices can connect at once.
For example:
- If you select 1 person, 1 device, you get one login that connects one device at a time.
- If you select 1 person, 4 devices, that same login can connect up to four devices simultaneously.
You can log out of one device and into another anytime, so a “4-device plan” could cover your phone, laptop, tablet, and a family member’s phone without paying for multiple users.
In many cases, 1 person × 4 devices is cheaper than buying multiple single-device plans.
👥 Can You Share VOOM Internet?
Yes — Royal Caribbean doesn’t monitor who is using the devices, only how many devices are logged in at once.
That means if you buy a 4-device plan, you could share it:
- With family or friends in your cabin, or
- Even across cabins, as long as you share the login info.
So while it’s sold “per person,” what really matters is how many devices are active at one time.
📶 Does VOOM Work Across the Ship?
Yes, VOOM is shipwide Wi-Fi, not just in your room. You can connect in most indoor and outdoor areas, including:
- Pool decks
- Lounges and theaters
- Dining rooms and buffets
- Your stateroom
Just like in a hotel, signal strength varies slightly by location, but overall coverage is strong, now that ships have upgraded to Starlink.
🚫 Can You Bring Your Own Router?
No. Royal Caribbean’s prohibited items list includes transmitting devices such as:
- Routers and signal boosters
- HAM radios
- Baby monitors
If you bring one, security can confiscate it at embarkation. The ship’s Wi-Fi handles all connectivity internally. There’s no need for your own router.
🧭 When Do You Need VOOM?
You’ll want VOOM Surf + Stream if you plan to:
- Text or message instantly through iMessage, WhatsApp, or Messenger
- Make Wi-Fi calls or FaceTime
- Stream videos or music
- Work remotely (email, meetings, file uploads)
- Stay reachable for family or business
If you only need the Royal Caribbean app, you do not need VOOM. The app works for free on ship Wi-Fi — including check-in, daily schedules, reservations, and messaging other guests onboard.
💬 What About Chatting in the App?
The Royal Caribbean app chat feature is now free.
As long as you’re connected to the ship’s free Wi-Fi (no VOOM needed), you can message friends and family sailing with you.
Each person must have the app and be logged in under their reservation, but there’s no longer a per-day fee.
⚡ How Fast Is VOOM with Starlink?
Royal Caribbean’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink dramatically improved reliability and speed.
Typical guest speeds range from 50–250 Mbps, depending on location and satellite coverage, plenty for video calls, streaming, and social media.
(Older reviews complaining about slow internet were pre-Starlink.)
💰 Is It Cheaper to Buy VOOM Before the Cruise?
Yes! Buying VOOM in advance through your Cruise Planner can save you 10–20% compared to onboard pricing.
If you’re unsure whether you’ll need it, you can usually cancel it up to 48 hours before sailing for a full refund.
🌴 Can VOOM Be Used on Private Islands?
- Perfect Day at CocoCay: Yes, VOOM works on the island using ship-based Wi-Fi.
- Labadee (Haiti): Limited connectivity; the signal usually reaches only near the ship.
🧩 VOOM Surf + Stream Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Starlink by SpaceX |
| Coverage | Entire ship + CocoCay |
| Pricing | Per person or per number of devices |
| Shareable? | Yes, by login (limit = number of devices) |
| Works without package? | App only (no internet access) |
| Chat in app? | Free for all guests |
| Prohibited devices | Routers, boosters, HAM radios, baby monitors |
| Pre-cruise discount? | Yes, 10–20% cheaper in Cruise Planner |
| Typical speeds | 50–250 Mbps (not guaranteed) |
🧭 Final Takeaway
If you plan to disconnect and enjoy the ocean, skip it.
But if you want to stay connected for work, family, or fun — VOOM Surf + Stream is worth it.
Just remember:
✔ Buy it early for the best price.
✔ Choose the device count, not just the person.
✔ Share responsibly with family or friends.
✔ Don’t bring your own router. It’s not allowed.
💬 FAQs
Q: Does VOOM work in my cabin?
Yes, it works throughout the ship, including staterooms.
Q: Can I buy just one day of VOOM?
Yes, you can purchase daily plans onboard, but it’s more expensive per day than pre-cruise packages.
Q: Is VOOM refundable if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel pre-cruise up to 48 hours before sailing for a full refund.
Q: Can multiple people use the same plan?
Yes, if you buy a multi-device plan, you can share the login across family or friends, even in different cabins.
Q: Does it work in port?
Generally yes, when the ship is docked and within satellite range, but speeds may slow when surrounded by buildings or mountains.
Q: Can I stream Netflix or upload videos to TikTok?
Yes. VOOM supports HD streaming, video calls, and social media posting.
Q: Does each guest need their own plan?
No, only if you want multiple devices online at once. One plan can cover several devices if you log in and out.
Charity Bradley 
Leave a comment