Whether you’re looking to stay connected for work, stream your favorite shows, or just keep up with social media, here’s what you need to know about Virgin Voyages’ WiFi options, what works (and what doesn’t), and tips for making the most of your internet access at sea.
Virgin Voyages WiFi Packages (2025 Update)
Virgin Voyages now offers three WiFi options, each with different capabilities.
It’s important to note that this is a change over the previous WiFi Packages. And if you’ve sailed before you may have been able to do some things then, that you can no longer do on the Free or Premium Wifi settings (such as playing online games or VPN access to get to work servers). I found that an online game I play, which worked fine during my summer cruise, no longer worked on the Premium WiFi package after the change. They do have some restrictions in place where they are blocking the traffic at the lower end WiFi packages. Also, the WiFi packages are for the length of the cruise and cannot currently be selected on a day by day basis.
Classic WiFi
Included-
Email and Messaging
-
Browsing Websites
-
Social Media
Premium WiFi
Upgradable-
Streaming Services
-
Video Calls
-
+ $15 additional device per day
Work from Sea
Top Tier-
High-Quality Virtual Meetings
-
Gaming
-
VPN Access
Important Things to Know Before You Upgrade
WiFi Upgrades Are for the Entire Cruise
- Unlike some cruise lines that let you purchase WiFi by the day, Virgin Voyages only allows upgrades for the full voyage.
- If you think you’ll need Premium or Work from Sea, it’s best to decide early. If you add it partially through the cruise, it will be pro-rated but still for the remainder of the cruise.
Premium WiFi Is Slower Than It Used to Be
- If you sailed before January 2025, you might remember faster speeds on the old Premium WiFi. The new Premium is about half the speed of what it was before, based on my speed testing results.
- If you sailed before January 2025, you might remember faster speeds on the old Premium WiFi. The new Premium is about half the speed of what it was before, based on my speed testing results.
Game Streaming is Limited
- If you’re a mobile gamer or were hoping to keep up with your Pokémon Go streak, be prepared for some limitations.
- I personally couldn’t connect to Pokémon Go at all on Premium, which was frustrating since it worked fine last summer.
Tips for Making the Most of Your WiFi (Especially the Free Option!)
If you are planning to stick to the free WiFi or just want to optimize your experience, here are a few tips.
- Download Everything Before You Board
- Spotify Playlists: If you want to listen to music, download your playlists before sailing since Spotify streaming won’t work on the free plan.
- Netflix & Movies: Download any movies or shows you want to watch offline ahead of time. And don’t forget something to watch on your flight home.
- Work Files: If you might need access to large files, save them locally so you don’t have to rely on slow speeds!
- Use Messaging Apps Instead of Video Calls
- Texting through WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger works on the free WiFi, but calls are hit or miss. Stick to messages to avoid frustration.
Final Thoughts: Is Upgrading Your WiFi Worth It?
The right WiFi package depends on what you need:
- Just need to check emails and scroll Instagram? Stick with the free WiFi.
- Want to stream, FaceTime, or have faster speeds? Consider upgrading to Premium.
- Need VPN access for work? You’ll have to go with Work from Sea.
While the new Work from Sea option is great for remote workers, gamers and streamers may be disappointed with the slower speeds and blocked services on the other tiers. If you’re used to the old Premium WiFi, be prepared for it to be noticeably slower now.
If you can, plan ahead by downloading your favorite content before boarding—it’ll save you frustration and ensure you can still enjoy your playlists and shows while at sea.
Also, check to see if you can purchase Premium Wifi in the Add-Ons section before you cruise for cost savings. For example, on my upcoming transatlantic cruise, they are offering an option to upgrade to two devices for the price of one but it must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to embarkation.
Have you tried the new Virgin Voyages WiFi Package? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments.
What to book your next Virgin Voyages Cruise? You can book with me for access to promotions such as extra sailor loot based on duration/cabin type. Or schedule a consultation, and I can answer any questions you have ahead of time.
