Royal Caribbean has quietly revised its prohibited items policy, now banning travel routers, satellite dishes, and similar networking equipment.
This change targets tech-savvy passengers who have used these devices to bypass the cruise line’s paid internet services or VPN restrictions.
The updated policy explicitly prohibits:
“Satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment.”
This move mirrors a similar decision made by Carnival Cruise Line in September 2024. Carnival’s policy update followed a viral YouTube video in which a passenger demonstrated how their Starlink Mini outperformed the ship’s internet system.
The device was confiscated during the voyage, and Carnival quickly amended its prohibited items list.
Why the Change?
Travel routers have become popular for passengers needing consistent internet access, particularly for remote work. These devices allow cruisers to connect multiple devices to a single internet package or create a private Wi-Fi network, effectively sidestepping extra charges.
However, this practice conflicts with the cruise line’s internet revenue model, making enforcement a priority.
Royal Caribbean passengers are already reporting increased enforcement of the updated policy, with security teams confiscating prohibited devices during luggage scans at embarkation.
Royal Caribbean Internet Options
Guests are encouraged to book internet packages in advance via their My Royal Cruise accounts for potential savings.
| Package | Features | Price (Varies by Cruise) |
|---|---|---|
| VOOM Surf | Basic browsing, email, social media | $15.99/day (estimated) |
| VOOM Surf + Stream | Streaming, video calls, social media | $19.99/day (estimated) |
| Family Plans | Multiple device connectivity options | $29.99/day (estimated, includes discounts) |
