Can You Use WhatsApp on a Cruise Ship? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re heading out on a cruise, chances are you’ll want to stay in touch – either with folks back home or the people you’re travelling with (because let’s face it, cruise ships are massive, and it’s easy to lose track of each other).

Most of us rely on WhatsApp in everyday life, but once you’re floating out at sea, does it still work? Here’s everything you need to know before you set sail.

Close-up of a person with light blue nail polish typing on a smartphone, with a WhatsApp chat screen open. A blurred laptop and desk background suggest a casual or home office setting.

Can You Use WhatsApp on a Cruise Ship?

Yes – but only if you’re connected to the internet. WhatsApp needs WiFi or mobile data to send and receive messages. On most cruise ships, that means buying a WiFi package.

There’s one big exception: Disney Cruise Line. On Disney ships, you can send and receive WhatsApp text messages for free without paying for internet. No photos, no videos, no voice notes – just old-school text. Still, that’s more generous than most cruise lines!

How WhatsApp Works at Sea

Even if it looks like WhatsApp is working while you’re offline (you can open the app, type your message, and hit send), it won’t actually go anywhere until you’re back online.

Here’s a quick guide:

✅ One grey tick = message sent from your phone but not delivered
✅✅ Two grey ticks = delivered
✅✅ (blue) = they’ve read it

No signal? That message is going nowhere.

Internet Packages and WhatsApp

A laptop screen displaying a Carnival Cruise premium Wi-Fi plan advertisement. The screen shows a large "PREMIUM" label over a globe graphic with a blue background. On the right side, details of the Wi-Fi plan are visible, stating "Premium Wi-Fi Plan Starting at $21.25/person per day" with options to "Add to cart" and additional information such as "Full Cruise" and "No Minimum Age." There are also buttons for "Share" and "Favorite."

Most cruise lines charge extra for WiFi – unless you’ve booked a fare that includes it. Sometimes it’s unlimited, sometimes it’s tiered (e.g. “social media only” packages that are perfect for WhatsApp).

If your cruise offers WiFi by data or minute (rare these days), you could turn it on to send a message and then turn it off again to save money – but most lines now use flat-rate packages per day or for the whole cruise.

A Word on Roaming Charges

If you’re close enough to land, your phone might pick up a mobile signal – but beware. Roaming charges can be brutal.

Unless your provider offers free roaming (some UK providers still do in Europe), it’s safest to switch your phone to Airplane Mode as soon as you set sail.

WhatsApp doesn’t use much data, so if you do go for a social media internet package, it should be enough to keep in touch.

Close-up of a person’s hand switching a smartphone to airplane mode, with a blue screen displaying a plane icon and the word “ON” highlighted. The scene is set next to an airplane window, indicating the user is preparing for a flight.

3 Things to Know Before Relying on WhatsApp at Sea

1. Calls Might Be Blocked

Some cruise lines block WhatsApp voice and video calls (or the signal is just too weak). Stick with good old-fashioned text.

2. Some Cruise Lines Have Free Messaging Apps

Cruise line apps often come with a basic messaging feature that doesn’t require WiFi. It’s usually pretty clunky (no alerts, so you have to keep checking), but it’s better than nothing.

3. Not All Mobile Networks Charge Roaming Fees

If you’re sailing around the UK or EU, some providers don’t charge roaming fees – so you might be able to use WhatsApp near port with your normal data. US travellers: you’re less lucky, but some networks offer flat-rate roaming for the day.

Bonus Tip: Consider an eSIM

Smiling older couple relaxing on a boat, laughing together while looking at a smartphone. The woman is wearing a sleeveless top and silver bracelet, and the man is in a navy shirt, creating a carefree, vacation vibe.

If you’re not keen on paying the cruise line for WiFi, you could use an eSIM instead. They’re popular for land-based travel, but there are specialist cruise eSIMs too. If your phone supports them, this can be a cheaper and more flexible option than buying the ship’s internet package.

Using WhatsApp on a Disney Cruise – A Friend’s Experience

A friend of mine sailed transatlantic aboard the Disney Dream and said WhatsApp became the heart of the onboard community. They joined a massive WhatsApp group via the cruise’s Facebook group, which had loads of sub-groups: everything from pin trading and dining plans to Ozempic users (yes, really).

There was even a group organising an unofficial 5K run around the promenade deck. It sounded brilliant – and totally free. So if you’re sailing Disney, it’s worth checking Facebook for a group linked to your cruise, as you might find a WhatsApp invite there too.

The Bottom Line

WhatsApp is one of the best ways to stay connected on a cruise – but unless you’re on a Disney ship, it’s not free. You’ll need WiFi or mobile data, and most people opt for the cruise line’s internet package.

If you just want to keep in touch with your travel group, it’s worth checking if your cruise line offers free messaging through their app. Or, if you’re sailing with Princess, the MedallionClass app lets you track your travel buddies around the ship in real-time, which might be even better than WhatsApp.