A Royal Caribbean passenger’s relaxing cruise turned into a costly lesson after returning home to discover a $1,300 cell phone bill, stemming from a simple but expensive mistake.
The incident highlights the importance of preparation and vigilance when managing technology on cruise vacations.
The passenger, who has not been named, assumed their purchase of Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package covered all cell phone use while onboard.
However, their device was not set to Airplane Mode, allowing it to connect to the ship’s roaming network.
As a result, the phone silently racked up roaming charges, downloading background updates and data throughout the cruise.
Adding to the financial sting, the passenger’s child unknowingly compounded the issue by streaming videos using the same phone. The combined usage led to the eye-watering bill.
When contacted, Royal Caribbean stated that it is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure devices are placed in Airplane Mode, and the cruise line declined liability for the charges.
A common problem at sea
This type of issue is not unique to Royal Caribbean.
Smartphones can incur substantial roaming charges on cruises, even when locked away in a cabin safe, as apps, updates, and downloads continue to run in the background.
Popular YouTube personality Jayson Judson brought attention to this case, cautioning viewers about the financial traps onboard cruise ships, which often result from passenger oversights.
While some carriers like T-Mobile occasionally adjust bills for roaming charges, others, such as AT&T and Verizon, may not be as forgiving.
Mobile technology isn’t the only source of unexpected expenses.
Cruise ship arcades are another potential financial pitfall, especially for families. Arcade machines typically require passengers to swipe their cabin room key for access, but costs aren’t always displayed.
This makes it easy for children to unknowingly rack up hundreds of dollars in charges, often only discovered when the final bill arrives.
To avoid such surprises, parents are encouraged to:
- Set spending limits on room key cards before boarding.
- Switch all devices to Airplane Mode to prevent roaming charges.
- Monitor children’s activities closely, particularly in areas like the arcade.
While cruising offers incredible experiences, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about potential financial pitfalls.
By taking proactive steps and educating all travellers about spending limits and device management, cruisers can avoid unexpected costs and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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