Royal Caribbean Bans Onboard Portable Routers

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Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its list of prohibited items to include portable routers, signaling a new measure aimed at protecting its onboard internet services. These pocket-sized devices have gained popularity among some savvy travelers who use them to create their own private Wi-Fi networks, effectively sidestepping the cruise line’s paid internet plans. Now, it appears that this workaround may no longer be an option.

Industry site Cruise Hive reports that Royal Caribbean’s ban on portable routers is a recent development, believed to have taken effect within the last couple of weeks. The change groups routers with other restricted devices in a category addressing “cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime.” Although details are sparse, the addition of routers to the ban suggests that the line wants to prevent passengers from accessing or distributing shipwide internet without purchasing an approved plan.

The newly updated prohibited items list includes satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment. Also on the list are electrical extension cords, power strips, surge-protected strips, multi-plug outlets, and certain radio-based devices. HAM radios and baby monitors are explicitly disallowed, as they can interfere with vital onboard communication and navigation systems. Notably, guests may still carry two-way radios that meet specific technical criteria for shipboard use.

The enforcement method remains unclear. It’s uncertain whether Royal Caribbean will rely on baggage screening to catch such devices during embarkation or if onboard staff will be tasked with reporting suspicious activity or equipment. In practice, guests using portable routers might have drawn attention if their setup impacted the ship’s network performance or if room stewards noticed the equipment during routine cleaning and maintenance visits.

This move aligns with Royal Caribbean’s push to sell its own internet package, VOOM Surf + Stream, which the line touts as the fastest internet at sea. Marketed as six times faster than competitors’ offerings, VOOM promises the ability to stream music and movies, upload photos, video chat, and browse the web much like on land. By channeling all passengers who want reliable connectivity toward its paid plans, Royal Caribbean can maintain better quality control and protect the revenue stream generated by its proprietary service.

According to Royal Caribbean, VOOM is available fleetwide, and every ship receives a dedicated satellite beam that provides stability and speed. The company has emphasized that this technology delivers a faster, more reliable online experience than what is commonly found on other cruise lines. By banning onboard networking gear like portable routers, Royal Caribbean can better ensure that guests who need connectivity will subscribe to VOOM rather than use unauthorized methods.

For tech-minded travelers accustomed to bringing their own portable routers to share one purchased internet plan or to bypass it entirely, this change will require new approaches. Rather than relying on personal networking devices, guests may need to budget for the VOOM internet packages if they want to stay connected at sea. Ultimately, Royal Caribbean’s move is likely to shape how passengers access the internet onboard, influencing both their travel experience and the company’s bottom line.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Royal+Caribbean

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