NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has restructured its onboard and crew Internet packages, introducing a clear separation between Basic Wi-Fi and Streaming Wi-Fi options, effective immediately across all ships beginning with the next embarkations.
The Basic tier has been modified to exclude support for video content accessed via social media platforms; guests and crew may continue to view images, exchange messages, and publish text updates, but access to video-based features now requires the Streaming package.
Under the revised policy, applications such as Facebook Stories, Instagram Reels, X (Twitter) videos, Snapchat Stories, and comparable video-sharing functionality are no longer accessible through the Basic plan, though standard browsing, messaging, emails, and image uploads remain supported.
Norwegian Cruise Line has indicated that this adjustment aims to optimize bandwidth at sea and enhance connection stability across all users.
Those seeking to access social media video, YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, or live streaming must now acquire the Streaming Wi-Fi Pass. This tier is aimed at travelers and crew who wish to remain fully connected with high-bandwidth services, whereas the Basic option continues as a lower-cost alternative for messaging, browsing, and photo sharing.
From official specifications, the Basic option corresponds with the Voyage Wi-Fi Pass, while the Streaming Access aligns with the Streaming Voyage Wi-Fi Pass. The Voyage Pass permits general web browsing, emails, and messaging, but excludes video services. The Streaming Pass encompasses all Basic features plus audio/video streaming and VPN access. Current published daily rates approximate US$29.99 for the Voyage Pass and US$39.99 for the Streaming Pass, per device.