@@BigE7375 Hey there! You will still need to be close to land to access cell towers for Google Fi to work. They are a re-seller of T-Mobile and US Cellular towers but works wonderful by international land. If you are on ship wifi, you can switch to airplane mode and with wifi assist all features on your phone calling, text, will continue to work without data. Airplane mode must be on to avoid charges.
@@TheWeekendCruiser If you are on a cruise from los angeles going to mexico would google fi work while the boat is at sea? or is it too far from the towers that are on the land?
@@DevinGoodwinlv Hey Devin, lots of variables to this question. Google Fi will work as long as it is close to a cell tower. I don't know how well populated the Baja is but don't you will be close enough to get reception. Keep in mind, the ship needs to be in international waters to open the shops and casino. Will also depend on where your stateroom is. If you have a balcony and is on the side where the cell tower is, yes. If is is on the other side, signal will not go through the metal ship. Same with interior rooms, you will not have reception.
We've had problems on a variety of RC ships. I appreciate the suggestion to go to the top of the hip to send note and pictures. Thanks. This is the reason I appreciate your hints.
Hello, Great video. Where did you purchase the hotspot Mobil device from from and do you have the buy the Bahamas plan in the USA on the month you will be traveling or can purchase the plan on the ship.
Hey there, just made a new video a few weeks ago on GigSky which I think is a better solution these days. In this video, it was post covid and I was on the ship A LOT. In the bahamas, I got off the ship and bought the hotspot from Aliv (BTC works too) and had a true Bahamian plan. I think that is overkill for most folks unless you will be there very frequently.
I so enjoyed meeting you onboard this weekend! I purchased the Surf & Stream (as usual) but, I noticed it wasn't that good this weekend! I couldn't even make my wifi calls, from the Solarium, our balcony room or on Cococay. I noticed it mostly from Nassau onboard as well. I was all excited for this Starlink stuff, and felt Freedom's wifi was worse than other ships I have been on this year. *shrugs*
Great meeting you as well Lorra!!!! Had a blast! Yes, lots of hype behind Starlink but results are extremely variable it seems. It was pretty bad this weekend...
Thanks Brandon. I appreciate your suggestions. We've had problems on almost all the RC ships we've been on. But I understand they are as good as if not better than all other lines. Maybe we need a picture sending cocktail hour before dinner!
Keep in mind, the hotspot only works when you're close to a cell tower on land. This is the one that I got specifically from Alieve which is a competitor of BTC in the Bahamas. Any hotspot with international plan will work
Great information. If just switched to Google FI. We are going on Proncess to Alaska inside passage. Since Google covers US, CA, and Mex, will I get signal on the cruise ship. Is there roaming charge from Princess? Should I just use it in the port like Juneau. Thanks
Hey Andrew, the google fi sim card will work as long as you are close enough to get cell reception. It will work perfectly in Canada and AK with no problems, if you have cell reception. I must say, I LOVE google fi and it has been awesome to me without the risk of crazy bills from making an accidental call.
Just got back yesterday from Allure...the wifi on this ship is not that great, but I had a Blast and met some amazing ppl. There are 8 perfect strangers that became close friends that hung out every day and now we are planning a group cruise in March!!! Crazy and now I am considering moving to FL more than ever....I need 1 more night for Diamond....yup im short by 1 night ugh! Guess I have to go again!
Yes, any cruise you go on will have times without cell reception. Keep in mind, cell towers are only on land and when you move too far away, you do not have reception. Sea days are the biggest issue.
Questions so this works with the hot spot on sea days ? Dose it cover the entire ship ? Do you need to carry the hot spot around with you ? And will everyone in my family have to have a goggle fi Sim can to connect to the hot spot
Google fi in addition to any cellular carrier, will not work on sea days. A hotspot works because it can connect to a cellular tower. If you're in the middle of the ocean, there are no cellular towers to connect to. It only works when you're in Port or a few hours from the port.
@@KingJeffCx you can! I have a Google pixel 7 pro myself 😜 one thing I love about Google Fi is you can get a data only sim card to use in a hotspot, iPad whatever. They give you 50GB for a month, use it however you want on how many devices you want! I travel with a hotspot as well.
So im going to the 4 day cruise 🛳 to the Caribbean with stops in the Bahamas and Half Moon Cay. So, will this wifi box work for me on the ship and off the ship? ?? It's my first time, and i really want to stay connected with my daughter because she is underage, and this is a work trip that i won't be able to take her with me :( please help
It will work when you have cell reception from a land based tower. If going to the Bahamas, make sure you have a good international cell phone plan. I recommend this one: th-cam.com/video/3k8dyqci41Y/w-d-xo.html with Google Fi.
How do you use google fi if you have can't keep your phone on airplane mode to work it but will be charged by carrier if you take it off airplane mode? Im confused
Hey Mandy, Google Fi does not have a data or text charge for using their service in tons of countries. They do charge a nominal price for voice calls but it's a fraction of other companies. I do not switch my phone to airplane mode and use the WiFi assist setting. Any phone calls I use data with Whattsapp, FaceTime or Messenger to avoid the voice call. Hope this helps!
I thought that the phone has to be switched to airplane mode when going on the RC cruise and purchasing the internet package, isn't this right..? And can you please explain what is the phone's "wifi assist" feature, what does it do..? Thanks for your input!
I found out that my cell phone provider (AT&T pre-paid) has an add on international data product, $35 for 7 days, and the data rolls over if you renew before it runs out.
Hey Marchelle, check out this video as t is more recent and shares what I am doing today. th-cam.com/video/3k8dyqci41Y/w-d-xo.html I would not purchase any of these options if you only leave the country once a year.
Could you make an updated video on starlink and how many RC ships have started using it? Looking in to some sailings but refuse to go if they haven’t equipped them with starlink😂
Starlink is not the end all be all. Was on Freedom this weekend and I finally switched my hotspot on in Miami. Right now, I am only aware of Freedom, Independence and Liberty. Not sure how Liberty made it into the mix but it is starting weekend cruises in 2 months. Starlink is promising but they have to work some bugs out.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I appreciate this! Hopefully more cruise lines start adopting it and using it. Would love to cruise more - I know it’s not guaranteed to be a whole lot better… but a lot more promising lol.
I paid for ship wifi but the issue I have is I need to make my phone a hotspot to be able to connect my daughters baby monitor since the ship wifi doesn't have a normal password to connect. is there a way to still use the hotspot option of the google fi if im at sea and on Ship wifi?? @@TheWeekendCruiser
To use ANY cell phone provider, you must be near cell phone towers. When at sea, you are normally limited to only the ship wifi. I have heard people have been able to use the wifi to create a hotspot but I have not been successful in attempting to do this.
Hey Brandon, does Google Fi work while at sea on Cellular at Sea? I Am taking a transatlantic cruise on Winder of the Sea soon? Thanks for your Vloogs.
Cellular at sea is it's own cell phone provider and charges crazy rates to use it. With most phones these days, ensure you are in airplane mode and have wifi assist turned on. This should give you full phone functionality over wifi at no additional charge.
I have heard of travel routers but I thought it had to plug directly into the wifi modem? Can it take signal from a Point of Access on thie ship and spread out the wifi? Any amplification to the signal or just ability to have several folks on it? You have peaked my interest!
PRETTY PLEASE give me more info on this! I am overwhelmingly confused with allllllll of these different options, the numbers, the acronyms, how these work, do I need a subscription, do I need a sim card, how many GBs do I need for 2-4 devices with only basic streaming and EVERYHTING I need to know and get internet, all in one tiny package??? *I have Aspbergers, please be gentle and precise as possible. Some things, I'm absolutely brilliant with. Others, *Especially when including numbers, it's like my brain has an impenetrable block. 😮💨 TYSMIA!!
@TheWeekendCruiser the travel router can be connected in the same way your phone or tablet connects (wireless). Then you connect your devices to the new wifi network that was created by the router.
I was throttled after only 2 hours in Bermuda last week on Verizon’s Travel Pass. Whatever speed I dropped to was absolutely painful. Thanks for the info, Brandon.
6 Days Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX Sun Jul 23, 2023 - Sat Jul 29, 2023 Carnival Dream from Sunday July 23, 2023 to Saturday July 29, 2023 View Itinerary Day 1: Galveston | Departs at 3:30 PM Day 2: Fun Day At Sea Day 3: Costa Maya | 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Day 4: Belize | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Day 5: Cozumel | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Day 6: Fun Day At Sea Day 7: Galveston | Arrives at 8:00 AM Hi bud what will be my best option for Wi-Fi on the cruise? Should I buy 5G hotspot and which one should I buy and I put SIM card of Google fi
Hey Farhad, I personally love Google Fi if you are a US resident. Flexible plans with international automatically included. Google Fi will work well while in port in Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel but will not work when you are having a fun day at sea. Google Fi operates on T-mobile network, so any hotspot from t-mobile that is unlcoked should work well. I use an iseego. Should also mention, if you are in an inside cabin, you will probably not get any reception at anytime from any carrier. Need to be on the outside of the ship.
*If interested in Google Fi, use my affiliate code for $20 discount* g.co/fi/r/EET095
can you use GoogleFi while on the cruise ship as it is moving
@@BigE7375 Hey there! You will still need to be close to land to access cell towers for Google Fi to work. They are a re-seller of T-Mobile and US Cellular towers but works wonderful by international land. If you are on ship wifi, you can switch to airplane mode and with wifi assist all features on your phone calling, text, will continue to work without data. Airplane mode must be on to avoid charges.
@@TheWeekendCruiser If you are on a cruise from los angeles going to mexico would google fi work while the boat is at sea? or is it too far from the towers that are on the land?
@@DevinGoodwinlv Hey Devin, lots of variables to this question. Google Fi will work as long as it is close to a cell tower. I don't know how well populated the Baja is but don't you will be close enough to get reception. Keep in mind, the ship needs to be in international waters to open the shops and casino. Will also depend on where your stateroom is. If you have a balcony and is on the side where the cell tower is, yes. If is is on the other side, signal will not go through the metal ship. Same with interior rooms, you will not have reception.
We've had problems on a variety of RC ships. I appreciate the suggestion to go to the top of the hip to send note and pictures. Thanks. This is the reason I appreciate your hints.
Brandon, despite having been on many RC cruises, nobody before you ever said that Wifi was better higher up. Thanks for the great tip!
Anytime Jerry! Just my antidotal experience but feel like I have to try something!
You are the first ever who gave this tip. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Alana! Hope it works for you too!
Thanks Brandon, very helpful!
Hello, Great video. Where did you purchase the hotspot Mobil device from from and do you have the buy the Bahamas plan in the USA on the month you will be traveling or can purchase the plan on the ship.
Hey there, just made a new video a few weeks ago on GigSky which I think is a better solution these days. In this video, it was post covid and I was on the ship A LOT. In the bahamas, I got off the ship and bought the hotspot from Aliv (BTC works too) and had a true Bahamian plan. I think that is overkill for most folks unless you will be there very frequently.
Forgot the link! studio.th-cam.com/users/videob0MEBqMd67o/edit
@@TheWeekendCruiser Thanks for reaching back I appreciate it. I think that google voice will work with gigsky.
@@godschild917 It sure will! Google Voice uses data, so you will be all set!
Wow! Thanks! And btw, what a handsome guy 🔥👋🏼
awww, thank you!
I so enjoyed meeting you onboard this weekend! I purchased the Surf & Stream (as usual) but, I noticed it wasn't that good this weekend! I couldn't even make my wifi calls, from the Solarium, our balcony room or on Cococay. I noticed it mostly from Nassau onboard as well. I was all excited for this Starlink stuff, and felt Freedom's wifi was worse than other ships I have been on this year. *shrugs*
Great meeting you as well Lorra!!!! Had a blast!
Yes, lots of hype behind Starlink but results are extremely variable it seems. It was pretty bad this weekend...
Gotta say, last week my wifi on RC wasn't terrible. It had its moments, but it got me through for Taylor Swift tickets:--) color me impressed.
hahahaha, the best use of ship wifi I have ever heard of! Had a co-worker going for those and know how challenging that que was! Congrats!
Thanks Brandon. I appreciate your suggestions. We've had problems on almost all the RC ships we've been on. But I understand they are as good as if not better than all other lines. Maybe we need a picture sending cocktail hour before dinner!
It is def hit or miss. You never really know what kind of Wifi setting you are walking into!
I also need to know what hotspot you have there so I can get the same one because I know it worked for you
Keep in mind, the hotspot only works when you're close to a cell tower on land. This is the one that I got specifically from Alieve which is a competitor of BTC in the Bahamas. Any hotspot with international plan will work
Noice vlog thanks for the info
Great information. If just switched to Google FI. We are going on Proncess to Alaska inside passage. Since Google covers US, CA, and Mex, will I get signal on the cruise ship. Is there roaming charge from Princess? Should I just use it in the port like Juneau. Thanks
Hey Andrew, the google fi sim card will work as long as you are close enough to get cell reception. It will work perfectly in Canada and AK with no problems, if you have cell reception. I must say, I LOVE google fi and it has been awesome to me without the risk of crazy bills from making an accidental call.
Just got back yesterday from Allure...the wifi on this ship is not that great, but I had a Blast and met some amazing ppl. There are 8 perfect strangers that became close friends that hung out every day and now we are planning a group cruise in March!!! Crazy and now I am considering moving to FL more than ever....I need 1 more night for Diamond....yup im short by 1 night ugh! Guess I have to go again!
That sounds like a fantastic cruise and one of the reasons I LOVE cruising is the amazing people. Memories for life.
Great info
Just curious, if there was any time during your trip while being onboard that you were out of range from cellular towers? Did Google Fi still worked?
Yes, any cruise you go on will have times without cell reception. Keep in mind, cell towers are only on land and when you move too far away, you do not have reception. Sea days are the biggest issue.
Questions so this works with the hot spot on sea days ? Dose it cover the entire ship ? Do you need to carry the hot spot around with you ? And will everyone in my family have to have a goggle fi Sim can to connect to the hot spot
Google fi in addition to any cellular carrier, will not work on sea days. A hotspot works because it can connect to a cellular tower. If you're in the middle of the ocean, there are no cellular towers to connect to. It only works when you're in Port or a few hours from the port.
Have you ever been able to stream showtime or ppv with the package
The ships wifi, depending on the ship can stream. Though, i always recommend download shoes in advance to watch once on the ship.
What is the link to purchase the Hotspot device to use on GoogleFi??
You will love google Fi! It's cheaper and has amazing coverage. Here is the affiliate link to cover the options: g.co/fi/r/EET095
@@TheWeekendCruiserthank you, also can I actually use a Google pixel phone as a hotspot? Even while on my western carb trip?
@@KingJeffCx you can! I have a Google pixel 7 pro myself 😜 one thing I love about Google Fi is you can get a data only sim card to use in a hotspot, iPad whatever. They give you 50GB for a month, use it however you want on how many devices you want! I travel with a hotspot as well.
So im going to the 4 day cruise 🛳 to the Caribbean with stops in the Bahamas and Half Moon Cay. So, will this wifi box work for me on the ship and off the ship? ?? It's my first time, and i really want to stay connected with my daughter because she is underage, and this is a work trip that i won't be able to take her with me :( please help
It will work when you have cell reception from a land based tower. If going to the Bahamas, make sure you have a good international cell phone plan. I recommend this one: th-cam.com/video/3k8dyqci41Y/w-d-xo.html with Google Fi.
How do you use google fi if you have can't keep your phone on airplane mode to work it but will be charged by carrier if you take it off airplane mode? Im confused
Hey Mandy, Google Fi does not have a data or text charge for using their service in tons of countries. They do charge a nominal price for voice calls but it's a fraction of other companies. I do not switch my phone to airplane mode and use the WiFi assist setting. Any phone calls I use data with Whattsapp, FaceTime or Messenger to avoid the voice call. Hope this helps!
I thought that the phone has to be switched to airplane mode when going on the RC cruise and purchasing the internet package, isn't this right..? And can you please explain what is the phone's "wifi assist" feature, what does it do..? Thanks for your input!
I found out that my cell phone provider (AT&T pre-paid) has an add on international data product, $35 for 7 days, and the data rolls over if you renew before it runs out.
Not shabby!! MUCH cheaper than buying onboard. Just sat down on Celebrity for 4 nights and they wanted $207 for 2 devices for the 4 days.
@@TheWeekendCruiser have fun
Does it work ?
One more question lol will any hotspot work ? Or do I need it to be from T-Mobile
As long as you are close to land, and you have a good international plan that will pick up an international Cellular Tower, you will be good
Awesome content but extremely hard to understand how to use for a simple 7-day cruise....
Hey Marchelle, check out this video as t is more recent and shares what I am doing today. th-cam.com/video/3k8dyqci41Y/w-d-xo.html I would not purchase any of these options if you only leave the country once a year.
RCL is switching to Starlink. Can you update when on board a RC ship with the upgrade?
Was on Independence couple weeks ago and starlink was up and running. There was definitely a noticeable difference
@@jasonwallace9442 was there a noticeable price difference??
@@rickster246 it was the same price I usually paid but I bought on the cruise planner not on ship.
Ask and you shall recieve! th-cam.com/video/BKskDlkVn90/w-d-xo.html
Not yet...
Could you make an updated video on starlink and how many RC ships have started using it? Looking in to some sailings but refuse to go if they haven’t equipped them with starlink😂
Starlink is not the end all be all. Was on Freedom this weekend and I finally switched my hotspot on in Miami. Right now, I am only aware of Freedom, Independence and Liberty. Not sure how Liberty made it into the mix but it is starting weekend cruises in 2 months. Starlink is promising but they have to work some bugs out.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I appreciate this! Hopefully more cruise lines start adopting it and using it. Would love to cruise more - I know it’s not guaranteed to be a whole lot better… but a lot more promising lol.
So this will work while out at sea ?
Hey Mandy, the hot spot will not work on sea days as it requires cell reception. When you are at sea, your only option is ship wifi.
I paid for ship wifi but the issue I have is I need to make my phone a hotspot to be able to connect my daughters baby monitor since the ship wifi doesn't have a normal password to connect. is there a way to still use the hotspot option of the google fi if im at sea and on Ship wifi??
@@TheWeekendCruiser
To use ANY cell phone provider, you must be near cell phone towers. When at sea, you are normally limited to only the ship wifi. I have heard people have been able to use the wifi to create a hotspot but I have not been successful in attempting to do this.
Was you on Freedom of Sea This weekend I think I see you
I sure was Renea!!! You should have said hello would have been great to meet.
Could I use Google Fi instead of purchasing RC’s internet package?
If you are close to land often. If you have a sea day, you will have to purchase the RC wifi as there are no cell towers around.
Hey Brandon, does Google Fi work while at sea on Cellular at Sea? I Am taking a transatlantic cruise on Winder of the Sea soon? Thanks for your Vloogs.
Cellular at sea is it's own cell phone provider and charges crazy rates to use it. With most phones these days, ensure you are in airplane mode and have wifi assist turned on. This should give you full phone functionality over wifi at no additional charge.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Thanks Brandon, hope you enjoy the move down to Miami.
Try a travel router also. If allows you to get the one device plan and share the wifi between multiple devices
I have heard of travel routers but I thought it had to plug directly into the wifi modem? Can it take signal from a Point of Access on thie ship and spread out the wifi? Any amplification to the signal or just ability to have several folks on it? You have peaked my interest!
PRETTY PLEASE give me more info on this! I am overwhelmingly confused with allllllll of these different options, the numbers, the acronyms, how these work, do I need a subscription, do I need a sim card, how many GBs do I need for 2-4 devices with only basic streaming and EVERYHTING I need to know and get internet, all in one tiny package???
*I have Aspbergers, please be gentle and precise as possible. Some things, I'm absolutely brilliant with. Others, *Especially when including numbers, it's like my brain has an impenetrable block. 😮💨
TYSMIA!!
@TheWeekendCruiser the travel router can be connected in the same way your phone or tablet connects (wireless). Then you connect your devices to the new wifi network that was created by the router.
I was throttled after only 2 hours in Bermuda last week on Verizon’s Travel Pass. Whatever speed I dropped to was absolutely painful. Thanks for the info, Brandon.
I was in Europe last week, and I also found Verizon throttled me very quickly.
That's a shame! yes, when you travel often, you don't have to have 5G but you can't drop below 3G or lower. That is just tough.
If we were friends, I’d stay connected by simply going with you!!! Then we wouldn’t need internet.
haha my good travel friend, this is his strategy! I keep a mifi device just for him!
6 Days Western Caribbean from Galveston, TX
Sun Jul 23, 2023 - Sat Jul 29, 2023
Carnival Dream from Sunday July 23, 2023 to Saturday July 29, 2023
View Itinerary
Day 1:
Galveston | Departs at 3:30 PM
Day 2:
Fun Day At Sea
Day 3:
Costa Maya | 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 4:
Belize | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Day 5:
Cozumel | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Day 6:
Fun Day At Sea
Day 7:
Galveston | Arrives at 8:00 AM
Hi bud what will be my best option for Wi-Fi on the cruise? Should I buy 5G hotspot and which one should I buy and I put SIM card of Google fi
Hey Farhad, I personally love Google Fi if you are a US resident. Flexible plans with international automatically included. Google Fi will work well while in port in Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel but will not work when you are having a fun day at sea. Google Fi operates on T-mobile network, so any hotspot from t-mobile that is unlcoked should work well. I use an iseego. Should also mention, if you are in an inside cabin, you will probably not get any reception at anytime from any carrier. Need to be on the outside of the ship.