Last updated: 22 October 2026

Yes, more and more cargo ships now have Wi-Fi, but whether passengers can use it, and how fast it is, varies from ship to ship. Internet at sea comes from satellites, and fleets have been upgrading fast. Maersk, for example, signed a deal with Starlink to bring high-speed internet to more than 330 of its container ships. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.

How internet works on a cargo ship

Out of range of land, ships connect to the internet by satellite. Older systems were slow and expensive, so crews had limited data for emails and messages. Newer low-earth-orbit services such as Starlink offer much higher speeds and are spreading across commercial fleets, mainly to improve crew welfare.

Can passengers use the ship’s Wi-Fi?

It depends on the ship and the shipping line:

• Some ships give passengers a data allowance or a voucher
• Some ships sell data packages, often paid in US dollars or euros
• Some ships reserve internet for crew and ship operations
• Speed and coverage can drop in bad weather or remote regions

Always ask before booking if internet access matters to you, for example if you plan to work remotely.

Phone signal at sea

Your mobile phone will usually lose signal within a few hours of leaving the coast. Near land and in port you may connect to local networks, so check your roaming charges and data plan before you sail. Some ships have their own maritime mobile network, which is often expensive.

How to prepare for being offline

Working remotely from a cargo ship

With good satellite internet, light remote work is becoming possible on some ships. Plan for slower speeds than at home, avoid relying on video calls, and choose a ship where the line has confirmed passenger internet access.

The upside of being offline

Many freighter travellers say the lack of constant connection is the best part of the trip. Days without notifications, news alerts and email give you time to read, think, sleep and actually watch the ocean.

Frequently asked questions