December 12, 2024
I thought cruise ships could be a great way to work remote. With Starlink internet now being standard on most cruise ships, I figured it was worth a shot.
Here’s what I learned from trying to work.
You need to be organized.
Fast, relatively reliable wifi is standard now. Most major cruise lines have upgraded their internet to handle video calls and large file transfers.
You get a built-in routine with dedicated workspaces across the ship. No need to hunt for coffee shops or coworking spaces.
There’s zero commute between your office and vacation spots. You can go from work mode to beach mode in minutes.
My biggest issue with cruise ship internet was very strict firewalls and the inability to access important tools that have strict security protocols to prevent hacking.
These tools protect your connection but also can be a large hindrance for anyone doing any kind of secure work.
Your Cruise Office
Scout the less crowded spots early. The ship’s library and upper deck cafes are usually quiet and perfect for focused work.
Get the premium wifi package. It’s worth every penny for the faster speeds and better connection. While Starlink still isn’t perfect on the high seas, it’s fairly reliable.
Download all your essential work files before boarding. Ship internet can be spotting while at sea.
Work-Leisure Balance
Work during sea days, explore during port days. This gives you clear boundaries between work and play.
Schedule calls during morning hours when fewer people are around. The connection is usually better then too.
Use the time zone changes to your advantage. You can often finish work early and still have full afternoons free.
While port days are great for exploring, some excursions have you back at the ship early. Make sure you understand your excursion timelines to best plan your schedule.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Book a room with a desk or upgrade to a mini-suite. Having a dedicated workspace in your room is crucial.
Join cruise line loyalty programs for better internet rates. The savings add up quickly.
Check port schedules to plan your meetings around dock times. It can take an hour for the ship to dock, meaning you’ll have time to knock out anything important.
To get even more work done during down time like this, you can easily order breakfast to your room. It’s not fantastic, but it’s only a $5 charge for as much free food as you’d like.
Conclusion
The key is planning ahead – book the right room, get good wifi, and know your schedule.
At the end of the day, working from a cruise is great, but I wouldn’t plan on it being very productive unless you’re on a voyage with a lot of at-sea days. Our trip had 4 consecutive port days of the 7 total days, making it difficult to find time to get anything done.