Remote working has changed the way many of us travel. No longer do we need to burn annual leave to see the world – we just need good Wi-Fi and a bit of flexibility. But what about cruising? Can you really work remotely from a cruise ship while still enjoying sea views, buffet breakfasts, and sunset sailaways? Absolutely – with a few caveats.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, someone who works from home, freelancer, or just trying to stretch your PTO/annual leave further, here’s how to make working from a cruise ship not only possible, but enjoyable.
Wi-Fi will be your biggest hurdle (but it’s getting better)
Let’s address the elephant in the stateroom: internet. Cruise ship Wi-Fi used to be painfully slow, expensive, and unreliable. But thanks to the rollout of Starlink by SpaceX, many cruise lines are now offering faster and more stable internet than ever before.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have all begun integrating Starlink across their fleets, and other lines are quickly following suit. It’s still not perfect (especially during heavy usage periods or bad weather), but it’s a game-changer for remote workers who previously couldn’t risk a Zoom call dropping mid-sentence.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk (I know, gross). Unlike traditional satellite internet, which relies on a few large satellites orbiting far from Earth, Starlink uses a large constellation of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) – much closer to the surface. This makes it faster and more responsive, with lower latency and better coverage, even in remote or mobile settings like cruise ships.
Stick to Time Zones Within ±1–2 Hours of Home
You don’t want to be taking 9 a.m. calls at 4 a.m. because you booked a Caribbean cruise while living in the UK. One of the best hacks for working remotely while cruising is to choose an itinerary that aligns closely with your regular time zone.
Mediterranean cruises are ideal for UK-based workers, while East Coast U.S. residents may find Caribbean or Bermuda sailings easier to manage. This way, you’ll still have your work hours during the day and your evenings free to enjoy the ship (or port if there’s an overnight!).
Avoid the FOMO: Choose an Itinerary You’ve Already Done
This might seem counterintuitive – isn’t the point of cruising to see new places? Yes… but if you’re working full-time, you won’t want to feel like you’re missing out when you have to stay onboard during a port day to meet deadlines.
Revisiting ports you’ve seen before means you won’t have FOMO when everyone else is off on a day trip to the Colosseum while you’re replying to emails in the solarium. You’ll be far more relaxed, and can always hop off for a short walk or coffee without feeling rushed.
Work Offline Whenever Possible
If your work doesn’t require constant connectivity – perfect. Batch tasks that need the internet and get everything else done offline. Plan writing, design work, spreadsheets, coding, or admin for sea days, and save uploading and meetings for when you’re docked (Wi-Fi often improves in port).
Bonus Tip: Bring an external hard drive, offline work folders, and make sure cloud files are available without internet.
Cruise With Independent Travel Buddies
If you’re not cruising solo, make sure you’re travelling with people who are comfortable doing their own thing during the day. You don’t want to feel guilty for working or be constantly pulled away from your laptop by someone who needs a buddy 24/7.
The sweet spot? Friends or partners who are happy to sunbathe, read, nap, or explore on their own – and then regroup with you in the evenings for dinner, shows, or cocktails at the piano bar.
Look for Itineraries with Sea Days Over the Weekend
Sea days = the most reliable workdays onboard. Try to find cruises where the sea days fall over your weekend, so you’re not tempted to log on at all. This also gives you more flexibility for exploring ports on weekdays without needing to balance sightseeing with Slack.
Set Boundaries (and Let Your Boss Know You’re Floating)
Even if you plan to work your normal hours, it’s a good idea to let your employer or clients know you’re working from a cruise ship – especially in case of unexpected Wi-Fi issues or time zone quirks. Set clear availability hours and build in a bit of grace for potential tech hiccups.
And don’t be afraid to block off short breaks to actually enjoy the cruise – sunrise walks on the top deck and lunchtime tacos by the pool are the kind of perks you should be leaning into.
Pack Smart for a Floating Office
Here’s a mini cruise work checklist:
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Extension cord or power bank (some cabins have limited sockets)
- Laptop stand & mouse for comfort
- USB-to-Ethernet adapter if available (some ships have hardwire options)
- Tiny ring light if you’re cruising in an Inside cabin
Think it’s for you?
Working remotely from a cruise ship isn’t for everyone – but if you’re the type who thrives with structure and loves the idea of blending productivity with a splash of escapism, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. You’ll get the satisfaction of a full workday and the joy of an ocean sunset as your commute.
And let’s be honest – there’s something pretty magical about answering emails with a view of the open sea.
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