Cruising the high seas is supposed to be a relaxing escape, but for one Royal Caribbean passenger, the dream vacation turned into a $1,300 nightmare—all because of a forgotten setting on their cellphone.
What started as a week of cocktails and ocean breezes ended with a shocking bill, leaving the traveler livid and pointing fingers at the cruise line.
The culprit? Roaming charges. Despite purchasing Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package, the passenger’s phone remained off “Airplane Mode”, allowing it to connect to costly satellite networks.
As the phone silently downloaded updates and background data, it racked up astronomical charges. To make matters worse, the traveler’s child unknowingly added fuel to the fire by streaming videos throughout the trip, compounding the already steep bill.
When confronted, Royal Caribbean stood firm, reminding the customer of their policy: passengers are responsible for enabling “Airplane Mode”.
It’s a common yet costly oversight—smartphones continue to consume data at sea, even when tucked away in a cabin safe. Background apps, automatic updates, and streaming content can quickly rack up charges, catching many vacationers off guard.
This cautionary tale is far from isolated. Popular YouTuber Jayson Judson highlighted the financial pitfalls of cruising, warning followers to be vigilant about onboard spending traps. While unexpected phone bills are a major offender, arcades onboard cruises can also leave parents reeling.
Many arcade games require passengers to scan their cabin key cards, with costs often undisclosed upfront. Kids can easily swipe their way to hundreds of dollars in charges, leaving parents blindsided when the final bill arrives.
The solution? Preparation. Before setting sail, travelers should:
– Switch all devices to “Airplane Mode” to block roaming charges.
– Set spending limits on cabin key cards to avoid surprise arcade or onboard purchases.
– Monitor children’s activities to prevent unintentional overspending.
Cruises can be a wonderful way to unwind, but a little proactive planning can ensure you don’t return home with more than just souvenirs and snapshots—namely, an unwelcome financial hangover.
