Are you wondering, “Does the cell phone get on the ferry?” You are not the only one! The answer is yes, but not always. As long as the ship is near the coast, the phone can connect normally to land networks. When entering the open sea, however, the signal may disappear or automatically connect to a satellite network, at great cost. To avoid nasty surprises on your bill and continue using WhatsApp, social and email, many ferries also offer Wi-Fi on board.
Table of Contents
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When he takes his cell phone on the ferry
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Examples of routes with stable signal
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Wi-Fi on board: costs and packages of companies
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How to avoid nasty surprises on your bill
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Conclusion: how to stay connected on the road
When does the cell phone pick up on the ferry?
As long as the ferry is near the coast, your smartphone will normally connect to mobile networks. On average, the signal covers about 10-12 nautical miles (18-20 km) from the mainland.
The quality of the connection depends on:
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distance from the coast;
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weather conditions;
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Physical obstacles such as islands or mountains.
Caution: beyond this distance, the phone may automatically hook up to a maritime satellite network, at great cost.
Examples of routes with stable signal
If your crossing is along short or coastal routes, your cell phone will almost always take without interruption. Here are some of the most popular routes on Ferryfinder where your cell phone always picks up aboard the ferry:
Routes in Italy
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Naples – Ischia/ Procida/ Capri – Always within range of terrestrial antennas. Stable signal.
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Piombino – Elba Island Portoferraio – 20-40 minute crossing with good coverage.
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Messina – Villa San Giovanni – Very short route, perfect coverage.
Tracts in Europe
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Split – Hvar (Croatia) – Coastal navigation between islands, signal present most of the way.
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Athens (Piraeus) – Aegina / Poros / – Routes in the Saronic Gulf, almost always stable coverage.
Practical tip:
If you are facing longer routes such as Civitavecchia-Olbia, Genoa-Palermo, Barcelona-Civitavecchia, the risk of signal loss or satellite network connection is very high. In these cases you’d better set your device to airplane mode or connect to the Wi-Fi network on board the ferry.
How much cell phone no reception aboard the ferry? Prices for onboard Wi-Fi
Even if the mobile signal disappears on the high seas, many ferries offer Wi-Fi for a fee. Here is an overview of the main offerings:
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)
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Basic: 24 hours → €2.50
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Easy: 1 GB → €7.00
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Digital: 2 GB → $13.50
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Digital Plus: 3 GB → €19.50
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Star Plus: 8 GB → €35.00
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Social Packages: 1 GB → €5.00 | 2 GB → €10.00
Grimaldi Lines
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Packages can be purchased through Seafy or on board.
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Wi-Fi code valid for 12 hours after first activation.
Sardinia Ferries (Corsica Ferries)
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Easy Package: €4.99 → 1 GB – Access to: WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Snapchat.
SNAV
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Basic: 3 hours unlimited → €5.00
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Plus: 7 hours unlimited → €10.00
Moby & Tirrenia
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Wi-Fi can be purchased directly on board through the dedicated portal.
How to avoid nasty surprises on your bill
When the ferry pulls away from the coast, the smartphone can:
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To remain without a signal;
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Automatically hook up to a maritime satellite network.
These networks are not covered by roaming and the costs are very high (both for data and calls).
Useful tips to avoid extra costs:
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Sets the airplane mode when the ship moves away.
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Connect only to on-board Wi-Fi.
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Turn off data roaming in the settings.
Conclusion: how to stay connected on a ferry trip even when your cell phone doesn’t get reception
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Nearshore: cell phone pick up normally aboard the ferry.
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Offshore: risk of automatic connection to satellite network.
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Recommended solution: use on-board Wi-Fi.
If you are planning a ferry crossing, on Ferryfinder you will find all the routes, schedules, and tips to better plan your trip.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about connections aboard ferries.
Does the cell phone get reception on the ferry?
Yes, near the coast. On the high seas only with satellite network (at very high cost).
Is the Wi-Fi on the ferry free?
No, it is usually charged, but each company offers specific packages.
How can I avoid extra costs while browsing?
Turnoff roaming, turn on airplane mode, and use only on-board Wi-Fi.
Want to find out more interesting facts about ferry crossings? Also read our article On rough seas and ferries.
