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How to get free internet on a cruise

A lot of us travel with smartphones, tablets and laptops these days but when it comes to Internet access on ships, we gripe that - among other things - it's super expensive.

It doesn't have to be.

Rates depend on what ship you are on and what type of Internet plan you buy. It's nearly always cheaper to go with a plan - say, 500 minutes at a cost of $199. That compares to a pay-as-you-go rate on most ships of about 75 cents per minute (some charge even more).

Fortunately, there are an increasing numbers of ways to log on for free.

Book a cruise with free Internet

When Viking Ocean Cruises launches in June 2015, passengers will be able to take advantage of complimentary Internet access. Viking offers the same on its river cruises, as do most other river cruise lines (including Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways and Uniworld). Other lines that include free Internet access in cruise fares include the UK's Hebridean Island Cruises and the Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos.

Look for a special promotion

Both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have current promotions that include unlimited Internet access. Oceania is including the perk for those who book early on select Winter Collection 2014-2015 cruises and on its first ever world cruise in 2015. Regent is including free unlimited access in a special promotion on select Europe 2013-2014 sailings. On most lines if you book a promotional fare that comes with an onboard spending credit you can apply that amount towards your Internet bill (if you don't spend it on drinks).

Become a loyal cruiser

Join a frequent cruiser program, amass points and get free Internet as a perk. Top-tier members of Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle (those who have racked up more than 50 days cruising) get 150 free minutes on a one-week cruise. Diamond members of Seabourn's program get unlimited access.

-- Fran Golden is the Experience Cruise expert blogger and a contributing editor of Porthole Magazine. She is the co-author of Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call.