Getting free internet on a cruise, saving $170

Hacker News Discussion ↗

Technical bypass methods discussed

  • Multiple commenters describe workarounds for paid or time-limited Wi‑Fi:
    • IP-over-DNS tunneling tools like iodine can exfiltrate traffic when only DNS (port 53) is allowed, though speeds are very low and setup must be done in advance.
    • Some networks allow arbitrary traffic on port 53 or whitelist specific IPs (e.g., public DNS), enabling VPNs or direct access if configured to listen on 53.
    • MAC address randomization or manual MAC changes are used to reset “free trial” quotas on hotel/airport/cruise Wi‑Fi.
    • Travel routers are used to put all devices behind one authenticated session and to work through captive portals; some networks detect and throttle or ban this.
    • Basic scripting patterns (e.g., looping until a command succeeds) are mentioned for automating retries against flaky portals.

Cruise line security, business model, and response

  • Several comments note that naming the cruise line and giving detailed methodology is likely to get this specific loophole patched.
  • Others argue large cruise IT teams are small, under-resourced, and unlikely to aggressively hunt such edge abuse unless revenue drops measurably.
  • The hack is framed by some as low-impact “abuse” that’s tolerated because systems are optimized for conversion and low friction, not airtight enforcement.
  • There is discussion that this behavior is technically “theft of services,” though many show little moral concern given perceptions of cruise industry practices.

Cost, bandwidth constraints, and Starlink

  • Thread debates whether high cruise internet prices are justified:
    • One side: satellite bandwidth at sea is genuinely expensive and capacity-limited; crowding thousands of passengers into a single cell stresses Starlink or legacy satcom.
    • Other side: even with satellite costs, pricing is heavily “what the market will bear,” especially for a captive audience.
  • Starlink is already deployed on many ships; some note that personal Starlink units are often banned because they compete for the same satellite capacity and/or revenue.

Disconnecting vs. staying online

  • Many emphasize that a core benefit of cruises is enforced disconnection: no constant notifications, time to read, socialize, or enjoy onboard activities.
  • Others point out use cases for connectivity: remote work “workcations,” teens stuck with family, or using Wi‑Fi only sparingly (e.g., downloading books).
  • There’s concern that needing to hack around paywalls to stay online signals an unhealthy dependence on the internet.

Broader anecdotes and patterns

  • Similar tricks (MAC spoofing, DNS tunneling, captive portal bypass) are reported at hotels, airports, ferries, and mobile networks with paywalls.
  • Some mention that travel routers and similar gear are explicitly banned or even confiscated on certain cruise lines.