🕵️♀️ Don’t Get Hacked on a Cruise: Easy Cybersecurity Tips You Need to Know
Your suitcase is locked. But is your digital life? Hackers love cruise ships, free Wi-Fi, and unsuspecting vacationers just like you. That’s why we’re breaking down 7 super simple ways to keep your personal info safe — whether you’re sailing the seas, flying through airports, or sipping lattes at a sketchy café.
We’re Adam & Mary from Hollett’s At Sea, and after years of cruising (and tech know-how), we’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to get digitally scammed. Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a hacker to outsmart one. Just follow these easy tips and cruise smarter.
1. Disable Auto-Connect for Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Your phone loves making new friends — but not all of them are good. Rogue Wi-Fi hotspots like “FreeCruiseWifi” or “Carnival_Guest” can actually be traps. Before your cruise, turn off auto-connect for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stop your device from latching onto fake signals.
2. Use a VPN (aka: Virtual Pirate Network!)
Want to make your internet traffic invisible to prying eyes? Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like NordVPN. It scrambles your data and makes it untraceable to hackers — whether you’re using port Wi-Fi, airport networks, or the sketchy café onshore.
- ✅ Works great in ports, airports, hotels, and cafés
- ⚠️ Some cruise ships may block VPNs, but you’ll still be protected on land
- 💡 We personally use NordVPN and trust it 100%
3. Avoid Cruise Internet Cafés for Sensitive Stuff
Cruise ship computers? Just don’t. You have no idea who used them last — or what they left behind. If you must check something, avoid logging into anything personal like your bank, email, or credit cards. Better yet, use your own device with a VPN.
4. Lock Your Phone with a Strong Passcode
A weak PIN is like leaving your cabin door wide open. Use a 6-digit code or even better — a passphrase. Bonus tip: enable your SIM card lock so your mobile number can’t be hijacked if your phone goes missing.
5. Stick to Credit Cards, Not Debit
Hackers love debit cards because they link directly to your cash. Use credit cards instead — they offer much better fraud protection. Be sure to notify your card provider of your travel plans and keep an eye on transactions throughout your trip.
6. Cover Your PIN Onboard
From the ship casino to the portside ATM, someone might be shoulder surfing. Cover your keypad whenever you enter your PIN. Treat it like your last shrimp cocktail — guard it with your life.
7. Use the Cabin Safe (Seriously)
We know it feels cheesy, but your cabin safe is there for a reason. Use it to store passports, backup cards, electronics, and anything you don’t want walking off while you’re off the ship chasing excursions (or the buffet).
Bonus: These Tips Aren’t Just for Cruises
This isn’t just “cruise advice.” VPNs and digital safety tips help in:
- ✈️ Airports (public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground)
- 🏨 Hotels with unsecured networks
- ☕ Coffee shops or tourist hotspots
- 📱 Even at home if you’re working remotely
We don’t cruise without these protections — and honestly, we don’t travel anywhere without them either.
🎁 Resources We Recommend
- ✅ VPN We Use: Get NordVPN Here
- 🧳 Cruise Must-Haves: Shop our Cruise Essentials on Amazon
- 📋 Free Packing List: Download Here
Stay smart, stay safe, and we’ll see you poolside with a Piña Colada and a firewall. 🍹🔥
💬 Got a tip or story about sketchy Wi-Fi? Drop it in the comments below! 👇