First-time NCL cruiser seeks Internet advice

[digitalcajun]

I'm taking my first NCL cruise in two weeks on the Pearl, along with 12 other family members. It looks like my Internet options are:

 

• don't buy any and use the Internet cafe while underway plus wifi or cell data while in port. This is what I've done on previous cruises (but the last time I was on one was in 2011 so that was more due to technical limitations than a conscious desire to unplug)
  
• buy the social media package, which includes FB Messenger, WhatsApp, and iMessage. Mixed reports on this: looks like some users are able to post videos and pictures (but not view them) on FB Messenger. I don't know if Signal (which I prefer) is supported or not
  
• buy the "unlimited wifi" package, which would allow me to send and receive email and (hopefully) use Microsoft Teams, which I use heavily at work, but which costs double the social media pckage
  
• buy the "premium wifi" package, which is only $4/day more than the basic package and is, presumably, faster. I don't need to stream Netflix etc so I'm not sure this is worth it.
  

The day after we return to port, I am presenting at a large industry event where my company's exhibiting , so I'm a little nervous about not having any connectivity in case a work issue pops up. On the other hand, I love the thought of being disconnected.

 

 

For those who have recently sailed on the Pearl, how's the connectivity? For those who have recently cruised in Alaska, how good is T-Mobile service in port? How well does the social media package actually work?

[casofilia]

Whatever you get you will find the best time to go online is VERY early in the morning while most people are asleep. The next would be early afternoon while people are at lunch or on shorex. Finally a poor third would be mid evening while people are either eating or at the show.

[JamieLogical]

I know you mentioned the work thing, so I can understand your hesitation to just completely unplug, but if you think you can get away with it, I HIGHLY recommend it! I've been on two cruises now and left my phone locked in the safe the majority of both of them. It was sooooooooo nice to be disconnected like that. If you can get away with it, do it!