10 Best Travel Router For Cruise 2025 in the United States

The TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router, also known as Archer AX55, is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable travel router for a cruise. With its compact size and lightweight design (weighing just 1.66 pounds), it's easy to pack without taking up much space. This router boasts impressive Wi-Fi 6 speeds, reaching up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, ensuring quick downloads and smooth streaming—perfect for enjoying entertainment while on board.

One of its key strengths is the extended coverage provided by its four high-gain antennas and Beamforming technology, which helps maintain a strong connection throughout your cabin or common areas. The improved battery life feature is also beneficial, allowing devices to connect without draining power unnecessarily. Additionally, compatibility with various internet service providers makes it versatile for different users.

Security is another highlight, as it comes with TP-Link HomeShield, offering essential security features like device identification and parental controls, which are great for families. The router also supports VPN services, useful for maintaining privacy and security while browsing. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While it is designed for home use, its performance might not be as effective in crowded cruise ship environments where many passengers are using the same network. The setup process, although generally user-friendly, could be daunting for someone not tech-savvy. Lastly, a modem is still required for most internet service providers, which may add complexity when traveling.

The GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7 is a compact and highly portable travel router, making it a great fit for cruise travelers and anyone needing reliable internet while on the move. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering fast wireless speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which means you can enjoy smooth browsing and streaming even in crowded network environments like cruise ships or hotels. Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports add flexibility for wired connections, which is useful if you want a stable connection for devices like laptops or gaming consoles.

Security is a strong point here, with support for WPA3 encryption and advanced features like DNS over HTTPS and TLS, helping protect your data from eavesdropping—a valuable feature when using public or hotel Wi-Fi. The router also supports built-in VPN clients (OpenVPN and WireGuard), allowing you to encrypt your internet traffic easily for added privacy on public networks. The unique touchscreen interface simplifies setup and network control, letting you toggle VPNs and monitor connection status without needing deep technical knowledge.

Power options include multiple international plugs and a USB 3.0 port, adding to its travel-friendliness. The router runs on OpenWrt firmware, which is customizable but might be a bit complex for users who want a simple plug-and-play experience without tweaking settings. The maximum VPN speeds, especially on OpenVPN, might not fully match the router’s high wireless speeds, so VPN performance can vary depending on your subscription and network conditions. Also, while the touchscreen adds convenience, it may take a short learning curve for those less familiar with tech gadgets. The GL.iNet Slate 7 delivers excellent portability, fast and stable Wi-Fi 7 connections, strong security features, and flexible setup options, making it well-suited for cruise travelers and other mobile users who want a secure, high-speed internet connection on the go.

The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) is a compact and highly portable travel router, making it ideal for cruise travelers. Its pocket-sized design ensures it won’t take up much space in your luggage. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster and more reliable connections, capable of supporting up to 120 devices simultaneously. This makes it suitable for use in environments with multiple devices like cruises or hotels. The router features dual-band Wi-Fi with combined speeds of up to 1800 Mbps, ensuring smooth streaming and browsing experiences.

Security is well-covered with pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard, which can handle high-speed secure browsing. Additionally, it supports IPv6 and Cloudflare encryption for enhanced privacy. The inclusion of Ethernet ports allows for wired connections, which can be more stable and faster in certain situations. A notable feature is its ability to convert public or hotel Wi-Fi into a secure private network, which is particularly useful for travelers. The router runs on OpenWrt, providing flexibility for customization and the addition of various applications, although this might be more beneficial for users with some technical knowledge.

On the downside, setting up some advanced features might require a bit of a learning curve, especially for those not familiar with networking terms. The need to configure the physical toggle switch via the admin panel before use can be a bit inconvenient. Despite these minor drawbacks, the router's strengths, such as ease of use for basic functions, robust security features, and excellent connectivity, make it a strong choice for travelers needing reliable internet on the go.