On cruises, why is that they charge you to use the Internet?

Question

On cruises, why is that they charge you to use the Internet?

Answer 1

Because they can.

Answer 2

First, it costs them quite a lot to provide internet.  Satellite internet is not cost free - and they  are trying to get significant bandwidth.  Plus they must invest in equipment, infrastructure and staff to provide internet.

And secondly and most importantly, cruise companies are businesses trying to make a profit. They often make little or no profit off many of the cabins - they discount them significantly to get people on, and thye depend on making money from the things you do on board.  That includes internet.

In other words, they are a business.  They provide a service that they have to pay for (and they pay for the person who runs the internet cafe and the computers if you use their computers.)  They charge you to recoup their investment in the equipment, floor space, staff to support the internet, and they also charge you for a profit to them.

Answer 3

They know that people are addicted to the internet, and it's a good way to increase profits.

Answer 4

Because they are greedy.  They are offering a cruise to make money not for charity.