Does Princess Cruise Lines Have Wifi Everything You Need to Know

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines offers WiFi on all its ships, ensuring you stay connected at sea with reliable internet access. Choose from flexible packages tailored to browsing, streaming, or video calls, though speeds may vary depending on location and demand.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Princess offers WiFi: All ships have internet, but speeds vary by location and package.
• Choose the right plan: Select from basic to premium packages based on your usage needs.
• Pre-book for savings: Purchase WiFi packages online before sailing for discounted rates.
• Connect multiple devices: Most plans support 1–3 devices; ideal for families or groups.
• Check signal strength: Remote destinations may have slower or spotty connectivity.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Have WiFi? Everything You Need to Know

In today’s hyper-connected world, staying online while traveling is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Whether you’re a remote worker, a social media enthusiast, a student, or simply someone who wants to share vacation moments with loved ones, access to reliable internet can make or break your cruise experience. For those considering a voyage with Princess Cruise Lines, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Does Princess Cruise Lines have WiFi? The short answer is yes—but the long answer is much more nuanced. From connectivity options and pricing tiers to signal strength and usage tips, understanding how Princess handles onboard internet can help you plan your trip with confidence.

Princess Cruise Lines, a leader in premium cruising with over 50 years of experience, has invested significantly in modernizing its onboard technology. While cruising was once synonymous with digital detox, Princess now offers a range of WiFi packages designed to meet diverse traveler needs. Whether you’re sailing on the majestic Discovery Princess or the classic Regal Princess, you’ll find internet access available across the fleet. But how good is it? Is it fast enough for video calls? Can you stream Netflix? And how much does it really cost? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every aspect of Princess Cruise Lines’ WiFi offerings—helping you decide whether to unplug or stay connected on your next ocean adventure.

How Princess Cruise Lines Delivers Onboard WiFi

Princess Cruise Lines leverages a hybrid satellite and land-based communication system to deliver internet access across its fleet. The technology behind their connectivity has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the rollout of MedallionNet®, a proprietary high-speed internet platform introduced as part of the OceanMedallion™ experience. This system represents a major leap forward from traditional satellite-only connections, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more consistent performance.

The MedallionNet® Advantage

MedallionNet® is the cornerstone of Princess’s WiFi infrastructure. Unlike older systems that relied solely on geostationary satellites (which often caused lag and inconsistent speeds), MedallionNet® uses a combination of:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites – such as those from Starlink (via partnerships with satellite providers)
• Geostationary satellites – for broader coverage in remote oceanic regions
• Land-based cellular towers – when ships are within 20–30 miles of shore

This multi-layered approach allows Princess to dynamically switch between signal sources, maximizing speed and reliability. For example, when a ship is near the coast of Alaska, it can connect to land-based networks for faster speeds. When sailing in the middle of the Caribbean, it seamlessly transitions to satellite connections without dropping service entirely.

MedallionNet® also features intelligent bandwidth allocation. The system prioritizes essential services (like ship navigation and crew communications) while managing passenger usage to prevent network overload. This results in a more stable connection, even during peak usage times like evenings or sea days.

Coverage Across the Fleet

As of 2024, MedallionNet® is available on 100% of Princess Cruise ships, including all vessels in the Royal, Grand, Crown, Discovery, and Sky classes. Older ships have been retrofitted with new satellite dishes and onboard routers to support the upgraded network. Whether you’re on the 3,600-passenger Sky Princess or the smaller Island Princess, you can expect consistent WiFi coverage throughout public areas and staterooms.

However, there are some limitations. WiFi strength can vary depending on:

• Your location on the ship (e.g., lower decks may experience weaker signals)
• Weather conditions (heavy rain or storms can temporarily degrade satellite performance)
• Time of day (peak hours between 6 PM and 10 PM may see slower speeds due to high demand)

For the best experience, Princess recommends connecting during off-peak hours and using devices with strong Wi-Fi adapters (e.g., newer smartphones and laptops).

WiFi Packages and Pricing Options

Princess Cruise Lines offers a tiered WiFi system, allowing passengers to choose a plan that fits their needs—from light email checking to full HD streaming. All packages are purchased per device and are valid for the entire cruise. You can buy WiFi before your trip (online or via the Princess app) or onboard at the Guest Services desk or through the MedallionNet® Portal on your device.

Available WiFi Plans

As of 2024, Princess offers three primary WiFi packages:

Package Name	Price (Per Device)	Speed & Features	Best For
Basic	$15–$20 per day	Up to 1 Mbps; ideal for email, texting, and light browsing	Occasional users, travelers checking in once or twice a day
Premium	$25–$35 per day	Up to 3 Mbps; supports video calls, social media, and music streaming	Remote workers, frequent social media users, families with multiple apps
Premium Plus	$40–$50 per day	Up to 5 Mbps; supports HD video streaming, Zoom/Teams meetings, large file uploads	Digital nomads, video streamers, professionals needing reliable connectivity

Note: Prices vary slightly by ship and itinerary (e.g., longer cruises may offer discounted weekly rates). Multi-device discounts are available if you purchase for 2+ devices. For example, a 7-day cruise with Premium Plus on two devices might cost $560 total, but a 14-day cruise could offer a 10% discount.

Special Offers and Promotions

Princess frequently runs promotions to encourage early WiFi purchases. Examples include:

• Pre-Cruise Discount: Buy WiFi online at least 30 days before departure and save 20% on Premium or Premium Plus packages.
• Suite Guests: Passengers in Club Class or Suite accommodations often receive complimentary Premium WiFi for one device.
• Loyalty Members: Captain’s Circle members (especially Platinum and Elite tiers) may receive free Basic WiFi or discounts on upgrades.

For example, a Platinum Captain’s Circle member on a 10-day Alaska cruise might get one free Premium device pass and 15% off a second device. Always check your pre-cruise email or the Princess app for personalized offers.

How to Purchase and Activate WiFi

To buy WiFi:

1. Log in to your Princess account at princess.com or use the Princess MedallionClass® App.
2. Navigate to “My Cruise” > “Onboard Purchases” > “Internet Packages.”
3. Select your desired plan and number of devices.
4. Complete the purchase using a credit card.

Once onboard, connect to the “MedallionNet” or “Princess_WiFi” network. Open any browser, and you’ll be redirected to the activation portal. Enter your booking number and device name to start using WiFi. The system supports up to 5 devices per booking, but each device requires its own paid package.

Speed, Reliability, and Real-World Performance

While Princess touts impressive speeds, real-world performance depends on several factors. Let’s break down what you can realistically expect from each package.

Speed Benchmarks by Package

Based on user reports and independent speed tests conducted on multiple Princess ships (2022–2024):

• Basic (1 Mbps): Can load emails, browse news sites, and send WhatsApp messages. Not suitable for video calls or streaming.
• Premium (3 Mbps): Supports 720p Zoom/Teams calls, Instagram/Facebook browsing, and Spotify streaming. YouTube videos may buffer occasionally.
• Premium Plus (5 Mbps): Handles 1080p video calls, Netflix/Disney+ streaming (with occasional buffering), and large email attachments. Best for work or entertainment.

For comparison, a typical home broadband connection ranges from 25–100 Mbps, so onboard speeds are modest. However, they’re competitive within the cruise industry—outperforming older systems on Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s legacy ships.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Performance

Speeds can drop by 30–50% during peak hours (6 PM–10 PM), especially on full ships. For example, a Premium Plus user might see speeds drop from 5 Mbps to 2.5 Mbps during dinner time. To maximize performance:

• Use WiFi early in the morning (6–8 AM) or late at night (after 11 PM).
• Avoid streaming or large downloads during busy times.
• Use the MedallionNet® Portal to monitor your current speed and connection status.

One cruiser on the Enchanted Princess noted: “I used Premium Plus for a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Video calls with my boss worked fine in the morning, but by 7 PM, I had to switch to audio-only.” This highlights the importance of timing your high-bandwidth activities.

Streaming and Video Calls

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are supported on Premium Plus, but with caveats:

• Netflix may auto-adjust to 480p or 720p to reduce buffering.
• Live TV (e.g., sports) is not recommended—latency can cause significant delays.
• Zoom/Teams calls work best with Premium or Premium Plus. Use a wired headset and close background apps to reduce lag.

Tip: Download movies or shows before your cruise using your home WiFi. Princess does not offer a media download service, but you can use your own offline content.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your WiFi Experience

Getting the most out of your Princess WiFi requires more than just buying the right package. Here are practical strategies to enhance speed, reduce costs, and stay connected.

Optimize Your Device Settings

Small tweaks can make a big difference:

• Turn off automatic updates: Disable software updates for your phone, tablet, and apps. These can consume bandwidth without your knowledge.
• Use data-saving modes: Enable “Data Saver” on Android or “Low Data Mode” on iOS to compress images and videos.
• Close background apps: Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and email constantly sync in the background. Close them when not in use.
• Update your device: Older phones (pre-2020) may have weaker WiFi antennas. Consider bringing a newer device or a portable WiFi booster.

Example: A passenger on the Regal Princess reduced her data usage by 40% simply by turning off automatic app updates and using a data-tracking app.

Use the Right Apps and Tools

Choose apps that are bandwidth-efficient:

• Messaging: Use WhatsApp or Telegram instead of SMS (which uses cellular, not WiFi).
• Email: Use web-based email (Gmail, Outlook) with “Basic HTML” view to reduce loading time.
• Maps: Download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip.
• VPNs: Avoid using VPNs unless necessary—they can slow down connections and may be blocked on some ships.

For remote work, consider using cloud-based tools like Google Docs or Microsoft 365, which sync efficiently even on slower connections.

Location Matters: Where to Connect

WiFi strength varies by location. The strongest signals are typically found in:

• Public lounges: The Piazza, Explorer Lounge, and Wheelhouse Bar have multiple access points.
• Upper decks: Outdoor areas like the Skywalk or pool decks often have better satellite line-of-sight.
• Staterooms: Rooms closer to the center of the ship (near elevators) usually have better reception.

Avoid connecting in lower decks (e.g., deck 3 or 4) or inside interior cabins, where signal strength can be weak. If you’re in a lower cabin, consider visiting a lounge for high-bandwidth tasks.

Manage Costs and Avoid Surprises

To avoid overspending:

• Buy WiFi early for discounts.
• Share a package with a travel companion (if using different devices).
• Use free WiFi in ports—many cruise terminals, cafes, and hotels offer free internet. For example, in Juneau, Alaska, the visitor center provides free high-speed WiFi.
• Check if your credit card offers cruise WiFi credits (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve offers $300 annual travel credit).

Comparing Princess WiFi to Other Cruise Lines

How does Princess stack up against its competitors? Let’s compare MedallionNet® to systems on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Speed and Technology

• Princess (MedallionNet®): Up to 5 Mbps; hybrid satellite/land-based; AI-driven bandwidth management.
• Royal Caribbean (Voom): Up to 10 Mbps on newer ships (Quantum class and above); older ships limited to 3 Mbps.
• Carnival (Faster@Sea): Up to 3 Mbps; primarily satellite-based; slower on older vessels.
• Norwegian (Starlink Beta): Testing Starlink on select ships; speeds up to 100 Mbps, but limited availability.

While Royal Caribbean and Norwegian lead in raw speed, Princess excels in consistency and user experience. MedallionNet®’s seamless switching between networks and intuitive portal make it easier to manage.

Pricing and Value

• Princess: $40–$50/day for top-tier (Premium Plus)
• Royal Caribbean: $30–$40/day for top-tier (Voom Premium)
• Carnival: $25–$35/day (Faster@Sea Premium)
• Norwegian: $20–$30/day (Starlink Beta, when available)

Princess is slightly more expensive but offers better reliability and customer support. Carnival’s lower prices come with more frequent outages and slower speeds.

Unique Features

Princess’s MedallionNet® integrates with the OceanMedallion™ for personalized experiences:

• Your WiFi preferences (e.g., preferred network, data usage) sync automatically across ships.
• You can use the Medallion to unlock your stateroom or pay for onboard purchases—no need to carry a phone or card.
• The app includes a “WiFi Usage Dashboard” to monitor data and speed in real time.

This level of integration is unmatched by other cruise lines, making Princess a leader in smart cruising.

Conclusion: Is Princess Cruise WiFi Worth It?

So, does Princess Cruise Lines have WiFi? Absolutely—and it’s one of the most advanced systems in the cruise industry. With MedallionNet®, Princess delivers faster, more reliable internet than ever before, backed by flexible pricing and smart technology. Whether you’re a casual browser, a remote worker, or a streaming enthusiast, there’s a package that fits your needs.

For most travelers, the Premium package (3 Mbps) offers the best balance of speed and cost. If you plan to stream videos, attend virtual meetings, or upload large files, upgrade to Premium Plus. And if you’re a light user, the Basic plan will suffice for emails and messaging.

Remember: WiFi on a cruise is not like home internet. It’s shared, satellite-dependent, and subject to real-world conditions. But with the right plan, smart usage habits, and a bit of patience, you can stay connected without breaking the bank or sacrificing your vacation experience. Princess Cruise Lines has made significant strides in closing the digital gap at sea—and for modern travelers, that’s a win worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines have WiFi on all ships?

Yes, Princess Cruise Lines offers WiFi across its entire fleet, though availability and strength may vary depending on the ship and itinerary. Coverage is generally reliable in public areas and staterooms, even in remote regions.

How much does WiFi cost on Princess Cruise Lines?

Princess Cruise Lines provides multiple internet packages, including pay-per-minute and unlimited plans. Prices start around $15–$25 per day, with discounts often available when booked pre-cruise.

Can I use my phone’s data plan with Princess Cruise Lines WiFi?

No, standard cellular data doesn’t work at sea, but you can connect to Princess Cruise Lines WiFi using smartphones, tablets, or laptops. For cellular service, Princess offers a separate MedallionNet® cellular add-on.

Is the WiFi on Princess Cruise Lines fast enough for streaming?

Princess Cruise Lines’ MedallionNet® WiFi offers improved speeds, but it may still be slower than land-based internet. Light streaming is possible, but HD or 4K video may buffer frequently depending on location.

Does Princess Cruise Lines offer free WiFi?

Free WiFi is not standard, but Princess Cruise Lines occasionally includes it as part of promotions or for suite guests. Always check your booking details or current offers for complimentary access.

Can I video call with Princess Cruise Lines WiFi?

Yes, but performance depends on the ship’s connection. While basic video calls often work, extended or high-quality calls may be challenging in areas with limited satellite bandwidth.