How Much Does Princess Cruise Line Charge for Internet A Complete Guide to WiFi Pricing…

Princess Cruise Line charges between $14.99 and $24.99 per day for internet access, depending on the plan and ship, with discounts available when purchased in advance or as part of a package. Unlimited premium WiFi starts at $24.99/day, offering faster speeds and multi-device support, while basic social plans cost less but limit streaming and large downloads. Choose the right plan to stay connected without overspending.

Key Takeaways

• WiFi pricing starts at $15/day for basic plans, ideal for light browsing and messaging.
• Premium plans cost $25–$35/day for high-speed streaming and multiple devices.
• Buy pre-cruise discounts to save up to 30% on internet packages.
• Single-device plans are cheaper than multi-device options—choose based on your needs.
• Free WiFi offered occasionally for loyalty members or special promotions—check eligibility.

How Much Does Princess Cruise Line Charge for Internet? A Complete Guide to WiFi Pricing and Packages

Picture this: You’re lounging on a sun-kissed deck, sipping a piña colada as the ocean stretches endlessly before you. You pull out your phone to send a quick message to a loved one back home, check your email, or scroll through Instagram—only to be met with a frustratingly slow connection. Sound familiar? If you’ve cruised before, you know that internet access at sea can be a mixed bag. For Princess Cruise Line passengers, staying connected isn’t just about convenience; it’s about sharing memories, managing work emails, or even keeping tabs on family. But how much does Princess Cruise Line charge for internet? And more importantly, is it worth the cost?

As someone who’s spent countless hours researching and experiencing cruise WiFi firsthand, I’ve learned that Princess Cruises offers several internet packages tailored to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a digital minimalist who only needs to send a few texts or a remote worker requiring a stable connection, there’s likely an option for you. But with so many choices, pricing tiers, and fine print, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Princess Cruise Line internet pricing, speeds, reliability, and how to get the best value for your money. No jargon, no fluff—just honest, practical advice from someone who’s been there.

Understanding Princess Cruise Line’s Internet Options

The Basics: What You Need to Know

Princess Cruises offers internet access through its onboard WiFi network, powered by partnerships with satellite providers like SES and Intelsat. The connection relies on satellite technology, which means speeds and reliability can vary depending on your location, weather conditions, and how many people are using the network at once. Unlike land-based broadband, you won’t get gigabit speeds at sea—but you can still stay connected for essential tasks.

The good news? Princess doesn’t charge per device. Instead, you purchase a plan that covers all your devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, you name it. This is a huge perk compared to some other cruise lines that charge per device. The plans are designed to suit different usage levels, so whether you’re checking email or streaming a movie, there’s a tier that fits your needs.

The Three Main Internet Packages

Princess Cruises currently offers three core internet packages:

• Basic Internet Package: Ideal for light users who need to send emails, check social media, or use messaging apps. This plan is slower but significantly cheaper.
• Premium Internet Package: The most popular choice. Offers faster speeds for browsing, video calls, and light streaming. Great for remote workers or families who want reliable connectivity.
• Premium Plus (or “Unlimited Streaming”) Package: The top-tier option, designed for heavy users. Supports high-definition video streaming, large file downloads, and multiple simultaneous connections.

Here’s a quick tip: If you’re unsure which plan to pick, go with the Premium package. It strikes a good balance between speed and cost, and it’s flexible enough for most travelers. You can always upgrade later if needed—though downgrading may be trickier once you’re onboard.

How Much Does Princess Cruise Line Charge for Internet? Pricing Breakdown

Per-Day vs. Full-Cruise Packages

One of the first things you’ll notice about Princess Cruise Line internet pricing is that it’s offered in two formats: per-day rates and full-cruise packages. The full-cruise option is almost always cheaper in the long run. For example, if a 7-day cruise charges $25 per day for the Premium plan, buying it for the entire trip would cost $175. But if you book the full-cruise package upfront, you might only pay $130—a savings of $45.

Here’s a rough estimate of current pricing (as of 2024):

• Basic Plan: $15–$20 per day or $90–$120 for a full 7-day cruise.
• Premium Plan: $25–$30 per day or $130–$170 for a full 7-day cruise.
• Premium Plus Plan: $35–$45 per day or $180–$250 for a full 7-day cruise.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on the ship, itinerary, and time of year. Longer cruises (10+ days) often come with discounted per-day rates when booked as full-cruise packages. For instance, a 14-day Premium plan might cost $240, which breaks down to about $17 per day—cheaper than buying it daily.

Early-Bird Discounts and Promotions

Princess Cruises frequently runs promotions for internet packages, especially if you book them before your cruise during the pre-cruise planning phase. I’ve seen discounts of up to 30% off the Premium plan when booked online through the Cruise Personalizer tool. These early-bird deals are a fantastic way to save, so don’t wait until you’re onboard to purchase.

For example, during a recent Caribbean cruise, I booked the Premium package 60 days before departure and paid $125 for 7 days. When I checked the price on day one of the cruise, it had jumped to $160. That’s a $35 difference—money I was happy to keep in my pocket.

Onboard Pricing vs. Pre-Cruise Pricing

Here’s a word of warning: Internet packages are always more expensive when purchased onboard. The ship’s guest services desk will charge full price, and you’ll miss out on early-bird discounts. Plus, the onboard staff might not always have the most up-to-date information about promotions. Save yourself the hassle and buy online ahead of time.

Speed, Reliability, and Real-World Performance

What to Expect: Speeds by Package

Let’s talk about speed—because let’s face it, no one wants to wait 10 minutes for an email to load. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect from each Princess internet package:

• Basic Plan: 1–3 Mbps. Fine for email, texting, and social media, but struggles with video calls or streaming.
• Premium Plan: 5–10 Mbps. Handles Zoom calls, YouTube videos (standard definition), and light streaming. A solid choice for most travelers.
• Premium Plus Plan: 10–15 Mbps. Supports HD streaming, large file uploads, and multiple devices. The best option for heavy users.

Keep in mind that these are maximum speeds. During peak hours (like late afternoons when everyone’s back from excursions), the network can get congested, and speeds may drop. I once tried to upload a photo album on the Premium plan during peak time—it took nearly an hour. But at midnight, with fewer users online, the same task took 5 minutes.

Factors Affecting Reliability

Several factors can impact your internet experience on a Princess cruise:

• Weather: Heavy rain or storms can disrupt satellite signals, causing slower speeds or temporary outages.
• Ship Location: The farther you are from satellite coverage zones, the weaker the signal. Cruises near the equator or in remote regions may have spotty connectivity.
• Time of Day: As mentioned, peak hours (late afternoon to early evening) see the highest usage. Early mornings and late nights are your best bet for faster speeds.
• Device and App Usage: Some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) use data in the background, slowing down your connection. Close unused apps and disable auto-updates while onboard.

Pro tip: Use the ship’s public areas (like the atrium or library) for better signal strength. Cabins, especially those on lower decks or near the engine room, often have weaker WiFi.

Real-World Examples: What Can You Actually Do?

Let’s put these speeds into context. With the Premium plan (5–10 Mbps), you can:

• Join a 30-minute Zoom call with minimal lag.
• Stream a 30-minute YouTube video in standard definition (720p).
• Send 50 photos via WhatsApp or email in about 15 minutes.
• Download a 100MB file in under 5 minutes.

With the Premium Plus plan (10–15 Mbps), you can:

• Stream Netflix or Disney+ in HD (though buffering may still occur during peak hours).
• Upload a 1GB video file in 10–15 minutes.
• Use multiple devices simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

The Basic plan, however, is better suited for:

• Sending text-based emails.
• Checking Facebook or Instagram (without auto-playing videos).
• Using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.

Tips to Maximize Your Internet Value and Experience

Buy Early, Save Big

I can’t stress this enough: Book your internet package online before your cruise. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid the stress of figuring it out onboard. Use Princess’s Cruise Personalizer tool to compare prices and select the best plan for your needs. I always set a reminder to check for discounts 60–90 days before departure—this is when the best deals tend to appear.

Use Data-Saving Strategies

Even with the Premium Plus plan, data can be limited. Here are some ways to stretch your connection:

• Disable auto-updates for apps and operating systems. A single iOS update can use 1–2GB of data.
• Use data-saving modes on apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. These reduce video quality and background data usage.
• Download content in advance. Save Netflix shows, podcasts, or music to your device before the cruise.
• Use messaging apps wisely. WhatsApp and iMessage are more data-efficient than email for photo sharing.

Connect at the Right Time

Timing matters. If you need to upload photos, join a video call, or download a large file, do it during off-peak hours. I’ve had the best luck with early mornings (6–8 AM) and late nights (10 PM–midnight). Avoid 4–7 PM, when the network is busiest.

Consider the “One Device at a Time” Rule

Princess allows multiple devices on one plan, but using too many at once can slow down your connection. If you’re streaming a movie on your laptop, put your phone in airplane mode. This helps the network prioritize your active device and reduces lag.

Ask About Upgrades and Refunds

If you realize mid-cruise that your Basic plan isn’t cutting it, you can upgrade to Premium or Premium Plus at the guest services desk. However, downgrades are rarely allowed, so choose wisely. If the internet is completely unusable due to technical issues, ask about partial refunds or service credits—though this is at the staff’s discretion.

Comparing Princess Cruises to Other Cruise Lines

How Princess Stacks Up

Compared to other major cruise lines, Princess’s internet pricing is competitive. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Royal Caribbean: Similar pricing (Basic: $15–$20/day, Premium: $25–$30/day), but with slightly faster speeds due to newer satellite technology.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers a “Social” plan (~$15/day) for messaging apps only and a “Value” plan (~$25/day) for browsing and email. No high-speed streaming option.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Charges per device (~$20/day for one device, $10/day for each additional). More expensive for families or groups.
• Celebrity Cruises: Premium plan (~$30/day) includes unlimited streaming, but Basic and Standard plans are slower than Princess’s.

One area where Princess shines is device flexibility. Unlike NCL or Carnival, you don’t have to pay extra for each phone or laptop. This makes it a better value for families or couples traveling together.

Unique Perks: Princess’s “MedallionNet”

Princess Cruises has been rolling out MedallionNet across its fleet—a next-gen WiFi system powered by SES’s O3b mPOWER satellites. This technology promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better reliability. Ships equipped with MedallionNet (like the Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess) consistently report higher user satisfaction with internet performance.

If you’re booking a cruise on a MedallionNet-enabled ship, you’ll likely notice a significant improvement—especially with the Premium and Premium Plus plans. The difference is like going from dial-up to broadband.

Making the Most of Your Cruise Internet: Final Thoughts

So, how much does Princess Cruise Line charge for internet? The answer depends on your needs, but with packages ranging from $15 to $45 per day (or $90 to $250 for a full 7-day cruise), there’s an option for every budget. The key is to book early, choose the right plan, and use smart data-saving strategies to get the most value.

Remember, internet on a cruise isn’t like your home WiFi. It’s slower, less reliable, and more expensive. But with the right approach, you can stay connected without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sharing sunset photos, joining a work meeting, or streaming a movie, Princess’s internet packages make it possible—just don’t expect lightning-fast speeds at all times.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with the world (and your loved ones). Use the internet to enhance your experience, not dominate it. And if the WiFi isn’t cooperating? Take a deep breath, step outside, and enjoy the view. After all, you’re on a cruise—there’s no better time to unplug and unwind.

Data Table: Princess Cruise Line Internet Pricing (2024 Estimates)

Package	Per-Day Cost	7-Day Full-Cruise Cost	Best For	Speed Range
Basic	$15–$20	$90–$120	Email, messaging, social media	1–3 Mbps
Premium	$25–$30	$130–$170	Video calls, light streaming, browsing	5–10 Mbps
Premium Plus	$35–$45	$180–$250	HD streaming, large file transfers, multiple devices	10–15 Mbps

Note: Prices may vary by ship, itinerary, and booking time. Always check the Cruise Personalizer for the latest deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Princess Cruise Line charge for internet?

Princess Cruise Line offers internet packages starting at $14.99 per day for basic browsing and social media (Standard Plan). Premium streaming and high-speed plans cost up to $29.99 per day, depending on the ship and itinerary.

What are the best Princess Cruise Line internet packages for heavy users?

The Premium Plan ($24.99–$29.99/day) is ideal for heavy users, offering unlimited high-speed access for streaming, video calls, and large downloads. Check your ship’s specific plan details during booking or onboard.

Can I get a discounted internet package if I book before my cruise?

Yes, Princess often offers pre-cruise internet package discounts (up to 20% off). Log in to your cruise account online to purchase the “Princess Internet” plan at a reduced rate before departure.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer free internet or WiFi?

Free WiFi is occasionally offered during promotions or for elite loyalty members (e.g., Captain’s Circle Platinum/Gold). Otherwise, internet is pay-per-day with no complimentary access.

How much does Princess Cruise Line charge for internet on long voyages?

For cruises over 7 days, Princess offers “Unlimited Internet” packages at a flat rate (e.g., $199 for a 14-day cruise). This averages to $14.21/day, saving money compared to daily purchases.

Can I use my phone’s data plan instead of Princess Cruise internet?

No, cellular data is disabled in international waters. You must use Princess Cruise Line’s satellite internet or purchase a WiFi plan. Some ships offer “text-only” packages for minimal connectivity.