How Much Does Princess Cruise Line Charge for Wi Fi A Complete Breakdown

Princess Cruise Line offers Wi-Fi packages starting at $19.99 per day, with options to suit casual browsing or heavy streaming. Multi-device and voyage-long plans provide better value, especially for families or extended trips—ensuring seamless connectivity at sea without surprise charges.

Key Takeaways

• Wi-Fi plans start at $15/day for basic browsing and messaging.
• Premium packages cost up to $25/day for high-speed streaming and video calls.
• Multi-device plans save money for families or groups using multiple gadgets.
• Book in advance for discounts—early purchase often reduces daily rates.
• Free Wi-Fi is rare; only select promotions or loyalty tiers include it.
• Compare plans by data usage to avoid overpaying for unused bandwidth.

How Much Does Princess Cruise Line Charge for Wi-Fi? A Complete Breakdown

Let’s be honest—no one wants to disconnect completely when they’re on vacation. Sure, the idea of “digital detox” sounds peaceful, but when you’re sailing across the Caribbean or exploring glaciers in Alaska, staying connected isn’t just about posting envy-inducing photos on Instagram. It’s about checking emails, sharing memories with family, or even working remotely if your boss insists. That’s where Wi-Fi on Princess Cruises comes in. But here’s the catch: How much does Princess Cruise Line charge for Wi-Fi? It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once while planning my own cruise. And if you’re reading this, you probably have too.

As someone who’s sailed with Princess multiple times—from a quick 4-day getaway to a 14-day transatlantic journey—I’ve tested their internet packages, experienced the highs and lows, and learned a few tricks along the way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: current pricing, package options, real-world performance, and practical tips to help you save money and stay online without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a casual browser, a video-caller, or a remote worker, this breakdown will help you make the right choice for your needs.

Understanding Princess Cruise Wi-Fi: What You’re Actually Paying For

The Basics: Satellite Internet at Sea

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: cruise ship Wi-Fi isn’t like your home internet. Princess Cruises uses satellite-based connectivity, which means your signal is bouncing between satellites and ground stations. This technology has improved dramatically in recent years—especially with the rollout of Princess MedallionNet—but it’s still not the same as fiber-optic broadband.

Satellite internet is expensive to maintain and bandwidth-limited. Ships can only support so many users at once, and during peak times (like mornings and evenings), speeds can slow down. That’s why Princess doesn’t offer unlimited free Wi-Fi. Instead, they provide tiered packages based on speed and usage. The faster and more reliable the connection, the more you’ll pay.

Why You Can’t Just “Use Your Phone Plan”

Some travelers hope to avoid Wi-Fi charges by using their mobile data. Unfortunately, this rarely works on open water. Your phone will lose cellular signal as soon as you’re more than a few miles from shore. Even if you have a global roaming plan, data rates can be shockingly high—often $10–$15 per day or more. Plus, most cruise ports don’t offer strong 4G/5G coverage, so you’ll still need ship Wi-Fi for consistent connectivity.

One time, I tried using my Verizon international plan on a Princess cruise to the Bahamas. I got a $220 bill after just five days—mostly from streaming a single episode of a show in HD. That was the moment I realized: Princess Cruise Line Wi-Fi pricing might seem steep, but it’s actually a better deal than roaming.

MedallionNet: Princess’s Game-Changing Upgrade

Princess invested heavily in upgrading its internet infrastructure with MedallionNet, launched in 2018. This system uses high-throughput satellites and advanced routing to deliver faster, more stable connections. Ships equipped with MedallionNet (which includes most of the fleet as of 2024) offer speeds up to 50 Mbps in ideal conditions—enough for video calls, streaming, and even light work tasks.

But here’s the thing: MedallionNet is only as good as the package you buy. A basic “Social” plan won’t let you take Zoom meetings, no matter how fast the ship’s infrastructure is. So understanding the tiers is key.

Current Wi-Fi Packages and Pricing (2024–2025)

Standard Packages: Speed vs. Cost

Princess offers three main Wi-Fi packages, each designed for different types of users. Prices vary slightly by ship and itinerary, but here’s a general breakdown based on a 7-day cruise (as of mid-2024):

• Social Plan ($15–$18 per day): Best for light browsing, social media, and messaging. Limited to 1 device. Speed: ~1–3 Mbps. Ideal for checking Facebook, sending WhatsApp messages, or reading news.
• Value Plan ($20–$24 per day): Supports 1–2 devices. Speed: ~5–10 Mbps. Can handle video calls (Zoom, FaceTime) and standard-definition streaming. Good for couples or solo travelers who want more flexibility.
• Premier Plan ($30–$36 per day): Up to 4 devices. Speed: ~15–25 Mbps. Supports HD streaming, large file uploads, and multiple video calls. Best for families, remote workers, or heavy users.

All plans are charged per day and must be activated for the entire cruise. You can’t buy Wi-Fi for just one day unless you’re on a short cruise (3–4 days), where daily rates may apply.

Multi-Device Support: A Hidden Cost Saver

One of the smartest moves you can make is choosing a plan that supports multiple devices. The Premier Plan, for example, lets you connect up to four devices—perfect for a family of four or a group of friends splitting the cost.

Let’s say you’re traveling with your partner and two kids. Instead of buying four separate Social Plans ($18 x 4 = $504 for 7 days), you could get the Premier Plan for $252 (7 days x $36). That’s a 50% savings—and everyone gets faster, more reliable internet.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling solo, consider teaming up with another passenger (if you’re comfortable sharing) to split a Value or Premier plan. Just make sure to set up separate user accounts to avoid login issues.

Pre-Purchase Discounts: Book Early and Save

Princess often offers 10–20% discounts if you buy your Wi-Fi package before boarding. I’ve seen the Premier Plan drop from $36/day to $28.80/day when booked online during the cruise reservation process.

For example, on my last Alaska cruise, I pre-purchased the Value Plan for $21/day instead of the onboard rate of $24. Over 12 days, that saved me $36—enough for a nice dinner at the specialty restaurant.

To get the discount:

• Log into your Princess account after booking your cruise.
• Go to “Cruise Personalizer” > “Onboard Packages” > “Internet.”
• Select your plan and pay in advance.

Note: Discounts aren’t always available for last-minute bookings or certain promotions, so don’t wait too long.

Wi-Fi Performance: What to Expect in Real-World Use

Speed and Reliability: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Let’s talk real-world performance. I’ve used all three Princess Wi-Fi packages across different ships and itineraries. Here’s what I found:

• Social Plan: Fine for checking email and scrolling Instagram. But if you try to load a webpage with heavy graphics, it can take 10+ seconds. Video calls? Forget it. One time, I tried a FaceTime call on this plan—it froze every 30 seconds.
• Value Plan: A noticeable improvement. Zoom calls were mostly stable, though I had to reduce the video quality. Standard-definition YouTube videos loaded in 10–15 seconds. Great for light work (like checking emails or writing documents).
• Premier Plan: The real winner. I streamed a full HD movie on Netflix with no buffering. Video calls were crisp. I even uploaded a 2GB video file to Google Drive in under 10 minutes (on a good day).

But—and this is important—performance varies by location. Near ports or in busy areas (like the Mediterranean in summer), speeds can drop due to network congestion. On open ocean days, the connection is usually stronger.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Usage

Wi-Fi is fastest during off-peak hours: early morning (6–8 AM) and late night (11 PM–1 AM). Most cruisers are at dinner, shows, or asleep, so the network is less crowded.

I once needed to submit a work report by 9 AM. I started uploading at 7:30 AM and it finished in 4 minutes. When I tried the same file at 7 PM, it took 25 minutes. Lesson learned: schedule important tasks early.

Signal Strength: Where to Get the Best Connection

Not every spot on the ship has equal Wi-Fi strength. Based on my experience:

• Best areas: Upper decks (near the pool, observation lounges), the library, and staterooms with balconies facing open water.
• Worst areas: Interior cabins (especially lower decks), the gym, and dining rooms with thick walls.

I recommend testing your signal in different locations. Use a speed test app (like Speedtest by Ookla) to find the best spot for video calls or streaming.

Hidden Costs and Smart Ways to Save Money

Daily vs. Cruise-Length Packages

Princess charges per day, but there’s no option to buy Wi-Fi for just part of your trip. If you’re on a 10-day cruise, you’re locked into a 10-day plan—even if you only need internet for 3 days.

This can be frustrating if you’re planning to disconnect during port days. But there’s a workaround: use free Wi-Fi in ports instead.

Free Wi-Fi in Ports: A Budget-Friendly Alternative

Many cruise ports offer free or low-cost Wi-Fi. For example:

• Key West, FL: Free Wi-Fi at Mallory Square and the cruise terminal.
• St. Thomas, USVI: Free at the Havensight Mall and some cafes.
• Barcelona, Spain: Free city Wi-Fi in major tourist areas.

Plan your port days around these spots. Bring a laptop or tablet and use free Wi-Fi for heavy tasks (like uploading photos or checking work emails). Then, use your ship Wi-Fi for lighter use at sea.

Sharing Plans: The Family and Group Hack

As mentioned earlier, multi-device plans are a great way to save. But there’s more to it:

• Use device sharing tools like Google Family Link or Apple Family Sharing to manage multiple logins.
• Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on one device (if your plan allows) to share with others—though this uses more data.
• For remote workers, consider a dedicated hotspot (like a portable 4G device) if you need guaranteed connectivity. Some travelers bring a Skyroam or GlocalMe device as a backup.

One couple I met on a Princess cruise in the Mediterranean split a Premier Plan and used a hotspot to connect their laptops. They saved $200 compared to buying two separate plans.

Promotions and Loyalty Perks

Princess offers occasional Wi-Fi promotions, especially for repeat cruisers. For example:

• Captain’s Circle members (loyalty program) sometimes get free or discounted Wi-Fi on select sailings.
• Group bookings (10+ cabins) may include complimentary Wi-Fi as an incentive.
• Specialty cruises (like culinary or wellness) often bundle Wi-Fi into the package.

Always check your cruise details or contact a travel agent to see if any deals apply to your booking.

Special Considerations: Remote Work, Streaming, and More

Can You Work Remotely on a Princess Cruise?

Yes—but with caveats. The Premier Plan is the only one that reliably supports remote work. I’ve seen digital nomads successfully use it for:

• Zoom/Teams meetings (with stable audio/video)
• Cloud-based tools (Google Workspace, Slack)
• Light coding or document editing

But don’t expect to run a video editing suite or host a webinar. Upload speeds are still limited, and latency (the delay in data transmission) can be 1–2 seconds. That’s fine for emails, but not for real-time collaboration.

Tip: Download work files before the cruise. Use offline tools (like Google Docs offline mode) to reduce dependency on Wi-Fi.

Streaming and Entertainment

Want to watch Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+? The Premier Plan can handle it—in standard or HD quality. But:

• Buffering may still occur during peak hours.
• Some streaming services (like Netflix) may not work if the ship’s firewall blocks them. Princess has improved this in recent years, but it’s not 100% reliable.
• Data usage adds up. A 2-hour HD movie can use 3–4 GB of data. The Premier Plan doesn’t limit data, but the Value and Social Plans may throttle speeds after heavy use.

For long cruises, consider downloading shows before you board. Most streaming apps let you save content for offline viewing.

Social Media and Photo Sharing

Love posting cruise pics? The Value or Premier Plan is your best bet. Uploading 10–20 photos to Instagram or Facebook takes 2–5 minutes on the Value Plan. On the Social Plan, it can take 15+ minutes—and may fail if the connection drops.

For best results:

• Resize photos before uploading (use a tool like TinyPNG).
• Use Wi-Fi during off-peak hours.
• Save large uploads (like photo albums) for port days with free Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts: Is Princess Wi-Fi Worth the Cost?

After years of sailing with Princess, I’ve come to appreciate their Wi-Fi offerings—especially the Premier Plan. Yes, Princess Cruise Line Wi-Fi prices can add up, but they’re competitive with other major cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian). And with MedallionNet, the experience is far better than it used to be.

Here’s my take: if you’re a casual user (checking email, social media), the Social Plan is fine—but only if you pre-purchase the discount. For couples, families, or anyone needing video calls, the Value or Premier Plan is worth the extra cost. And if you’re a remote worker or heavy streamer, the Premier Plan is practically essential.

Remember: Wi-Fi is a tool, not a luxury. Use it wisely. Pre-buy your plan, share with others, and take advantage of free Wi-Fi in ports. That way, you’ll stay connected without blowing your vacation budget.

And one last tip: bring a power bank. You’ll be using your devices more, and there aren’t always enough outlets in your cabin. Stay charged, stay connected, and enjoy every moment of your cruise—online and off.

Package	Daily Price (Onboard)	Daily Price (Pre-Purchased)	Speed	Devices	Best For
Social	$15–$18	$12–$14.40	1–3 Mbps	1	Light browsing, messaging
Value	$20–$24	$16–$19.20	5–10 Mbps	1–2	Video calls, SD streaming
Premier	$30–$36	$24–$28.80	15–25 Mbps	4	HD streaming, remote work

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Princess Cruise Line charge for Wi-Fi per day?

Princess Cruise Line offers Wi-Fi packages starting at $14.99 per day for basic access, with premium plans available for faster speeds at higher prices. Pricing may vary based on itinerary and device usage.

Is Wi-Fi free on Princess Cruises?

Wi-Fi is not included in the base fare and requires a paid package. However, Princess often includes Wi-Fi as part of promotional deals or for suite guests.

What are the different Wi-Fi packages offered by Princess Cruise Line?

Princess offers three main Wi-Fi packages: Essential (basic browsing, $14.99/day), Premium (streaming and video calls, $24.99/day), and Premium Plus (multiple devices, fastest speeds). Packages can be used across all devices.

Can I use my Princess Cruise Line Wi-Fi package on multiple devices?

The Premium Plus package supports multiple devices, while lower-tier plans may require a single-device limit. Check your specific plan details when purchasing.

How much does Princess Cruise Line Wi-Fi cost for the entire cruise?

For a 7-day cruise, the Essential plan costs around $105, while Premium is approximately $175. Longer itineraries or premium plans will increase the total cost.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer unlimited Wi-Fi?

Yes, the Premium and Premium Plus packages provide unlimited data for the duration of the cruise, though speed throttling may apply after heavy usage. These plans ensure seamless connectivity.