ISP and Public WiFi

How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise? MedallionNet Pricing & Packages

Introduction If you are planning a Princess Cruises vacation, one of the most common questions you will ask is: How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise? Staying connected at sea used to be slow, expensive, and frustrating, but Princess has transformed the experien

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Introduction

If you are planning a Princess Cruises vacation, one of the most common questions you will ask is: How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise? Staying connected at sea used to be slow, expensive, and frustrating, but Princess has transformed the experience with its MedallionNet service. Whether you want to check email, post photos, join a video call, or stream your favorite show, understanding the pricing, packages, and best ways to buy can save you money and headaches.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about MedallionNet pricing and packages, how to purchase and connect, what speeds to expect, and how to choose the right plan for your trip. By the end, you will know exactly how much wifi costs on a Princess cruise and how to make the most of it.

Table of Contents

What Is MedallionNet on Princess Cruises?

MedallionNet is Princess Cruises’ onboard internet service, powered by a combination of satellite and land-based connectivity. It is designed to deliver faster, more reliable wifi than traditional cruise ship internet. The service is tied to the OceanMedallion wearable device, which also unlocks features like keyless stateroom entry, on-demand food and drink delivery, and personalized experiences.

Unlike older cruise internet that charged by the minute or by data usage, MedallionNet is sold as unlimited plans. That means you pay a flat daily rate for unlimited access rather than worrying about megabytes. This shift makes it much easier to budget and use the internet the way you would at home.

MedallionNet is available on most Princess ships, and coverage extends throughout the ship, including staterooms, public areas, and even some outdoor decks. While performance can vary by itinerary and location, it is generally considered one of the better cruise internet options available.

How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise?

So, How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise? The answer depends on how you buy it and whether you purchase a package in advance or onboard. Princess typically offers daily rates for MedallionNet, with discounts for buying before your cruise and for purchasing multi-day or full-voyage plans.

As a general guideline, onboard daily rates are higher than pre-cruise rates. If you wait until you are on the ship, expect to pay a premium per day. Buying in advance through the Princess website or app usually saves a noticeable amount. Full-voyage packages, which cover every day of your cruise, tend to offer the best per-day value.

Pricing also varies based on whether you buy a single-device plan or a multi-device plan. A single-device plan allows one device to be connected at a time, while multi-device plans allow several devices to connect simultaneously. Families and groups often find multi-device plans more cost-effective.

Additionally, Princess frequently runs promotions that include wifi as part of a package. For example, the Princess Plus and Princess Premier fare packages often bundle MedallionNet with drinks, gratuities, and other perks. In those cases, the effective cost of wifi can be much lower, or even included.

MedallionNet Packages and Plans

Princess offers several ways to purchase MedallionNet. Understanding the options helps you choose the most economical plan for your needs.

Single-Device Plans

A single-device plan is ideal for solo travelers or couples who only need one device online at a time. You can switch devices, but only one can be connected at any given moment. This keeps the cost down if you do not need multiple screens active.

Multi-Device Plans

Multi-device plans allow two or more devices to connect simultaneously. This is useful for families, remote workers, or anyone who wants a phone and laptop online at the same time. While the daily rate is higher, sharing the cost across users often makes it cheaper per person.

Full-Voyage Packages

Full-voyage packages cover your entire cruise at a discounted daily rate. If you know you will use wifi every day, this is usually the best value. Partial packages covering a set number of days are also available for travelers who only need connectivity on sea days or specific portions of the trip.

Pre-Cruise Purchase

Buying MedallionNet before your cruise through your Princess account is almost always cheaper than buying onboard. You can add it during booking or later via the cruise personalizer. Pre-cruise purchases also let you avoid lines at the internet cafe on embarkation day.

Package Comparison Table

The table below summarizes the main MedallionNet options and how they compare. Exact prices change frequently, so always check your Princess account for current rates.

Plan Type Best For Device Limit Pricing Style Value Tip
Single-Device Daily Solo travelers 1 device at a time Per day Buy pre-cruise for lower rate
Multi-Device Daily Families, couples 2-4 devices Per day Share cost across users
Full-Voyage Single Long cruises, solo 1 device at a time Flat voyage rate Best per-day value
Full-Voyage Multi Groups, remote workers Multiple devices Flat voyage rate Ideal for work and streaming
Princess Plus / Premier All-inclusive seekers Varies by package Bundled fare Often includes wifi plus drinks

How to Buy MedallionNet Wifi

Purchasing MedallionNet is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step process to get connected at the best price.

  1. Log in to your Princess Cruises account on the website or app.
  2. Navigate to your booked cruise under “My Cruises” or “Cruise Personalizer.”
  3. Select “Internet” or “MedallionNet” from the available add-ons.
  4. Choose your plan type: single-device, multi-device, daily, or full-voyage.
  5. Review the price and confirm your purchase. Payment is charged to your onboard account or credit card on file.
  6. Save your confirmation. You will receive instructions for activation onboard.

If you prefer to buy onboard, visit the internet cafe or use the Princess app once connected to the ship’s wifi. Staff can help you select a plan. Remember that onboard prices are typically higher, so pre-cruise purchase is recommended.

How to Connect to MedallionNet Onboard

Once onboard, connecting to MedallionNet is simple. Follow these steps to get online quickly.

  1. Enable wifi on your device and select the “MedallionNet” or ship network from available networks.
  2. Open a browser and you should be redirected to the MedallionNet login page. If not, visit the URL provided in your welcome materials.
  3. Log in using your stateroom number and reservation details, or the credentials provided at purchase.
  4. Accept the terms and conditions.
  5. Start browsing. If you purchased a multi-device plan, repeat the login on additional devices.

If you have trouble, toggle airplane mode on and off, forget the network and reconnect, or visit the internet help desk. The OceanMedallion app can also assist with connectivity and account management.

Free and Included Wifi Plans

Not everyone needs to pay separately for wifi. Princess offers fare packages that include MedallionNet as part of the bundle. The Princess Plus package typically includes wifi along with a beverage package and gratuities. The Princess Premier package goes further with premium drinks, specialty dining, and wifi.

If you are considering one of these packages, calculate the standalone cost of wifi, drinks, and gratuities to see if the bundle saves money. For many travelers, especially on longer cruises, the bundled approach reduces the effective cost of MedallionNet significantly.

Occasionally, Princess runs limited-time promotions offering free wifi for certain sailings or loyalty tiers. Check your booking details and email promotions for any included connectivity.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

Getting the most from MedallionNet is not just about price; it is about how you use it. Here are practical tips.

  • Buy pre-cruise: Always purchase before sailing to lock in lower rates.
  • Choose full-voyage if you need daily access: The per-day cost drops with longer coverage.
  • Share a multi-device plan: Splitting cost among family members is economical.
  • Use airplane mode wisely: Keep cellular data off to avoid roaming charges when wifi is available.
  • Download content before sailing: Save movies, music, and maps to reduce bandwidth needs.
  • Consider Princess Plus or Premier: Bundling may lower your effective wifi cost.
  • Log out when not using: On single-device plans, this frees the connection for another device.
  • Check for loyalty perks: Captain’s Circle members sometimes receive discounts.

MedallionNet Speed and Performance

MedallionNet is marketed as the best wifi at sea, and for many users it delivers. Speeds are generally sufficient for browsing, social media, email, and even streaming video. However, performance depends on satellite coverage, ship location, number of users, and weather conditions.

On sea days, when everyone is onboard and online, you may notice slower speeds. In port, especially near land-based towers, performance often improves. Peak usage times, like evenings, can also cause congestion. Setting expectations helps: it is not always as fast as home broadband, but it is a major upgrade from older cruise internet.

For the best experience, use wifi during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night. If you need to upload large files or join a video meeting, try to schedule it during quieter periods.

Streaming, Work, and Video Calls

Many travelers want to know if MedallionNet supports streaming and remote work. The answer is generally yes, with caveats. Standard-definition and even high-definition streaming are usually possible, though 4K may struggle. Video calls on Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime work reasonably well but can drop in quality during peak usage.

If you plan to work remotely, test your connection early in the cruise and identify the best spots on the ship for signal. Some areas, like midship lounges or your stateroom, may have better coverage than others. Consider downloading large files during off-peak hours.

For streaming entertainment, you may find that services work fine, but buffering can occur. Downloading shows to your device before the cruise is a smart backup plan. Also remember that some streaming services may have regional restrictions at sea.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even the best cruise internet can hiccup. Here are common issues and fixes.

  • Cannot connect: Forget the network, restart your device, and reconnect. Ensure you are on the correct MedallionNet SSID.
  • Login page not loading: Try a different browser or disable VPN temporarily. VPNs can interfere with captive portals.
  • Slow speeds: Move to a different location, try off-peak hours, or restart your device.
  • Device limit reached: Log out of another device or upgrade to a multi-device plan.
  • Billing questions: Visit the internet cafe or guest services. Keep your purchase confirmation handy.

If problems persist, the onboard tech team can diagnose and often resolve issues quickly. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

MedallionNet vs Other Cruise Lines

When asking How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise?, it helps to compare with competitors. Many cruise lines charge similar or higher daily rates, and some still use slower satellite systems. Royal Caribbean’s Voom, Carnival’s wifi, and Norwegian’s plans are common alternatives.

Princess MedallionNet is often praised for its reliability and unlimited data model. Some competitors offer tiered plans with speed caps or data limits, which can be confusing. Princess’s flat-rate unlimited approach is simpler and more predictable.

That said, pricing and performance vary by ship and itinerary. If wifi is a top priority, compare the specific plans and included packages for your sailing. Sometimes a competitor’s bundled fare offers better overall value even if the standalone wifi price is higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is wifi on Princess Cruise per day?

Daily rates vary by plan and purchase timing, but expect a range that is higher onboard than pre-cruise. Full-voyage packages lower the per-day cost. Check your Princess account for exact current pricing.

Can I use wifi on multiple devices?

Yes, if you purchase a multi-device plan. Single-device plans allow only one device connected at a time, though you can switch devices.

Is MedallionNet truly unlimited?

MedallionNet plans are marketed as unlimited with no data caps. However, fair use policies and network congestion may affect speeds. Extremely heavy usage could be throttled.

Does Princess Plus include wifi?

Yes, the Princess Plus package typically includes MedallionNet along with a beverage package and gratuities. Princess Premier also includes wifi with additional perks.

Can I work remotely on MedallionNet?

Many travelers successfully work remotely using MedallionNet. For best results, use off-peak hours, test early, and have a backup plan for critical calls.

Is there free wifi anywhere on the ship?

Generally, MedallionNet is a paid service. Occasionally, promotions or loyalty benefits include complimentary access, but standard free wifi is not available throughout the ship.

What if I only need wifi on sea days?

You can purchase partial packages covering specific days. This is a good way to save money if port days keep you offline exploring.

Does MedallionNet work in all staterooms?

Coverage extends to most staterooms and public areas. Some older ships or remote locations may have weaker signals, but overall coverage is strong.

Conclusion

Understanding How Much Is Wifi on Princess Cruise? comes down to choosing the right plan for your travel style. MedallionNet offers flexible options from single-device daily plans to full-voyage multi-device packages, plus bundled fares that include connectivity. By buying pre-cruise, considering full-voyage plans, and leveraging Princess Plus or Premier, you can keep costs reasonable while staying connected.

Whether you need to check email, stream a show, or join a video call, MedallionNet provides a solid at-sea internet experience. Plan ahead, pick the package that fits your group, and enjoy your Princess cruise with the peace of mind that you are never too far from home.