Staying connected while cruising has never been more important—whether you're posting vacation photos, checking in with family, or even working remotely. Princess Cruises advertises its MedallionNet WiFi as "the best WiFi at sea." But does it really live up to the hype?
To help you decide if it’s worth the cost, we’ve gathered insights from real cruisers who have tested the service across different ships, itineraries, and usage types.
Before diving into their experiences, let’s address the practical side of things: Princess Cruises WiFi cost per day. WiFi packages generally range from $9.99 to $19.99 per device per day, depending on the speed and data needs. Some cruise fares, like Princess Plus or Premier, include WiFi in the price, which may offer better value if you plan to use it regularly.
Positive Experiences
Reliable Speeds: Many travelers have reported surprisingly fast speeds, even in the middle of the ocean. Guests have been able to stream Netflix, make video calls, and upload photos without major issues.
Ship-wide Coverage: The MedallionNet signal reaches most areas of the ship, including cabins, lounges, and pool decks.
Good for Remote Work: A number of digital nomads and remote workers have successfully used MedallionNet for Zoom meetings, emailing, and cloud-based tools.
Common Complaints
Inconsistent Performance: Some users experience slow speeds during peak usage times, such as sea days when everyone is online.
Streaming Limitations: While streaming is generally supported on the Premium plan, performance can vary depending on location and bandwidth load.
Pricey for Multiple Devices: Families or couples may find it expensive if each person wants to use WiFi on their own device.
Pre-Purchase for Discounts: Buying your WiFi plan before boarding can save you up to 20%.
Log Off When Not in Use: This helps save data (if you’re on a time-limited plan) and improves performance.
Use Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger typically work well even with slower speeds.
So, does Princess Cruises WiFi work well? For the most part—yes. Most travelers report a positive experience, especially when using the Premium plan and planning ahead. However, as with any satellite-based internet service, performance can vary depending on location, time of day, and ship capacity.
If you're unsure which plan to choose, it's worth Comparing WiFi Packages on Princess Cruises before booking. Knowing what you’ll use it for—whether it's casual browsing, staying in touch, or streaming—can help you choose the best option and avoid overpaying.