Embarking on my Princess Cruise, I was excited about the prospect of staying connected with loved ones and enjoying seamless Wi-Fi throughout my voyage. However, my excitement quickly waned when I faced the frustrating reality of sluggish internet speeds.
Despite Princess’ claims of exceeding residential service levels, my personal experience and speed tests revealed download speeds under 2 Mbps and average speeds of 5-10 Mbps. Streaming shows became pixelated, and FaceTime calls suffered from intermittent video.
Join me as we explore the speed, reliability, cost, and more of Princess Cruises Wi-Fi.
Key Takeaways
- Princess offers one tier of Internet service called MedallionNet, with no different tiers for different speeds or types of usage.
- The cost of Wi-Fi is $15 per day for one device, with an additional $10 per day for upgrading to four devices.
- Princess claims that MedallionNet exceeds residential service levels, but personal experience and speed tests showed slower speeds during a specific cruise, with speeds topping out at less than 2 Mbps.
- Streaming, FaceTime, and texting over Wi-Fi are allowed, but the quality and stability may vary.
Internet Packages and Pricing
I found out that Princess offers one tier of Internet service called MedallionNet. There are no different tiers for different speeds or types of usage. This means that regardless of your needs or preferences, there is only one option available.
Compared to other cruise lines, Princess has the most affordable plan in terms of pricing. Wi-Fi can be purchased separately at a cost of $15 per day for one device, with the option to upgrade to four devices for an additional $10 per day. Alternatively, Wi-Fi can be included in all-inclusive packages for an extra fee.
When it comes to comparing internet speeds, Princess claims that MedallionNet exceeds residential service levels. They state that download speeds exceed 100 Mbps and upload speeds exceed 60 Mbps. However, my personal experience on a specific cruise showed slower speeds. Tests indicated speeds in the under 2 Mbps range.
It’s important to note that speeds may vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
Speed of Princess Internet Service
During my cruise, the download speeds on Princess’ internet service were slower than expected, reaching less than 2 Mbps. I conducted speed tests on multiple devices, including my phone, laptop, and tablet, and consistently found the speeds to be underwhelming.
This was disappointing, especially when considering the claims made by Princess that their MedallionNet service exceeds residential service levels, with download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. In comparison to other cruise lines, the average speed on Princess was significantly lower, with speeds on other cruises ranging from 5 to 10 Mbps.
The slow internet speeds made streaming shows on Netflix heavily pixelated and video calls on FaceTime had intermittent video but clear voice quality. Overall, the slow speed of the Wi-Fi was frustrating and did not meet expectations.
Switching Devices With One-Device Access
Switching devices with one-device access on the Princess cruise ship is a convenient way to save money and allow multiple people to use the internet at different times.
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Sharing access: One connection can be active at a time, but multiple devices can be connected with the appropriate plan.
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Cost saving: Instead of purchasing separate internet packages for each device, one-device access allows for cost savings.
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Flexibility: Different individuals can use the internet on their devices at different times, making it convenient for everyone.
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Efficient usage: One person can check email while another person browses the web, maximizing the usage of the internet.
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Convenience: Switching devices with one-device access eliminates the need to constantly log in and out, streamlining the internet usage process.
Overall, switching devices with one-device access on the Princess cruise ship provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for internet usage during the voyage.
Streaming, Facetime, and Texting Over Wi-Fi
Streaming shows on Netflix over the ship’s Wi-Fi can be pixelated at times, but FaceTime and video calls are possible, although the connection may be unstable. The Wi-Fi quality on Princess Cruises can vary, and streaming shows on Netflix may not always provide a clear and smooth viewing experience. However, FaceTime and video calls are still possible, although there may be occasional interruptions or drops in connection. It is important to note that the stability of video calls may depend on factors such as the ship’s location, network congestion, and the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. Overall, while the Wi-Fi on Princess Cruises allows for streaming and video calls, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the quality and stability of these services.
| Wi-Fi Quality | Video Call Stability |
|---|---|
| Variable | Occasional interruptions |
| Pixelation during streaming | Connection drops possible |
| Dependent on ship location | Network congestion affects stability |
| Number of devices connected may impact quality | Manage expectations for stability |
Reliability and Overall Experience
I found the slow speed of the Wi-Fi on my Princess cruise to be frustrating. Despite Princess claiming that their MedallionNet exceeds residential service levels, my personal experience showed slower speeds during the cruise.
Speed tests revealed that the service was in the under 2 Mbps range, which is significantly lower than the average mobile internet speed in the US. This impacted my ability to stream shows on Netflix, as the quality was heavily pixelated. Additionally, video calls on FaceTime had intermittent video but clear voice quality.
The slow Wi-Fi service quality had a significant impact on my overall experience, as it hindered my ability to stay connected and enjoy certain activities. The lack of a specific charge for Wi-Fi made it difficult to determine if the service was worth the frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Wi-Fi for Only Part of My Cruise Instead of the Entire Duration?
Yes, you can purchase Wi-Fi for only part of your cruise. Princess Cruises offers 24-hour packages for occasional login as needed, allowing you to choose the duration that suits your needs.
Is There a Limit to the Number of Devices I Can Connect to the Wi-Fi?
There is no limit to the number of devices you can connect to Princess Cruises’ Wi-Fi. However, it’s important to note that the Wi-Fi connection speed may vary and could affect the performance of multiple devices.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Websites or Content I Can Access on the Wi-Fi?
There are no restrictions on the types of websites or content I can access on the Wi-Fi. This lack of restrictions contributes to customer satisfaction by allowing freedom and flexibility in browsing.
Are There Any Additional Charges or Fees Associated With Using the Internet Cafe on the Ship?
Yes, there are additional charges for using the Internet Cafe on the ship. However, I don’t have personal experience with it, so I can’t say for sure if it’s worth it.
Is There a Customer Support Service Available for Assistance With Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues?
Yes, there is customer support available for troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity issues. They provide assistance to help resolve any problems or concerns you may have with your internet connection.
Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.
From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.
