Staying connected can be important when you are traveling on a cruise, especially when family members or friends are sailing together. Many passengers wonder whether they need to purchase an internet package simply to send messages while onboard.
So, can you chat for free on Princess Cruises ships?
Yes, Princess Cruises provides onboard messaging features that allow guests to communicate with their travel companions through the Princess Cruises app and MedallionClass technology. However, there is an important difference between chatting with people who are onboard and messaging people back home through regular internet services.
Princess explains that guests on MedallionClass ships can use the app to locate and communicate with shipmates. The company also provides MedallionNet Wi-Fi for broader internet access, including texting, video chatting, browsing and social media.
Understanding this difference can help you avoid purchasing an internet package when you only need basic communication with someone traveling on the same ship.
For communication between guests onboard, Princess provides messaging functionality through its MedallionClass experience. Guests can use the Princess Cruises app to find and communicate with shipmates while sailing.
Princess's official information specifically states that guests can use the MedallionClass app to chat or text with children and other shipmates onboard.
This means you may not need to purchase a full internet package simply to communicate with another passenger who is traveling with you.
However, free onboard communication should not be confused with unrestricted internet access.
If you want to send messages through services that require internet access to people outside the ship, such as friends and family at home, you generally need an appropriate internet connection.
Princess Cruises uses its MedallionClass technology and Princess Cruises app to provide several digital services onboard.
The basic process is straightforward:
Princess recommends downloading the app before boarding. The company also states that the app can be downloaded or updated onboard at no cost while connected to MedallionNet.
The exact features available can depend on the ship, app version and current Princess technology.
Yes. One of the useful features of the Princess MedallionClass system is communication between people traveling on the same ship.
This can be especially helpful when members of a family or group are in different areas of the ship.
For example, one person may be at the pool while another is attending an activity. Instead of walking around the ship looking for each other, passengers can use the app's communication and location features when available.
Princess describes OceanCompass as a way to locate shipmates and communicate with friends and family onboard.
Onboard chat can help passengers:
For large families and groups, this can be particularly convenient.
This is where cruise internet can become confusing.
Princess's app and onboard digital services work through the ship's network, while MedallionNet provides broader internet access. Princess states that the app can be downloaded and updated onboard at no cost while connected to MedallionNet, while internet services such as messaging people back home require an internet package.
Therefore, you should distinguish between:
This is communication with people on the ship using Princess's onboard technology and app features.
This involves services that need internet access, such as messaging platforms, email, social media, websites and video calls with people who are not onboard.
These are not necessarily covered by the same access rules.
Generally, you should not assume that messaging people back home is free.
Princess states that MedallionNet is the service used for internet-based activities such as texting, video chat, streaming, social media and browsing. Its official information also explains that guests can purchase MedallionNet packages separately, while certain Princess fare packages include Wi-Fi benefits.
For example, if you want to use an internet-based messaging application to communicate with someone who is not on the ship, you will generally need internet access.
This is different from using Princess's onboard communication features to contact another guest who is sailing with you.
MedallionNet is Princess Cruises' onboard Wi-Fi service.
It provides internet access throughout the ship and can be used for activities such as:
Princess currently describes MedallionNet as high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi and offers it through individual packages as well as selected cruise packages.
The price and package options can vary depending on the booking and package selected, so passengers should check their specific cruise details before sailing.
Princess Plus includes Wi-Fi benefits, and Princess also offers MedallionNet Max with its package options.
According to Princess, MedallionNet Max is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premier, with different device allowances depending on the package.
This can make a difference if you already have a package that includes Wi-Fi. In that situation, you may not need to purchase a separate internet package just to communicate with people at home.
Always check the benefits attached to your particular booking because package inclusions and offerings can change.
WhatsApp and similar messaging services require an internet connection when communicating with people outside the ship.
Therefore, having the Princess Cruises app does not automatically mean that WhatsApp messages to people at home will be free.
If you have an eligible Wi-Fi package, you can use internet-based messaging services subject to the service's onboard conditions.
Princess states that MedallionNet supports messaging, video chat and other internet activities.
Free onboard messaging and internet video calls are two different things.
Communication through Princess's onboard guest features should not be treated as the same service as making an internet video call to someone at home.
Video calls to people outside the ship normally require internet access. Princess specifically lists video chat among the activities supported by MedallionNet.
If video calling is important to you, check whether your cruise package includes Wi-Fi before sailing.
Yes. Princess specifically provides onboard communication options for families.
Its onboard experience information says that on MedallionClass ships, parents can use the MedallionClass app to chat or text with their children anywhere on the ship. The OceanMedallion also provides location-related features that can help families stay connected.
This can be useful when children are participating in youth activities while parents are elsewhere on the ship.
Parents should still review the current app settings and privacy options before using location and messaging features.
Princess has expanded MedallionClass technology throughout its fleet, but digital features can change over time.
Princess's app terms explain that application features and their availability can change.
Before your cruise, it is therefore sensible to:
Doing this before departure can prevent confusion once you are onboard.
If you only need to communicate with people who are sailing with you, you may not need the same level of internet access as someone who plans to stream movies or work remotely.
Consider these steps:
Princess recommends downloading the app before your cruise. This allows you to complete important pre-cruise tasks and become familiar with its features.
If everyone is traveling on the same ship, use the available shipmate communication features instead of automatically purchasing an internet package.
If you need WhatsApp, email, social media, video calls or regular web browsing, you may need a MedallionNet package unless your fare already includes Wi-Fi.
Passengers with Princess Plus or Princess Premier may already have Wi-Fi benefits. Checking the booking first can help avoid paying for overlapping services.
The simplest way to understand Princess Cruises' communication options is to separate onboard messaging from internet connectivity.
Communication TypeUsually Requires Paid Wi-Fi?
Chat with shipmates through Princess onboard featuresNo separate internet package may be required
Locate shipmatesNo separate internet package may be required
Message people at home through internet appsGenerally yes
EmailGenerally yes
Social mediaGenerally yes
Video calls to people at homeGenerally yes
Web browsingGenerally yes
StreamingGenerally yes
The precise availability of features can vary, so passengers should check the current Princess app and their cruise package.
The Princess Cruises app itself is free to download.
Princess recommends using the app before and during the cruise for services such as OceanReady, dining, activities, guest services and other MedallionClass features.
However, a free app does not mean that every service accessed through the app is free.
For example, internet connectivity through MedallionNet is a separate service.
A little preparation can make onboard communication much easier.
Before leaving home:
Princess also recommends completing required travel and personal information through the app before embarkation.
Yes, Princess provides onboard communication features that can allow guests to chat with shipmates through its MedallionClass technology and Princess Cruises app without purchasing a separate internet package.
Not necessarily. MedallionNet is a paid internet service unless it is included in your cruise package. Princess offers Wi-Fi through separate packages and selected fare packages.
You should not assume that internet-based messages to people at home are free. Those services generally require internet access through MedallionNet or another available connection.
Yes. Princess provides shipmate communication features through its MedallionClass experience, allowing guests to communicate with friends and family onboard.
You can use WhatsApp when you have suitable internet access. A separate Wi-Fi package may be required for internet-based communication with people outside the ship.
Princess Plus includes MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi benefits. Princess Premier also includes MedallionNet Max with a different device allowance. Check your booking for the exact benefits attached to your package.
So, can you chat for free on Princess Cruises ships? In many cases, yes, when you are communicating with other guests onboard through Princess's MedallionClass and shipmate messaging features. This is particularly useful for families and groups who want to stay in contact while moving around the ship.
The important point is that free onboard chat is different from full internet access. If you want to message friends and family back home through internet-based apps, browse websites, use social media, make video calls or stream content, you will generally need MedallionNet access unless your cruise package already includes Wi-Fi.
Before sailing, download the Princess Cruises app, check your package benefits and decide how much connectivity you actually need. This simple preparation can help you stay connected without paying for services you do not need.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
