Staying in contact with family and friends can be important when you are traveling on a cruise. Whether you need to make an urgent call, send a text message, check in with someone at home, or simply stay connected during your vacation, it helps to know what phone services are available before boarding.
So, does Princess Cruises provide phone service onboard?
Yes. Princess Cruises offers several ways for passengers to communicate while onboard. Princess ships have stateroom phones, and the fleet also supports cellular communication at sea through a maritime cellular network. Passengers can also use MedallionNet Wi-Fi for internet-based communication such as messaging and video calls.
However, the cost and method of communication are different for each option. Stateroom calls can carry higher charges than calls on land, while cellular service at sea is normally billed by your mobile carrier. Wi-Fi communication requires an appropriate internet connection unless Wi-Fi is already included in your cruise package.
Understanding these options before your cruise can help you choose the most practical way to stay connected.
Princess Cruises provides several communication options for guests.
The main options include:
Princess confirms that mobile phone service is available onboard its ships when the vessel is at sea, in international waters, and in other areas where such service is permitted.
The best option depends on whether you need to make a traditional phone call, send a text, use an internet messaging application, or contact someone in an emergency.
Yes. Passengers can make calls while onboard Princess Cruises ships.
One option is the telephone provided in the stateroom. Princess states that guests can make calls from their stateroom phone. The company also warns that phone charges can be higher than those on land.
You can also use a compatible personal mobile phone through the ship's cellular network when the service is available.
Because these are different systems, the charges are handled differently.
The stateroom phone can be useful when you need to contact someone by traditional telephone service.
It can also be useful for calling onboard services. For example, Princess information indicates that passengers can use their stateroom phone for certain dining arrangements and room-service-related services depending on the ship and service.
For calls outside the ship, however, passengers should expect additional charges.
Your personal cell phone can also work at sea if your carrier supports the ship's maritime cellular network and your phone and plan meet the necessary requirements.
Princess advises passengers to check directly with their wireless provider for availability, pricing, roaming requirements and cruise packages.
Yes. Princess states that every Princess ship is equipped with a cellular communications network.
This network can allow guests to use their personal mobile devices for:
Service is available when the ship is at sea, in international waters and in other areas where use is permitted.
However, having cellular service onboard does not mean your normal domestic mobile plan will automatically work at its usual price.
Your mobile carrier determines the rates that apply to your cellular usage at sea.
When your ship moves away from land, your phone may connect to the ship's maritime cellular network rather than a normal land-based cellular tower.
Princess's current guidance identifies Cellular at Sea as an option for guests who want moderate phone, text and light data use. The service is delivered through the ship's maritime network and can use satellite connectivity.
Your experience depends on your wireless carrier.
Before your cruise, check whether your carrier:
This step is particularly important because unexpected roaming charges can occur if your phone connects automatically.
For cellular service at sea, your phone generally needs to support international roaming and your carrier needs an appropriate roaming agreement.
Princess advises that your wireless provider must have a compatible roaming arrangement with the maritime cellular service provider. Your phone must also be capable of international roaming, and international roaming may need to be enabled.
Not every prepaid phone plan works in the same way, so prepaid customers should confirm availability with their carrier before departure.
Yes. Princess offers MedallionNet Wi-Fi throughout its fleet.
MedallionNet can be used for internet-based communication, including texting and video chatting. Princess describes its Wi-Fi service as supporting activities such as messaging, video chat, email, social media, browsing and streaming.
This means you can potentially communicate using internet-based services instead of traditional cellular calling.
For example, depending on your app and service, you may use an internet connection for:
However, internet-based phone services can be subject to Princess's onboard network conditions. Princess notes that high-bandwidth applications, including some voice-over-IP services, may be restricted on select vessels.
Wi-Fi is not automatically free for every passenger.
Princess offers MedallionNet as an internet service that can be purchased separately. The company also includes MedallionNet Max in certain Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.
Princess's current MedallionNet information states that:
The exact package available to you depends on your booking and the fare or package you purchased.
Yes, but it depends on what you want to do.
You can potentially use your phone through the ship's cellular network without purchasing Princess Wi-Fi, provided your carrier supports maritime service and your phone is compatible.
However, your mobile carrier may charge you for calls, texts and data.
If you want to use internet-based services through ship Wi-Fi, you may need a MedallionNet package unless Wi-Fi is already included in your cruise fare.
This creates two separate choices:
Your phone connects to the maritime cellular network.
Your wireless carrier handles the charges.
Your phone connects to MedallionNet.
Princess handles the Wi-Fi package, while individual applications use the internet connection.
Yes. Guests can receive calls through supported onboard cellular service, and Princess also provides telephone access through the ship's communication systems.
Princess explains that its onboard cellular network can support both outgoing and incoming voice calls and text messages.
If someone at home needs to contact you, it is a good idea to check the current ship contact information and provide your name and stateroom number when appropriate.
Princess's guest information explains that people calling a passenger should provide the guest's name and stateroom number to help with delivery of the call.
Yes. Text messaging can be available in more than one way.
You may be able to send and receive traditional SMS messages through the ship's cellular service if your carrier supports maritime roaming.
You can also use internet-based messaging services through MedallionNet Wi-Fi.
Princess specifically states that its MedallionNet service supports texting and messaging.
The most suitable option depends on your phone plan and whether your cruise package includes Wi-Fi.
WhatsApp is an internet-based messaging service, so it requires an internet connection for messages and calls.
If you have suitable MedallionNet access, you can use internet-based messaging services, subject to Princess's onboard network conditions.
However, you should not assume that WhatsApp or other internet messaging applications are automatically free simply because you can connect your phone to the ship.
If your cruise package does not include Wi-Fi, you may need to purchase an internet package.
Yes, MedallionNet supports video chatting.
Princess specifically lists video chat among the activities supported by its onboard Wi-Fi service.
Video calls generally consume more bandwidth than ordinary text messages. For that reason, passengers planning to make frequent video calls should check the Wi-Fi package and the current onboard network conditions.
Princess also notes that certain high-bandwidth applications may be restricted on some vessels.
There is no single price that applies to every type of phone service.
The cost depends on how you communicate.
Princess advises that calls from the ship's telephone can cost more than comparable calls on land.
Your mobile carrier determines the charges for cellular calls, texts and data used through the maritime network.
Princess recommends contacting your wireless provider for current rates and available cruise packages.
MedallionNet can be purchased separately, while some Princess cruise packages include MedallionNet Max. Princess's current official information lists separate Wi-Fi packages and package-based Wi-Fi benefits.
Because prices and packages can change, checking your booking and wireless provider before departure is more reliable than relying on an old price.
Cruise passengers sometimes forget that their phone can automatically connect to cellular networks at sea.
A few simple precautions can help.
Before leaving home, contact your mobile provider and ask specifically about maritime or cruise roaming.
Do not assume that an international phone package automatically covers cellular service at sea.
Princess recommends planning your cellular use carefully and notes that cellular data used onboard or in certain ports can result in charges from your mobile provider.
If you primarily want Wi-Fi, using Airplane Mode and then turning Wi-Fi back on can help prevent unwanted cellular connections.
If your cruise includes MedallionNet Max through Princess Plus or Princess Premier, you may already have Wi-Fi included.
Check your booking before purchasing another package.
If your goal is to send messages, check email or make video calls, Wi-Fi may be more appropriate than cellular roaming.
There is no single option that works for every passenger.
Your choice depends on what you need to do.
What you want to doPossible option
Make a traditional phone callStateroom phone or cellular service
Receive a phone callCellular service or ship telephone system
Send SMS messagesCellular service
Send internet messagesMedallionNet Wi-Fi
Use WhatsAppMedallionNet Wi-Fi
Make video callsMedallionNet Wi-Fi
Check emailMedallionNet Wi-Fi
Browse websitesMedallionNet Wi-Fi
Stream contentMedallionNet Wi-Fi, subject to service conditions
The costs and availability can differ, so check your cruise package and mobile carrier before sailing.
Preparing your phone before boarding can make your cruise much easier.
Ask whether your plan supports cellular service at sea.
Some wireless providers offer cruise-specific roaming packages. Compare those options with the Wi-Fi benefits included in your Princess booking.
Princess recommends downloading and updating its app before embarkation. The app can also be downloaded or updated onboard at no cost when connected to MedallionNet.
Look at whether Princess Plus or Princess Premier is included in your reservation and determine what Wi-Fi benefits you have.
If you only need occasional emergency calls, your needs will be different from someone who plans to work remotely, make daily video calls or stream entertainment.
Planning this before the ship leaves port can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Not necessarily.
Cellular service depends on the ship's location, maritime network availability, your carrier and the applicable roaming arrangements.
Princess states that mobile service is available at sea and in international waters where use is permitted, but service availability can vary.
Wi-Fi is also dependent on the ship's connectivity infrastructure and satellite coverage. Princess notes that Wi-Fi access is subject to satellite coverage.
You should therefore avoid assuming that your phone will have exactly the same connectivity you experience on land.
Yes. Princess Cruises provides stateroom telephone service and cellular connectivity options on its ships. Guests can also use MedallionNet Wi-Fi for internet-based communication.
Yes. Princess says cellular service is available onboard its ships when the vessel is at sea, in international waters and in other permitted areas. Your phone and carrier must support the required maritime roaming service.
Phone service should not be assumed to be free. Stateroom calls can carry charges, cellular calls are billed by your mobile provider, and Wi-Fi may require a paid package unless it is included in your cruise fare.
MedallionNet supports internet activities including text messaging and video chat. However, Princess notes that some high-bandwidth or voice-over-IP applications may be restricted on select ships.
Yes, supported onboard communication systems can allow guests to receive calls. The person calling should have the appropriate contact information, including the guest's name and stateroom number when using the ship's telephone contact system.
Princess states that MedallionNet Max is included with Princess Plus, with one device per guest in a stateroom. Princess Premier includes four devices per guest in a stateroom.
If you do not want to risk unexpected maritime roaming charges, turning off cellular data or using Airplane Mode while relying on Wi-Fi is a practical precaution. Princess specifically recommends planning cellular use because cellular data can result in charges from your mobile provider.
So, does Princess Cruises provide phone service onboard?
Yes. Princess Cruises offers several ways for passengers to communicate, including stateroom phones, cellular service at sea and MedallionNet Wi-Fi.
The key is understanding that these are different services. A stateroom phone can be used for traditional calls, while compatible mobile phones can connect to the ship's cellular network. MedallionNet provides internet access for activities such as messaging, video chatting, email, social media and browsing.
Before your cruise, check your mobile carrier's maritime roaming rates and review the Wi-Fi benefits included with your Princess booking. If you do not need cellular service, using Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi can also help you avoid unexpected roaming charges.
With a little preparation, you can choose the communication option that fits your needs and stay connected throughout your Princess cruise.
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