Everything to Know About Internet on a Cruise Speed, Cost, & More

Table Of Content

• Onboard Internet
• Does Carnival use Starlink and why should I care?
• How to Purchase a Carnival Internet Plan
• How Many Devices Can Connect to a Single Internet Package on a Carnival Cruise Ship?
• Tips and Tricks for Using the Internet in a Carnival Cruise
• Is Carnival’s Wi-Fi Worth It?
• Do Carnival Cruise Line ships have public computers on board?

The internet packages are available to guests of all ages, and Carnival has to make sure that young guests don’t access something they shouldn’t while using their internet. Also, they likely don’t want guests to have the option of watching naughty videos sitting by the pool, which could make other guests pretty uncomfortable. Over the course of a full week, that means you’re paying $75, which again is reduced by 15% to $148.75 if you’ve paid for your internet access before you set sail. Unfortunately, your mobile data plan won’t work while you’re at sea – you won’t be close enough to a mast – and there may be roaming charges anyway. So taking advantage of the onboard WiFi is the best way to stay connected if you want to.

Onboard Internet

Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board? - The Points Guy

Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?.

Posted: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For the tech-savvy traveler who needs the best of the best, the Premium WiFi Plan is a well-deserved treat. It offers the fastest connection speeds, making it ideal for streaming, video calls, and more. It’s the equivalent of having a personal concierge for your digital needs, ensuring a seamless online experience. Carnival’s social WiFi package is the most basic WiFi plan available, and it costs $15 per day when purchased on the ship. If you book your internet package before you sail then you’ll save 15% on that price, taking it down to $12.75 per day.

Does Carnival use Starlink and why should I care?

On a Carnival Cruise, you must know that not all websites are accessible via their WiFi service. Even with the premium package plans, certain websites are blocked. Carnival Cruise offers different plans at varying price points, ranging from $12.75 to $22 per day, as of 2023. To go online while you’re on your cruise, you’ll have to buy one of the offered WiFi plans.

How to Purchase a Carnival Internet Plan

We put the Carnival Cruise Line’s premium WiFi plan to the test. You’ll need the Premium Internet package to video call for work. You can also purchase an onboard 24-hour plan available for $35.00. However, anecdotal evidence from lots of Facebook groups tells me that they will refund you. Just make sure that you let Guest Services know at the very beginning of the cruise.

While the cruise line aims to provide the best possible internet speeds, the ship’s location and the number of users can affect the connection. Despite these factors, many passengers find the internet access adequate for their needs, especially with the Premium WiFi Plan. Nonetheless, it’s important to be aware that the internet speed and reliability may not match what you’re accustomed to with your home broadband.

How Many Devices Can Connect to a Single Internet Package on a Carnival Cruise Ship?

For many, the peace of mind and convenience it offers is well worth the investment. The Premium WiFi plan is faster than the Value package, with faster speeds and access to streaming and video calling. Premium WiFi offers fast internet speeds and starts at $21.25 per person per day, and onboard pricing is $25.00 per day. However, this plan restricts access to most websites and doesn’t support video/music streaming or Wi-Fi calling.

If you try to send large images or video clips on the Social and Value plans, it will be very slow or not send at all. Yes, Apple’s iMessage system works with the FREE Wi-Fi connection with some limitations. Standard short messages can be sent and received on Carnival Cruise Wi-Fi, even if you have not paid for the service. However, any larger messages or messages with pictures or videos attached cannot be sent or received on the FREE connection. This is where Carnival covers itself if you have a complaint. If you check the details of their Internet Plans online, at no point will they state that they actively support Video or Music streaming.

Is Carnival’s Wi-Fi Worth It?

However, it’s important to note that Carnival’s Wi-Fi has its limitations. The speed can be sluggish for web browsing, and video thumbnails on YouTube may take a few seconds to load. In comparison to other cruise lines, Carnival offers Wi-Fi availability, but the quality and speed may vary. Carnival Cruise Line typically offers internet access through their WiFi packages, but there are several tricks you can use to access free WiFi points.

Do Carnival Cruise Line ships have public computers on board?

At the PC terminals, you can't edit MS Office documents, but most files can be viewed (in their "read-only" mode). Carnival ship's Wireless Internet Service is a Wireless 802.11b card compatible (standard). Onboard, VPN access is restricted to connections of types different then IPsec or PPTP connections. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. You’re also able to access airline apps to check in for your flight.

Also, at the end, I’ve shared my tips and tricks related to Carnival WiFi that will offer convenience and help you save on your budget. I’ve covered all your questions regarding Carnival Cruise WiFi in this article. Save up to 15% when booked prior to sailing versus onboard pricing. This way, you can still stay in touch back home without spending as much money.

In conclusion, it’s important to note that several cruise lines do not currently require passengers to be vaccinated. These cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line. This information is crucial for individuals who may be planning a cruise and want to make an informed decision. Alternative options for unvaccinated passengers on Royal Caribbean International may include additional testing, mask requirements, and restricted access to certain areas. Accommodations for unvaccinated passengers aim to prioritize safety while ensuring an enjoyable cruise experience for all.

Dive into the online world when you wish, but also take moments to unplug, breathe in the salty air, and truly immerse yourself in the cruise experience. For all the Apple aficionados out there, you’ll be pleased to know that iMessage works smoothly on Carnival’s WiFi. It’s like whispering secrets across the ship, ensuring you’re always connected with your fellow Apple users.

Yes, all cruise ships today offer an internet connection, but it might not be the seamless experience you've come to expect on land. In February 2018, Carnival Corporation partnered with SES Networks to provide the industry's biggest bandwidth to a mobile shipboard platform (first introduced on Regal Princess). The new technology broke all previous myths about connectivity limitations at sea. The fastest cruise ship internet remained affordable (priced at USD 10 per day).

On my recent cruise, the onboard Internet was upgraded to Starlink. For the first time, I stopped complaining about slow download speeds. It wasn’t lightning-fast, but it was more stable and less frustrating. Carnival is rolling out Starlink Internet across its ships, offering a better onboard Internet experience. Spend $5 for the whole cruise on the Carnival Hub app for chatting with onboard friends and family.