Princess to increase price for WiFi packages
NewsPrincess Cruises has announced a price hike for passengers looking to purchase WiFi packages that are not included in the Princess Plus and Premier Packages.
But with faster internet services and cheaper technology available to cruise lines, Princess is the first line to increase the cost of WiFi on their ships.
At the beginning of 2023, Carnival Corporation announced it would be rolling out Starlink across their fleet.
The installation of Elon Musk’s Starlink would be a faster and more reliable internet connection. These new satellites fly much closer to Earth and Starlink plans to roll out thousands more.
The technology is not only available on Carnival Corporation lines like Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines, but also on Scenic, Emerald, Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
According to CruiseHive.com, the Princess sent a letter to travel agents informing them of a 65% increase in an internet connection for a single device. As well, there will be a 12 per cent increase for a four-device package.
But, if passengers opt to buy the internet package with other offers like the beverage package, the price will remain at the old levels.
What is the new price for the Princess WiFi package?
The price now for a single-device Princess WiFi package stands at US$24.99 per day. The price is up from US$14.99 per person per day. That’s a 65 per cent increase from the old price.
The price increase for a four-device package is around 12.5 per cent. The old package was priced from US$39.00 and then US$44.99.
The change is set to affect pre-cruise purchases made after January 22, 2024. From January 31, the onboard price of internet packages will increase.
Guests who have already purchased MedallionNet at the current rates will not be affected by the increase.
The letter obtained by CruiseHive says, “Now It Pays to Plus more than ever as the price of purchasing super-fast MedallionNet separately is going up.
“The a la carte cost is increasing to $24.99 per person, per day, per voyage, for single-device WiFi. And, to $44.99 for four-device WiFi, effective with pre-cruise purchases starting Jan 22.
“Additionally, the price will increase for onboard WiFi purchase on voyages sailing Jan 31 and beyond.”
The move is believed to be a push for passengers to purchase packages. This may work out more cost-effectively for cruisers looking for beverages, specialty dining, and WiFi on their voyage.
