Every now and then, we all want to get away from our stressful lives and routines. How about disconnecting while on vacation? It can either be calm or become a nightmare.
Cruises provide a completely relaxing retreat, but being away from the internet or the virtual world for an extended period of time may cause anxiety and restlessness.
Being an avid social media user, I couldn’t resist uploading my cruise photos to my Instagram account, checking my emails, or missing my WhatsApp messages.
I knew my mobile data plan wouldn’t work and there was a risk of roaming costs, so I avoided using it.
To stay connected, I used the onboard WiFi. Let’s take a look at Carnival’s WiFi Package, which is unusual among cruise lines in that it is tailored to specific applications and services. Prices are updated as per the hike in December 2024.
If you’re looking for offline alternatives, check out the best walkie talkies for cruise communication.
Cost of Wifi on Carnival Cruises
WiFi packages on a Carnival cruise typically range in price from $18.70 to $75 per day.
Want to see who’s running the show on your next Carnival cruise? Browse the Carnival cruise director schedule.
The cost will depend upon the duration of time you want it for, either for the whole cruise or just a single day.
You can receive a 15% discount if you reserve your internet subscription in advance of joining the cruise.
There are different types of WiFi packages available on cruise:
| Package | Price before onboard | Price onboard |
| Value | $22 per day | $26 per day |
| Social | $18.70 per day | $22 per day |
| Multi-Device Premium (4 Devices) | $75 per day | NA |
| Premium | $23.80 per day | $28 per day |
The Value plan allows you to access email and online surfing but limits bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming movies and music or using VoIP services like Skype and FaceTime.
With the Social plan, you have unlimited access to social media networks but are limited to using email or web browsing.
Premium plans are excellent for high internet usage because they include faster internet speeds and Skype.
Neither of the WiFi plans includes movie or music streaming. Carnival ships such as the Carnival Vista, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Horizon are Netflix-enabled, therefore you can only watch with your own account and a Premium plan.
Personally, I would recommend going for a premium plan as it offers more features and usage.
Multi-Device Premium WiFi Plan
Although this package is pricey, it works well for families, remote jobs, and multiple devices. Despite the $75 daily fee, four devices can connect to the same plan.
At least this is more cost-effective than each purchasing a Premium WiFi Plan separately.
WiFi can impact your cruise budget — here’s a detailed breakdown of overall cruise expenses.
Note – Limitation
Despite paying for WiFi plans, there are few websites that are not allowed to access.
Due to international regulations, gambling websites in particular are restricted, as are pornographic websites.
This is because there are use restrictions because the WiFi plan is accessible to visitors of all ages.
Would it be Possible to Connect Onboard With a Carnival App?
While on the Carnival cruise ship, you can use the company’s free app Carnival HUB that is accessible without any Wi-Fi package.
Through this app, you can check deck plans, ship timetables, dining information, and Sail & Sign onboard account balances.
It also allows a chat feature at a cost, through which any travelers above 13 can message other family members and friends on board by using this chat option.
How to Buy Carnival WiFi Plan
As I indicated before, there are two ways to make a WiFi package available on a cruise: before ship boarding and aboard. Read on to learn how to buy Carnival WiFi Plan in both ways.
Before the Ship’s Boarding
The best time to purchase a WiFi plan is prior to your cruise, which you can do directly from the Carnival website (carnival.com).
Make your purchase by midnight Eastern Time on the day before your cruise.
Steps
A. Visit carnival.com and log in.
B. Go to “Manage My Booking” and choose “Internet Plans.”
C. Choose the WiFi option that best meets your needs.
On board the ship
In case you forget to purchase the WiFi package before onboard, you still have an option to buythe WiFi package on board the cruise.
To purchase the package, activate your device’s WiFi and navigate to the WiFi settings. Later, instructions will appear on your screen for purchasing internet service.
Please note that the Multi-Device Premium WiFi package is only available for pre-purchase and cannot be purchased aboard.
While browsing at sea, you might also want to explore the Carnival cruise drink menu.
Free WiFi could be available!
The Hub app is the only way to use the free WiFi available on Carnival cruise ships.
You may check your account balance, view the deck plans, browse menus, schedule spa treatments, and make bookings for meals with this app.
You can use the free WiFi while at port until you get to the next hotspot.
How to Reduce the Cost of Wi-Fi on a Cruise Ship
The following simple tips will help you save a lot of money on your ship Wi-Fi:
1. Make use of just one device
Although connecting numerous devices may be necessary, it is advised to connect just one device in order to significantly reduce your Wi-Fi bill.
2. Purchase an eSIM data package
By choosing an eSIM data plan, you can avoid onboard bundles. You may maintain an internet connection when at sea, in port, and on land with this eSIM. Regardless of how close you are to the ship, this provides connectivity at an excellent price.
3. Check Loyalty Rewards
Check your reward points with Carnival if you cruise frequently. Because a lot of cruise lines provide free or heavily discounted Wi-Fi services to their loyal customers.
Carnival’s WiFi packages make it easier than ever to stay connected while on a cruise.
There is a package to suit your demands, whether you only require access to social media or full-speed internet for business and streaming.
Although purchasing in advance online helps save costs, you can always use the Carnival Hub app to purchase a package once you’re on board.
