Staying connected while cruising has become increasingly important for travelers, whether to check in with family, coordinate with fellow travelers, or simply stay active on social media. Princess Cruises, known for its MedallionClass experience and innovative technology, offers onboard connectivity through its Wi-Fi service, MedallionNet. But many passengers wonder: Can you chat for free on Princess Cruises ships?
While Princess Cruises provides several communication options, not all are free. Understanding what is complimentary, what requires a paid package, and how the MedallionClass features work will help you plan better for your voyage.
Princess Cruises has invested heavily in technology to make communication simpler and more efficient. The MedallionClass app is at the core of onboard communication and offers multiple ways to send messages, plan activities, and stay in touch with your traveling companions.
One of the most asked questions is whether passengers can use the MedallionClass app to chat with each other for free. The answer: Yes, you can chat with fellow passengers at no cost, but with specific limitations.
The MedallionClass app includes a built-in messaging feature. All you need to do is:
Log into the app onboard
Select the person you want to message
Send a text-based message
These messages do not require an internet package, making them one of the most convenient free communications options onboard. The feature allows you to coordinate dinner plans, find each other around the ship, or send quick updates—without paying for Wi-Fi.
Although free, the chat feature sometimes experiences glitches. This may occur when:
The ship has high connectivity demand
The app requires a software update
The Medallion reader signal is weak in certain areas of the ship
Restarting the app or refreshing your mobile device usually resolves these issues.
Another complimentary option is using the stateroom phone to contact other cabins on the same ship. This is free of charge and allows passengers to:
Call roommates
Reach friends or family in nearby cabins
Coordinate meetups
However, calls to shore or outside the ship come with additional charges and are not part of the free communication system.
If you want to use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, or similar apps, you will need a paid Wi-Fi plan. The free onboard chat only works through Princess’ proprietary app—not third-party apps.
Even with a Wi-Fi plan:
Video calling may be restricted
Voice calls may be low quality
Large media files may fail to send due to bandwidth limits
However, text messaging through these apps is usually reliable.
If you want more than basic chatting through the MedallionClass app, Princess Cruises offers paid Wi-Fi packages. These allow you to use external messaging apps or video chat with loved ones back home.
Princess offers one of the fastest at-sea Wi-Fi networks, often praised for its stability and ease of use. The main packages include:
This allows you to connect one device at a time. It’s ideal for:
Light messaging
Social media browsing
Email access
If you have multiple family members needing online access, these packages offer broader flexibility. They’re best suited for group sharing and active online use.
Princess Cruises also offers bundled packages, which may include Wi-Fi:
Princess Plus: typically includes Wi-Fi for one device
Princess Premier: includes Wi-Fi for multiple devices
These bundles often provide great value for guests who plan to stay connected throughout the cruise.
Even though the ship provides free messaging through the MedallionClass app, upgrading to paid Wi-Fi may be worthwhile if you:
Want full communication with contacts at home
Need access to work emails
Plan to use social media actively
Enjoy video calling during your trip
Free messaging is a great perk, but understanding how to make the most of the system ensures smoother connections throughout your voyage.
Before boarding, update the app to the latest version. Outdated versions often cause:
Slow loading times
Message delivery delays
Missing notifications
Shipboard Wi-Fi can be slower for downloading large files, so updating before your trip helps the app run more smoothly.
Before the ship sails, add your group to your contacts. This helps you:
Message them immediately
Track their location on the ship (optional feature)
Coordinate activities through shared itineraries
If you are traveling with multiple cabins, link your reservations before your cruise or through the app to streamline communication options.
Because the messaging system relies on Bluetooth and onboard connectivity, your phone’s battery may drain faster. A portable charger ensures you remain reachable.
Right after boarding, test messaging with your travel party. This allows you to:
Confirm app functionality
Troubleshoot connection issues
Adjust settings before the ship becomes busier
Although chatting through the MedallionClass app is free, there are scenarios in which upgrading to paid communication options is almost necessary.
Free chat only works between people onboard. For communication with people on land, you must pay for Wi-Fi or place a ship-to-shore call.
Wi-Fi: More affordable, especially with a package
Ship Phone: Very expensive and billed by the minute
The free chat feature supports only text messaging. If you want to send media, a Wi-Fi plan is required.
Using:
Google Maps
Email apps
Workplace tools
Social media
…requires a stable internet connection not provided by Princess’ free chat.
In conclusion, Princess Cruises does allow free chatting onboard, but only within the MedallionClass app and only with others on the ship. For full communication capabilities—including social media apps, texting people back home, and video calls—a paid Wi-Fi package is necessary.
The free messaging feature is highly convenient for onboard coordination, making it easy to stay connected with your travel group without spending extra money. But if you need broader communication, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi plan or a Princess Plus/Premier bundle to get more comprehensive online access.
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