Does Princess Cruises Provide Phone Service Onboard?

Princess Cruises offers several ways for passengers to stay connected while at sea, including onboard phone services, Wi-Fi calling, and communication through the Princess MedallionClass app. While many travelers prefer to disconnect during vacations, reliable communication remains important for those needing to reach family, workplace contacts, or emergency services. Understanding how onboard phone service works helps guests prepare for costs, coverage limitations, and available alternatives.

Types of Phone Services Available on Princess Cruises Ships

Guests have multiple options to make and receive calls while cruising. These services differ in convenience, price, and coverage reliability depending on the ship’s location and guest communication needs. Princess Cruises provides both traditional and modern forms of phone connectivity to ensure passengers can stay in touch when necessary.

Ship-to-Shore Calling From Stateroom Phones

Every stateroom on a Princess ship includes a phone capable of making ship-to-shore calls. Guests can dial landlines or mobile numbers outside the ship, although charges apply and are billed to the onboard account. This method is often used for emergencies or occasional check-ins with contacts on land.

Using Mobile Phones With Cellular at Sea

Many Princess Cruises ships are equipped with Cellular at Sea services provided by satellite-based maritime telecommunications partners. Passengers can use their mobile phones much like they would on land, but roaming charges from their cellular provider apply.

Internet-Based Calling Through MedallionNet Wi-Fi

Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet Wi-Fi is strong enough to support internet-based calling apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Skype, and Wi-Fi calling through a mobile carrier. This provides a more affordable alternative for many guests who want to avoid roaming charges.

Onboard to Onboard Guest Communication

Princess offers free internal communication features through the Princess MedallionClass app. Guests can message and locate friends or family onboard without additional phone service charges.

How Princess Cruises’ Phone Services Work During a Voyage

Phone service availability may vary depending on the ship’s position, satellite coverage, and the type of communication method passengers choose. Understanding how each option functions helps travelers select the most effective solution for their needs.

Ship Satellite Network for Stateroom and Cellular Calls

When a ship is at sea, it relies on powerful satellite systems to transmit calls. These satellite signals are routed through maritime communication networks before reaching traditional phone lines on land. While dependable, this technology can be costly due to long-distance and satellite transmission fees.

Cellular Roaming Through Carrier Partnerships

Cellular at Sea allows guests to make calls using their mobile phones. When the phone connects to the ship’s cellular network, the device displays a maritime carrier name. Charges are set by the passenger’s mobile carrier, not Princess Cruises.

Tips for Managing Cellular Costs

1. Check roaming rates with your mobile carrier before sailing

2. Consider purchasing an international plan

3. Switch to airplane mode during sea days to avoid accidental connections

4. Enable Wi-Fi calling if supported

Wi-Fi Calling Via MedallionNet

Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet Wi-Fi is widely regarded for its strong coverage, allowing passengers to use calling features built into their smartphones. Wi-Fi calling uses an internet connection rather than a cellular one, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

How Wi-Fi Calling Works Onboard

• Guests connect their device to MedallionNet

• The phone routes calls through the internet

• Calls appear as regular voice calls to contacts on land

• Charges are based on Wi-Fi package cost rather than per-minute phone fees

Internal Ship Communication Systems

The MedallionClass app includes features that allow passengers to communicate with others onboard without incurring phone charges. This is especially popular among families and large groups.

Benefits of Internal Communication Tools

• Free to use

• Works anywhere onboard

• Provides messaging, tracking, and group-locating features

Costs, Limitations, and Considerations for Using Phone Service Onboard

While Princess Cruises offers several ways to make calls, travelers should be aware of costs, coverage limitations, and potential service interruptions. Preparing ahead helps guests avoid unexpected charges and choose the most efficient method of communication.

Cost of Ship-to-Shore Calls

Ship-to-shore calls made from a stateroom phone typically come with per-minute fees. Rates vary depending on the ship and destination. While convenient, this method is usually the most expensive.

Cellular Roaming Charges Can Be High

Using a mobile phone through Cellular at Sea can be significantly more expensive than using land-based roaming. Passengers sometimes incur charges even when they do not make calls simply because their phone connects automatically to the maritime network.

Ways to Reduce Roaming Costs

• Turn off mobile data when not in use

• Manually select networks instead of using automatic selection

• Rely on Wi-Fi for calls and messaging

Wi-Fi Packages Provide Predictable Pricing

Purchasing a MedallionNet Wi-Fi package gives travelers a predictable cost structure. The packages allow unlimited app usage, internet browsing, and VoIP calls without per-minute billing. For travelers who expect to communicate often, Wi-Fi is usually the most cost-effective.

Service Interruptions May Occur Based on Location

Satellite-based communication, whether cellular or Wi-Fi, may experience brief outages depending on weather, geographic position, or signal obstruction. These interruptions are usually temporary and more common in remote or heavily mountainous regions.

Tips for Choosing the Best Communication Option While Cruising

Selecting the right communication method onboard a Princess Cruises ship depends on expected usage, budget preferences, and the type of calls guests plan to make. Some travelers only need occasional messaging, while others require regular contact with family or work.

Determine Whether Calls Are Essential or Optional

Guests who do not need real-time conversations may rely solely on messaging apps via Wi-Fi. This reduces cost and still provides reliable communication.

When Real-Time Calls Are Important

• Business travel

• Family emergencies

• Medical updates

• Shore excursion coordination with those on land

Consider Buying a Wi-Fi Package Before Sailing

Pre-purchasing a Wi-Fi package is often cheaper than buying it once onboard. Early purchase ensures the best value and provides peace of mind regarding costs.

Know Your Mobile Carrier’s Roaming Policies

Before sailing, check with your carrier regarding:

• Maritime roaming fees

• International calling packages

• Wi-Fi calling support

• Text messaging rates at sea

Mobile carriers often offer special cruise add-ons that lower costs dramatically.

Use Airplane Mode When Not Actively Calling

Keeping the phone in airplane mode prevents accidental roaming charges. Guests can turn Wi-Fi back on without re-enabling cellular data, allowing full use of Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps.

Utilize MedallionClass Messaging for Onboard Communication

The MedallionClass app eliminates the need for phone calls between guests on the same ship. Messaging, tracking, and group communication features work seamlessly onboard without additional fees.

Confirm Emergency Contact Options at Guest Services

Princess Cruises provides emergency contact numbers for friends and family on land. These numbers allow callers to reach the ship directly if needed. This ensures communication is possible even if guests choose not to use onboard phone services.