Carnival Internet Package: What To Know Before You Go
Are you dreaming of sun-soaked days, tropical drinks, and endless ocean vistas on your upcoming Carnival cruise, but the thought of being cut off from the digital world is giving you anxiety? I know the feeling!
We’re here to help you pick the perfect internet package that will keep you connected no matter where you are on the ship.
From streaming your favorite shows to sharing your exotic adventures on social media, our guide will help you find the ideal plan that fits your needs and budget, so you can stay online and on course throughout your voyage.
How Much Is WiFi On A Carnival Cruise?
Carnival Cruise Lines offers three wifi package options on board. The prices range from $12.75 to $22.00 per day. The price varies depending on when whether you pre-book it and how much internet access you need.
Unfortunately, you can’t just purchase these packages on a day-by-day basis. Carnival Cruise line requires passengers to buy the internet package for the entire duration of the cruise.
In the past, you had the option of buying it just for the days you needed, but that is no longer an option.
Either way, you get 15% off if you purchase before you go on board. Cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM EST the day before embarkation.
Let’s take a closer look at the package options Carnival Cruise Line offers guests…
Carnival Cruise Internet Plans and Prices
Carnival offers three Wi-Fi packages onboard, the Social, Value, and Premium Packages.
The pricing is as follows:
| Package | Before Boarding | Buying Onboard |
| Social | $12.75 per Day | $15 per Day |
| Value | $17.00 per Day | $20 per Day |
| Premium | $18.70 per Day | $22 per Day |
The Social Plan: This is the most basic plan Carnival offers, costing $12.75 if you purchase before boarding. If you purchase while on the ship, the price is $15 per day.
As the name suggests, the Social Package gives you access to popular social media apps and websites. These include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Most other sites and apps are blocked.
The Value Plan: With the value package, you have access to most websites and can check email, news sites, and all the social media sites offered in the Social Plan. However, streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu won’t work. The value plan also doesn’t support video or Skype calling.
Anything that requires a lot of upload speed won’t work on this plan.
The Value plan starts at $17.00 per day with the pre-booking discount, or $20 per day if you book it on board.
Now the Premium Plan: This plan includes everything in the Social and Value Plans plus streaming apps and video calling such as Zoom and Skype.
The Premium package starts at $18.70 per day with the pre-booking discount, or $22 per day if you book onboard.
It’s important to note, however, the reliability of all these packages can vary greatly and Carnival does not offer any refunds for weak or poor connections.
How Do You Access The Internet Once On The Ship
Connecting to the internet on a Carnival cruise ship is pretty straightforward. To get connected, get on your device, go to the Wi-Fi settings, and select ‘Carnival WiFi’ from the list of networks. There may be some variability in the name, as it may be named after the ship you’re on, but it would still be called ‘Carnival (Ship Name) WiFi.’
Once you click on the network it will open a browser. From there, follow the prompts to get connected.
If the webpage isn’t popping up, you can also type in carnivalwifi.com on your browser and it’ll take you to the same page.
If you have trouble connecting or bad connection, go to guest services. They may help you or connect you with technical support.
Do I Have To Buy Access For Every Device? Can I Share Access?
There is no need to buy access for every device but you can only use your Carnival WiFi package on one device at a time.
You can move between devices freely as the packages aren’t locked into a single device.
Meaning, if you want to use your laptop and phone, you can, but not at the same time.
Also, if multiple people in your cabin want to be online at the same time, they will each have to purchase a plan.
How Fast Is Carnival’s Wi-Fi Service?
Carnival doesn’t state on its website the internet speeds they offer. This is likely because there is a lot of variability depending on where the cruise ship is sailing.
It will, of course, also depend on the package you purchase.
However, we have found from various reports that the speed is considered ‘reasonably good’ for a cruise.
There are times when streaming the web will seem sluggish and there are times when the speed will be quick and efficient. It isn’t very consistent the whole trip.
The connection can be considered slow by modern standards, and if you plan on working or downloading large files, you may experience problems.
If you just want to stay connected, check email, and post a couple of selfies here and there – you will be just fine.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Carnival does not offer a refund if the speed isn’t up to your standards. As long as you have internet and can access the sites they promise, regardless of the speed, they have held up their end of the bargain.
Do I Have To Buy Wi-Fi Access To Use Carnival’s HUB App?
You may have heard of Carnival’s HUB app. It offers real-time info and features like restaurant booking, excursion booking, messaging with other passengers, and more.
You don’t need an internet connection for the HUB app, as it runs on the ship’s internal network. But, no browsing or social media comes with it.
Also, you will want to download the app before boarding the ship if you aren’t purchasing an internet package.
Is There Free WiFi On Carnival Cruise Ships?
Carnival Cruise Line does not offer free Wi-Fi. To stay connected with your loved ones and friends, you must buy an internet package.
These plans range from basic social media access to a more expensive premium plan. Prices depend on data usage, speed requirements, length of voyage, etc.
You can buy a plan before or while on board the ship. The service is available everywhere on board, including private balconies and cabins.
Is Carnival WiFi Worth It?
Carnival WiFi packages could be an awesome addition to your getaway, but whether or not they’re worth it can depend on a lot of variables.
For example, a standard Social Package for a 7-day cruise will cost you $89.25 and the Premium would set you back $131.25
It really depends on how much you plan on using your internet while at sea. Depending on where you sail to, when the ship is in port you’ll likely have a 4G or 5G connection available.
Plus, when you go on excursions, you won’t need internet access.
So it comes down to how many days you’ll really need the internet while on the ship and how often you think you’ll use it.
Can I Make FaceTime Calls On The Wi-Fi?
If you purchase the Premium Package, you will be able to FaceTime while on the cruise. You won’t be able to FaceTime (or use any other video call app) with the Social or Value package.
Keep in mind, although the premium plan supports FaceTime, the connection won’t be as reliable as the one you have at home. There may be areas on the ship that have better reception.
Are There Blocked Websites On The Carnival Internet Packages?
Even with the premium package plans, there are websites you won’t be able to access.
Gambling and adult websites are blocked on all plans. Gambling isn’t legal everywhere and it creates a lot of legal issues in International waters, so it’s easier to block the sites altogether.
Likewise, Carnival is a family-friendly cruise and to make sure no children accidentally access any inappropriate sites, adult-content sites are also blocked.
Can I Stream Movies or Music on Carnival’s Wi-Fi?
On the Premium Package, you technically can stream movies and music. Sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube are available while onboard.
However, some customers have stated that certain streaming sites can be a hit or miss.
meaning you may be able to access Netflix perfectly fine on the Wi-Fi, but encounter issues and buffering on Hulu.
We honestly recommend downloading shows you want to watch before going on your cruise. That way you won’t have to worry about the speed of the Wi-Fi and can even opt for a cheaper Wi-Fi package.
Can I Use A VPN On Carnival?
I always opt for a virtual private network (VPN) when I travel for security and privacy online.
However, carnival states they don’t support VPN’s while onboard. They state: “VPN connections are not supported. Discuss your VPN limitations with your company’s IT department if you are planning to work while sailing. We are not able to change your settings on board.”
