Princess Cruises Reveals Updates to Premium Wi-Fi Rollout and Gratuities

27.08.2024 - 21:59 / travelpulse.com / Laurie Baratti / Terry Thornton

More and more travelers are availing themselves of flexible work arrangements by taking bleisure or hush trips, with 74 percent of Americans who work remotely saying that would consider a “workcation”, according to a recent Harris Poll data. And, with Princess Cruises’ recently announced MedallionNet Max premium wi-fi service powered by Starlink now available on all voyages, now is the time to take that extended cruise vacation you’ve been dreaming of, secure in the knowledge that you’ve got uninterrupted internet access as you explore the world. 

Included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, the MedallionNet Max service provides enhanced onboard connectivity designed to answer the increased demand of today’s digitally dialed-in guests. Princess has emphasized that this upgraded internet experience is especially valuable for those passengers seeking the flexibility to work while sailing on longer journeys, such as its World Cruises, Journeys Far & Away, Immersive Itineraries and Ocean Crossings. No matter how remote their destination, this premier wi-fi capability affords guests the ability to take the office with them as they experience all corners of the globe. 

"Today's travelers are increasingly drawn to longer, more immersive experiences, often in remote or bucket-list destinations, without wanting to disconnect from their digital lives," said Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises. "MedallionNet Max ensures that connectivity is never an issue, and when combined with the Princess Premier package, which offers unlimited beverages and specialty dining, it makes longer voyages not only feasible but incredibly rewarding."

Meanwhile, Princess has also quietly raised its daily crew gratuity charges by $1 across all stateroom categories, according to Cruise Radio. Although the amount may seem modest, it represents roughly a six-percent hike in passengers’ daily gratuities charges for various cabin types. 

The new rates are as follows:

Although the cruise line did not announce the change, the updated gratuity rates are now reflected on Princess’ website, on the Crew Appreciation and Service Charge pages. 

However, passengers who have already booked their cruises are locked in under the previous pricing, and those who have opted for the Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages will not be affected, as gratuities are already included in these bundles.

The last increase in Princess Cruises’ gratuity rates occurred in December 2022, when daily charges rose by $1.50 across all stateroom categories. This latest adjustment follows similar moves by other cruise lines, including Princess’ sister company, Holland America Line, which also raised its gratuities by six to nine