The cruise industry tends to move in step with each other. That’s because if one cruise line makes a move that will be unpopular with passengers (like raising mandatory daily tipping rates) that opens the door for others to do the same. The same is true when a company adds a new innovation or makes a change that customers will like, every other player in the industry must follow.
Royal Caribbean International (RCL) has been leading the way when it comes to innovation for building the world’s largest ships and pushing the boundaries when it comes to onboard attractions. Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) It’s not far behind, however, as its latest ships, Mardi Gras, and the soon-to-be-sailing Celebration rival the best of what Royal Caribbean has to offer.
However, in one key area, Royal Caribbean has been more aggressive in addressing a major passenger pain point – Internet service. The cruise line has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to deploy Starlink satellite internet service on all of its ships. The move follows a trial of the service on Freedom of the Seas, which was met with rave reviews from passengers.
Royal Caribbean has not given a timeline for adding Starlink to the rest of its fleet and has not commented on whether it will raise the price of internet on board when it completes the process. Right now, at least on Freedom of the Seas, Starlink satellite Internet service doesn’t cost extra.
Daniel Kline/The Street
Carnival upgrades its internet, raises prices
Carnival hasn’t been as bold as its main rival, but it has taken steps to improve its Internet service.
The cruise line has taken various steps to improve its Internet, according to Vice President Luis Terife, Cruise Industry News reported.
Scroll to Continue
“We’ve seen significant growth in guest usage, across the board, but particularly with a greater emphasis on our premium plans,” he said. “We’re adapting to visitor usage patterns allowing for a more balanced upload vs. download experience.”
This is more of a detour around the margins to deliver a slightly better experience than a bold change, but that hasn’t stopped the cruise line from raising its WiFi prices.
In an email to people booked on future cruises, Carnival announced its intentions to increase the price it charges for internet on board.
“While we continue to do our best to minimize the impact of rising costs, we will be implementing nominal changes to our onboard WiFi packages. WiFi purchases made prior to the price change will be at current rates. Book the pre-cruise before October 1,” the company shared.
Carnival did not share the new Internet prices
Carnival currently sells three different internet packages on its cruise ships.
- sOciaL: $8.50 per person per day, which allows you to text and check social media,
- Value: $11.05 per person per day provides access to social media, email and web, but not streaming sites.
- Premium: $14.45 per person per day in theory gives passengers access to full internet including streaming.
The cruise line did not fully explain what its new fees would be, leaving open the possibility that they could vary by cruise. The email contained the following language: “save up to 15% and up to 31% off new onboard prices,” Cruise Industry News reported.
Anyone booking an internet package for a future cruise can lock in current prices.
