Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It’s a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. Cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call may result in charges from your cell phone provider, so it is important to plan ahead with your home carrier’s cruise day pass, an eSIM data plan, or a Princess Wi-Fi package before you sail.

Here’s everything to know about using your cell phone on a cruise.

As you sail into international waters, these expenses can add up, so we recommend that guests turn off their cellular data and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi instead.
As you sail into international waters, these expenses can add up, so we recommend that guests turn off their cellular data and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi instead.

Internet options

If you need to check your email or send photos to loved ones, we offer several internet packages with varying price points, so any guest can access Wi-Fi if they need it. This means you can catch up on world news while enjoying a breakfast parfait in the International Café or download audiobooks while lounging poolside. All of our Princess MedallionClass® ships have also been upgraded to MedallionNet®, with new reliable connectivity that allows guests to message, video chat, stream content and post to social media with ease.

That’s right. Using your cell phone on a cruise is possible.
That’s right. Using your cell phone on a cruise is possible.

Cellular at Sea

Another option to stay effortlessly connected is using Cellular at Sea, ideal for moderate phone, text, and light data use -- perfect for checking email or sharing magical moments. Available once you're in international waters aboard all Princess Cruises ships, simply ensure Airplane Mode is off to access talk, text, and data services delivered via satellite, including Starlink where available. For full details on ship compatibility and carrier specifics, visit cellularatsea.com.

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Princess MedallionClass™

There are valuable ways to use your cell phone on board that don’t cost extra thanks to Princess MedallionClass® – the newest technology at sea. When you sail on a MedallionClass ship, you get a complimentary Medallion®. Each quarter-sized device has built-in geo-location technology. When paired with your mobile device, have drinks – or pizza– delivered straight to your pool chair. Or access the app to locate friends and family on the ship. With your Medallion device, unlock a world of adventure on board — with or without your mobile device in hand.

Still wondering if you can you text on a cruise? Here’s a quick recap:  Yes, you can text or message on a cruise, but the best option depends on how you plan to use your phone. With a predictably priced Cellular or Wi-Fi plan, you can stay in touch with your friends and family at home while you’re on the ship and, in some cases, while you’re in port or on a land excursion through email and social media. Or, use MedallionNet along with your mobile devices to connect with your loved ones on the ship and unlock a whole new world of opportunity on board. Whether you want to use your cell phone on a cruise or not, the choice is yours when you sail with Princess.

When you sail on a MedallionClass ship, you get a complimentary Medallion®.
When you sail on a MedallionClass ship, you get a complimentary Medallion®.