CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a price increase for its onboard internet packages, raising rates across all tiers by up to 22%.
This follows a similar increase in the pricing of its CHEERS! drink package for longer voyages, highlighting a trend in rising onboard costs.
The Social Wi-Fi Plan, CCL's basic connectivity option, saw the steepest price hike of 22%. The plan, which previously cost US$15.30 per day for pre-cruise purchases, is now priced at US$18.70. Guests opting to purchase this plan onboard will face a higher rate of US$22 per day. The Social plan provides access to select social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp but does not support streaming or heavy browsing.
The Value Plan, offering broader internet access and faster connection speeds, increased by 13%. It now costs US$22.10 per day when purchased before the cruise, up from US$19.55, while onboard pricing has risen to US$26 per day, up from US$23.
CCL's Premium Plan, its fastest and most inclusive option, rose from US$21.25 to US$23.80 per day for pre-cruise bookings. Onboard pricing for this tier now stands at US$28 per day. The Premium Plan supports streaming, video chatting, and high-speed browsing.
The new pricing means CCL's top-tier Premium Plan may now exceed the cost of comparable packages from competitors such as RCI-Royal Caribbean International. For example, RCI's VOOM Surf + Stream package, offered for an upcoming sailing on Icon of the Seas, is advertised at US$21.99 per day, equating to ~US$153 for a seven-night voyage. In contrast, CCL’s Premium Plan for a weeklong cruise would cost US$166 if purchased before sailing, and even more if booked onboard.
The price adjustments were introduced without prior notice to booked passengers, preventing them from securing the previous lower rates. This marks the second price hike for CCL's internet services in less than a year, following an increase in December 2023.
While CCL's internet packages continue to offer options for varying needs, the higher rates reflect broader cost adjustments within the cruise industry. Passengers are encouraged to book packages pre-cruise to secure the best available rates.