Carnival Cruise Line has quietly implemented a price hike for its Wi-Fi internet plans, with costs increasing across all three internet tiers: Social, Value, and Premium.
Guests now face higher daily rates whether they pre-purchase the packages or buy them onboard, leaving many cruisers frustrated—not just with the cost increase but also with the lack of prior notification.
How Much Has Carnival Wi-Fi Prices Increased?
The Social Wi-Fi Plan saw the steepest rise, jumping 22% compared to its previous pricing of $15.30 per day pre-cruise. Onboard purchase costs rose from $18 to $22 per day.
The Value Plan increased 13%, from $19.55 pre-cruise to $22.10. Onboard rates went from $23 to $26 per day.
The Premium Plan rose 12%, from $21.25 to $23.80 per day pre-cruise. Onboard pricing increased to $28 per day, and single-day access now costs $35, a significant jump from past pricing.
These increases are part of a larger trend with Carnival Cruise Line over the last two years.
Updated Carnival Wi-Fi Pricing List
Pre-Cruise Prices
| Wi-Fi Plan | Old Price | New Price | Price Hike (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Wi-Fi Plan | $15.30 per day | $18.70 per day | 22.2% |
| Value Wi-Fi Plan | $19.55 per day | $22.10 per day | 13.0% |
| Premium Wi-Fi Plan | $21.25 per day | $23.80 per day | 12.0% |
| Premium Multi-Device | $75.00 per day | $84.00 per day | 12.0% |
Onboard Prices
| Wi-Fi Plan | Old Price | New Price | Price Hike (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Wi-Fi Plan | $18.00 per day | $22.00 per day | 22.2% |
| Value Wi-Fi Plan | $23.00 per day | $26.00 per day | 13.0% |
| Premium Wi-Fi Plan | $25.00 per day | $28.00 per day | 12.0% |
| Premium Multi-Device | Not available | Not available | N/A |
In December 2023, Carnival raised Wi-Fi rates by 14–20%, marking the second hike of that year. Between August 2022 and December 2023, rates across all plans increased by 47–80%.
Mixed Passenger Reactions
The latest price hikes have sparked polarizing reactions from cruisers, many of whom feel Carnival’s internet pricing is becoming unreasonable.
Several passengers on social media recalled when internet access was far cheaper. “Remember when Social was $5 per day? Not that long ago,” commented one guest.
Read More: Carnival Cruise Line Ships by Size
Some defended Carnival, noting that price increases are part of any business. “It’s a business. Prices haven’t doubled, just increased like most businesses year after year,” wrote one commenter.
Unlike previous price hikes, such as the December 2023 increase, Carnival didn’t communicate with guests in advance or allow them to lock in lower rates this time.
Nor did they give notice of the CHEERS! Beverage package increase earlier this month.
Competitive Cruise Wi-Fi
As Carnival’s Wi-Fi pricing inches closer or passes the competitors like Royal Caribbean ($25.99/day for premium) and Norwegian Cruise Line ($39.99/day for premium), some loyal cruisers are reconsidering their options.
Carnival prohibits guests from bringing devices like Starlink receivers on its ships to avoid internet fees. Royal Caribbean just implemented the same Starlink ban in early December.
