Princess Cruises Enhances Wi-Fi as More Travelers Embrace Workcations
With the rise of flexible work arrangements, more travelers are blending business and leisure, opting for “bleisure” or “hush trips.” According to recent data from the Harris Poll, 74% of Americans who work remotely would consider a “workcation.” This trend is shaping the travel industry, and Princess Cruises is catering to this demand with its newly launched MedallionNet Max premium wi-fi service, powered by Starlink. Available on all Princess voyages, this enhanced connectivity ensures guests can enjoy their dream cruise vacations while staying connected to work, no matter where they are in the world.
MedallionNet Max is included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, offering passengers enhanced onboard internet service. This upgrade is perfect for digitally connected guests who need reliable, fast internet to work remotely while enjoying extended journeys. The new service is particularly beneficial on longer itineraries, such as Princess Cruises’ World Cruises, Journeys Far & Away, Immersive Itineraries, and Ocean Crossings. Whether guests are cruising to remote locations or ticking off bucket-list destinations, MedallionNet Max guarantees they can bring the office with them while still enjoying a luxurious escape.
Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises, emphasized the growing desire for longer, immersive travel experiences without sacrificing connectivity. “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,” Thornton said. “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.”
While Princess Cruises is focused on enhancing the onboard experience, it has also quietly increased its daily crew gratuity charges by $1 across all stateroom categories. According to Cruise Radio, this represents roughly a six percent increase in passengers’ daily gratuities for various cabin types. The change is now reflected on Princess Cruises’ website under the Crew Appreciation and Service Charge sections.
Despite this modest increase, passengers who have already booked their cruises can rest easy knowing they are locked into the previous pricing. Additionally, those who have opted for the Princess Premier or Princess Plus packages will not be affected by the increase, as gratuities are already included in these bundles.
This is the second gratuity hike in less than two years, with the last increase occurring in December 2022, when daily charges rose by $1.50 across all stateroom categories. The 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 percent earlier this year.
Princess Cruises’ decision to improve wi-fi services with MedallionNet Max and adjust gratuity charges reflects the cruise line’s response to evolving passenger expectations. By prioritizing both connectivity and onboard service, Princess Cruises is positioning itself to meet the needs of modern travelers who want the freedom to work and play while exploring the world.