Modern cruises are as much about staying connected as they are about getting away. When you sail with Princess, you’ll see WiFi signs, the onboard app, and the well-known MedallionNet branding everywhere. That leads many guests to ask: Can you chat for free on Princess Cruises ships? Or more specifically, is messaging free on Princess Cruises if you’re just using the app to talk to people onboard?
The good news is that Princess has designed tools that make it easier to keep in touch with your travel companions around the ship. In many cases, you can use a free chat feature in the Princess app to send messages to other guests without needing a full paid internet package. However, how it works in practice depends on the ship, the app version, and your expectations about staying connected to people on land versus onboard.
Below, we’ll walk through how messaging, WiFi, and the onboard app interact, and how to communicate via Princess app for free while you’re at sea.
First, it helps to understand what MedallionNet actually is. It’s the brand name for Princess’s onboard WiFi service: a ship-wide network that lets you:
Browse the internet
Use social media
Stream, email, and video chat (with the right package)
These services typically require a paid package. However, Princess also separates some app-based features from paid internet access. That’s where questions like “do I need internet for Princess onboard chat” come in.
In many cases, you do not need full paid WiFi for basic app functionality related to the ship (like viewing your schedule, itinerary, or sometimes messaging other guests on board). Instead, your device just needs to connect to the ship’s internal network.
The big question: is messaging free on Princess Cruises?
Generally, Princess aims to allow free chat through the onboard app (the MedallionClass app) for messaging other guests on the same ship, without requiring you to purchase a full MedallionNet internet package. This means:
You can often send text-style messages to friends and family who are also on board.
Both of you need the onboard app installed and set up with your cruise profiles.
Your phone or tablet must be connected to the ship’s internal network, but not necessarily to paid internet.
Think of it like this: you’re using a local ship network instead of the open internet. So, communicate via Princess app for free generally applies to onboard chat between guests, but it does not mean free messaging to people back home on land through regular apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger. Those still require either roaming data from your cell plan or a MedallionNet WiFi package.
The free chat feature in Princess app is designed to replace walkie-talkies, handwritten notes, or constantly wandering around looking for your group. Here’s how it typically works:
Download the app before your trip Install the Princess MedallionClass app on your phone or tablet before boarding. This makes setup smoother.
Connect to the ship’s network onboard Once onboard, turn on WiFi on your device and connect to the ship’s network (even if you don’t purchase an internet package). The login screen usually guides you, and access to basic app features is normally included.
Open the messaging or chat section Inside the app, find the chat or messaging option. You can then select people to chat with, often from a list of guests linked to your booking or those who have connected with you in the app.
Send and receive text-based messages You can send short written messages, like “Meet at the buffet at 7” or “I’m by the pool.” The messages travel over the internal ship network.
This free chat service focuses on keeping your group in sync on board, without charging you extra just to coordinate meeting points or plans.
A common question is: do I need internet for Princess onboard chat?
In most cases, you do not need a paid internet package to use the built-in messaging feature of the onboard app to contact people on your ship. However:
You do need to connect to the ship’s internal network via WiFi (there’s usually a free basic connection for the app).
You do not get open web browsing, social media, or external apps without a MedallionNet plan.
Think of onboard chat as a special “bubble” of connectivity. It lives inside the Princess ecosystem, so it’s often treated differently from full WiFi access.
If you want to use regular messaging apps (like texting people at home or using WhatsApp), you will still need either a cellular roaming plan or a MedallionNet internet package, depending on how you want to connect.
If your goal is how to use Princess chat without package, here’s a simple approach:
Skip buying a MedallionNet plan at first When you board, don’t rush to buy an internet package if you’re only interested in talking to people on the ship.
Connect to the ship’s WiFi network Turn on WiFi and join the ship’s network. You’ll typically see a login portal or app link.
Log into the onboard appUse your booking details to sign into the official Princess onboard app, usually the MedallionClass app.
Access messaging Navigate to the messaging or free chat area of the app and send your first message to a traveling companion who also has the app set up.
Test before you commit to a package Send a few messages while both of you are in different parts of the ship and confirm that communication is working as expected. If you find you need more than just onboard messaging, you can always upgrade to a MedallionNet package later.
This step-by-step process lets you explore free chat capabilities first, only paying for broader WiFi if you truly need it.
There’s a big difference between being able to communicate via Princess app for free with people on your ship and staying connected with friends and family at home:
Onboard app chat (free chat)
Internal ship communication
Works through the ship network without open internet
Helps you coordinate with your group while cruising
Messaging apps to people on land (not free)
Requires cellular data or MedallionNet internet
Counts as regular online activity
Follows your mobile provider’s roaming rules or Princess WiFi pricing
So while Princess gives you a convenient, usually no-cost way to message onboard, you’ll still need to plan separately if you want to share photos or updates with people back home during your cruise.
To get the best experience from free chat, wifi, messaging, and the onboard app, try these tips:
Download and update the app at home Do this on land, where your own internet is usually faster and more reliable.
Encourage your travel group to use the app Make sure everyone in your party knows how to connect and access messaging before you spread out on the ship.
Bring a portable charger Using the app and WiFi throughout the day can use battery power, so a power bank helps.
Set up clear chat groups Use group chats for families or friends to share quick updates and meeting plans.
Decide if you need more than free chat After a day or two, decide whether onboard free chat is enough, or if you’d benefit from full MedallionNet access for social media, email, or work.
In many cases, yes—you can use the free chat feature in the onboard app to message other guests on your ship without purchasing a full MedallionNet internet package. This lets you:
Coordinate activities
Share updates
Stay in touch across the ship
However, free onboard messaging does not mean free internet overall. To use regular apps and stay in touch with people on land, you’ll still need cellular data or an internet package.
By understanding how onboard WiFi, the Princess app, and MedallionNet fit together, you can choose the right mix of free tools and paid services for your cruising style.
1. Is messaging free on Princess Cruises?
Yes, basic messaging through the free chat feature in the Princess onboard app is often available without purchasing a full MedallionNet package, as long as you’re communicating with other guests on the same ship.
2. Do I need internet for Princess onboard chat?
You typically need to connect to the ship’s WiFi network but not pay for full internet. Onboard chat uses the internal ship network rather than open web access.
3. How do I use Princess chat without package?
Connect to the ship’s WiFi, log into the onboard app, and use the messaging feature to contact other guests, all without buying a separate internet package.
4. What is the free chat feature in Princess app used for?
It’s designed to let you communicate via Princess app for free with friends and family onboard, making it easy to coordinate meet-ups and plans around the ship.
5. Does MedallionNet give me extra chat features?
MedallionNet mainly expands your access to the internet for apps, browsing, and calls. The core free chat in the Princess app is typically available without a paid package, but MedallionNet is needed if you want to use regular online messaging services with people on land.
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