# Does Princess Cruises provide phone service onboard?

When you’re heading out to sea, one of the big concerns is **cruise communication**—Call us **<a href="tel:[phone]">[phone]</a>** how you’ll stay in touch with family, friends, or work while you’re sailing. So it’s natural to ask: **Does Princess Cruises provide phone service onboard?**

The short answer is **yes**. Most Princess ships offer several ways to make and receive calls, but each option works differently and can carry very different costs. Between **Princess phone service**, **ship to shore calls**, mobile roaming, and internet-based calling through **MedallionNet**, there’s a lot to understand before you dial.


## Overview of Princess phone service and onboard calling

Princess ships are equipped with systems that support **onboard calling** in multiple ways:

* **Ship’s internal phone system** – For calling guest services, staterooms, and onboard departments.
* **Ship to shore calls** – Using the ship’s phone to call land-based numbers.
* **Mobile roaming** – Using your own cell phone with your carrier’s cruise or maritime roaming agreements.
* **Internet-based calls** – Using **MedallionNet calls** (WiFi-based) through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or WiFi calling if supported by your carrier.

All of those fall under the umbrella of **Princess phone service** and communication at sea. The best choice for you depends on how often you need to call, where you’re calling, and how price-sensitive you are.

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## Ship to shore calls on Princess Cruises ships

Traditional **ship to shore calls** use the ship’s satellite communication system. This is available from onboard phones, such as:

* The phone in your stateroom
* Courtesy phones in certain public areas
* Some service desks or medical facilities, depending on the situation

### How it works

1. You dial the ship’s operator or follow posted instructions from the phone.
2. The call is routed via satellite to a land-based network.
3. Charges are typically billed directly to your onboard account.

### General characteristics

* **Convenient in emergencies:** The ship’s phone system is designed to work even when other options are limited.
* **Generally more expensive than land-based calls:** Satellite calls at sea are usually charged per minute at premium rates.
* **Best used for short, essential conversations:** Because of the per-minute cost, guests usually keep ship-to-shore calls brief.

While you should always check the current rate onboard, the key idea is that **ship to shore calls with Princess** are available, but they are typically the most expensive option and best used only when necessary.

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## Using your mobile phone and roaming on Princess

Many guests simply bring their own smartphone and assume it will work like home. It can—but only if you understand **mobile roaming** and cruise coverage.

### Using mobile roaming vs ship phone on Princess

When your ship is at sea, your phone may:

* Connect to a **maritime cell network** hosted by a satellite provider, or
* Have no signal until you are close to land or in port, where your normal carrier network or partner networks are available.

If you leave roaming turned on:

* Your carrier could treat calls, texts, and data as **cruise or maritime roaming**, which often carries very high per-minute and per-MB charges.
* You might receive a text from your carrier describing rates for international or at-sea usage.

**Important tip:**

* Always check with your mobile provider before cruising to ask about **cruise packages** or at-sea plans.
* If you don’t have a special package, it can be much cheaper to keep your phone in **airplane mode** at sea and rely on ship WiFi instead.

While **Princess phone service** via your own carrier is possible, random roaming at sea is one of the easiest ways to rack up a surprisingly large bill.

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## MedallionNet calls and WiFi calling on Princess Cruises

Princess has become well known for its **MedallionNet** internet service on many ships. This high-speed WiFi allows you to surf, stream, and use apps much like you would at home—depending on the plan you purchase and the satellite conditions.

One big advantage is the option to make **MedallionNet calls** using:

* **WiFi calling** through your mobile carrier (if supported and enabled)
* Voice calls through apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Zoom, Messenger, or other VoIP apps

### Can you use WiFi calling on Princess Cruises?

In many cases, yes. If your phone and carrier support WiFi calling, and you are:

1. In **airplane mode** (to avoid roaming), and
2. Connected to the ship’s **MedallionNet** WiFi network,

you may be able to place calls just as you would over WiFi at home. Your carrier then treats the call as if it’s coming from a WiFi connection rather than a roaming cell tower.

However:

* You still pay for the **WiFi package** with Princess.
* Your carrier’s usual rules for WiFi calling (domestic vs international) will apply.

### Pros of WiFi calling and VoIP apps

* Often **cheaper overall** compared to ship-to-shore calls or uncontrolled roaming.
* You can also use messaging features (voice notes, video calls, group chats) with **cruise communication** apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.
* You can stay more easily connected to work or family at home.

For many modern travelers, using **MedallionNet** plus WiFi calling or app-based calling is the most cost-effective and flexible solution.

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## Onboard calling between staterooms and ship departments

Even if you never call home, you might still use **Princess phone service** internally on the ship. Your stateroom phone can usually connect you to:

* **Guest Services** or the front desk
* **Room service** or housekeeping
* **Medical services** (for health concerns)
* **Other staterooms**, if you know the cabin number

These **onboard calling** features are typically either free or already included in the onboard experience, as they are part of how the ship operates. You won’t normally be charged premium fees just to call housekeeping or another cabin inside the ship’s internal network.

This makes stateroom phones a handy tool for coordinating with friends and family onboard without touching your mobile roaming or WiFi usage.

**Also Read:
[Does Holland America Line provide phone service onboard?](https://www.portjourney.com/blog/does-holland-america-line-provide-phone-service-onboard)
[Does Seabourn Cruise Line provide phone service onboard?](https://www.portjourney.com/blog/does-seabourn-cruise-line-provide-phone-service-onboard)
[Does Celebrity Cruises provide phone service onboard?](https://www.portjourney.com/blog/does-celebrity-cruises-provide-phone-service-onboard)**

## Emergency contact phone number while on a Princess ship

If there’s an urgent situation at home, your family may need to contact you on the ship. While exact procedures can vary by ship and region, the general idea is:

* Family members on land can call a **special ship contact number** or the cruise line’s emergency contact line.
* Their call is routed to the ship’s communications center or guest services.
* You may then be contacted in your stateroom or via onboard messaging systems.

To prepare for this, it’s wise to:

1. Check your cruise documents or official website information for any listed **emergency contact phone number while on a Princess ship**.
2. Share that information with a trusted family member or close friend before you leave.
3. Keep your stateroom number and sailing details handy, so they can provide those details if they need to reach you.

This backup plan helps ensure that, even if your mobile phone is off or you’re not actively using WiFi, important messages from home can still reach you.


## Choosing the best phone option for your Princess cruise

To decide which **phone call options on Princess Cruises ships** are best for you, ask yourself:

* **How often do I need to talk to people at home?**

* If you just need the occasional check-in, a WiFi package plus app calling might be ideal.

* **Do I need full-time connectivity for work?**

* A more robust MedallionNet plan and WiFi calling may be worth it.

* **Am I worried about high roaming charges?**

* Put your phone in **airplane mode** while at sea and use WiFi only.

* **Do I just need to stay in touch with people ON the ship?**

* Internal ship phones, the Princess app, and meeting points might be enough.

The key is planning ahead and making sure you understand which method you’re using at any given time: **ship to shore calls**, carrier roaming, or **MedallionNet calls** over WiFi.

If you’re unsure what makes sense for your itinerary or budget, you can also talk with a cruise specialist at a number like **<a href="tel:[phone]">[phone]</a>** before you sail, so you don’t end up overpaying once onboard.

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## FAQs

**1. Does Princess Cruises provide phone service onboard for calling home?**
Yes. Princess ships typically offer **ship to shore calls** using onboard phones, as well as options for **mobile roaming** and internet-based calling through **MedallionNet**. Ship-to-shore calls are convenient but often expensive, so many guests prefer to use WiFi calling or messaging apps when they need to reach family and friends at home.

**2. What are the main phone call options on Princess Cruises ships?**
Your primary choices are: using the ship’s phone system for **ship to shore calls**, using your own phone with **roaming** from your carrier, or using **MedallionNet** WiFi for app and WiFi calling. Internally, you can also use stateroom phones for **onboard calling** to guest services and other cabins at little or no extra charge.

**3. Is it better to use mobile roaming or the ship’s phone on Princess?**
In many cases, neither is ideal without a plan. **Using mobile roaming vs ship phone on Princess** depends on your carrier’s cruise rates and whether you have a special package. Ship phones are straightforward but usually expensive per minute. Roaming can also be costly if not controlled. Many guests find that using a WiFi package plus app calling offers better value overall.

**4. Can you use WiFi calling on Princess Cruises through MedallionNet?**
Often, yes. If your phone and carrier support WiFi calling, you can enable it while your device is in airplane mode and connected to **MedallionNet**. You then place calls through WiFi instead of a roaming cell network. You’ll pay for the WiFi package itself, but it can be more cost-effective than satellite-based ship-to-shore calls or uncontrolled roaming, especially on longer cruises.

**5. How can my family contact me in an emergency while I’m on a Princess ship?**
Your family can usually reach you through an **emergency contact phone number while on a Princess ship**, which connects to the ship’s communications or guest services. Details are often provided in your cruise documents or on the official site. For general planning tips about staying in touch at sea, you can review independent resources such as **portjourney.com**, or get personalized advice from a cruise specialist at **<a href="tel:[phone]">[phone]</a>** before your trip.