Key Aspects:
- Disney Cruise Line has increased internet pricing for its packages by more than 15% without warning.
- The prices are now among the highest in the industry with two options for basic internet or streaming quality.
- Internet access is not strictly necessary during a Disney cruise vacation, depending on guests’ preferences.
As a premium cruise line, Disney Cruise Line includes a lot of amenities in their basic cruise fare that other lines simply do not offer or that guests must add on with extra charges, such as twice-daily stateroom cleaning, room service, and most soft drinks.
Internet access, however, is not one of those included amenities, and guests will now be paying more to stay connected while on a magical cruise vacation.
Guests booked on Disney cruises have noticed the increase from January 2026, with prices now significantly higher than other lines charge for different wi-fi packages. No notice of the increase was given to booked guests, with no option to lock in lower costs before setting sail.
The price increases are now as follows:
- Standard Internet 24-Hour Access – $30 (previously $26)
- Premium Surfing and Streaming – $49 per day (previously $42)
These increases are 15% and 17%, respectively, and prices apply to just a single device.
Disney Cruise Line does not offer a discount for multiple devices for the same guest or traveling party. If guests can use just a one device at a time, they could log in and out on different devices with just one charge, but this would be cumbersome for multiple guests.
While these increases are just a few dollars a day, the costs can add up quickly when multiple guests in the same family want to connect their own devices to stay in touch on social media, play online games, check email, connect to digital meetings, or stream their favorite shows.
Prices Higher Than Other Cruise Lines
The internet costs aboard Disney ships are significantly higher than most other cruise lines.
Onboard Carnival cruise ships, for example, internet pricing ranges from $20-35 per device, per day depending on the speed of the service, which plan a guest chooses, and whether they purchase the package pre-cruise or after boarding.
Many cruise lines have varied pricing on different ships or itineraries, but general costs range from $19-40 per device, per day. Overall costs will vary based on speed, length of service, and number of devices.
Now that Disney Cruise Line has increased internet pricing, it is possible that other cruise lines will follow suit.
Is Internet Necessary on Disney Cruise Ships?
It should be noted that internet access or wi-fi plans are not necessary to connect to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to stay updated about onboard events, restaurant menus, and other information.
Furthermore, it is entirely possible – even relaxing! – to take a Disney cruise without internet access, and many guests prefer to unplug during their oceangoing vacation.
Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise? I Did All the Checking!
Completely disconnecting isn’t always possible for every traveler, however. For guests who just want to check email or touch base on social media, perhaps to keep up with family and friends at home, the basic “Stay Connected” internet package is sufficient and can be the best bargain.
This package permits access to popular social media sites, including Instagram and Facebook, as well as short-form videos like Snapchat and TikTok. It is suitable for basic internet browsing as well as making audio or video calls.
For streaming favorite television shows or movies, however, the higher-priced streaming package is necessary for the additional bandwidth. This would permit smooth access to YouTube, Spotify, and other podcasts and video game services.
Guests should note, however, that there is an extensive library of Disney television shows and movies available on demand (and free!) in every stateroom. If that’s the “streaming” you want to do on a Disney cruise vacation, no internet package is necessary!
