Aimed at social sharing

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Carnival Cruise Line is now offering social media internet packages – featuring access to a variety of sites for just $5 a day – on half of its ships, with fleetwide implementation scheduled by the first quarter of 2016.

This announcement follows the launch of the line’s new Carnival HUB mobile app, which provides guests with a view of the ship’s facilities, features, and events, as well as a “chat” feature that allows them to message their traveling companion.

The app, currently available on Carnival Breeze, will be made available on five new ships by the end of the year, with fleetwide expansion expected by summer 2016.

“Fast, affordable and reliable social media channels and the Internet have become essential on today’s cruise ships,” said Gabriela Gonzalez, Carnival’s vice president of guest technology.  “We have thoughtfully approached this area to ensure we are providing options that guests sailing throughout our fleet find truly valuable and reliable,” she added.

Carnival’s enhanced internet access offers increased bandwith and speed for unlimited access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spanchat, LinkedIn and Pinterest, providing guests with the means to update their favorite social media channels with pictures and updates from their cruises.

Internet options will also include a “value” plan for checking email, sports scores, weather updates, and more, as well as a “premium” package that provides connectivity at the maximum speed with access to video calling services like Skype.