Television shows can generate huge followings and looking forward to season finales, new season premieres or special cliffhanger episodes can be a lot of fun for viewers.
When crucial episodes of your favorite shows coincide with a cruise vacation, it can seem incredibly important to be able to watch a streaming service on board when the episode drops. But is this possible?
A concerned guest with an upcoming cruise Carnival anniversary has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald about internet service and whether or not the available premium Wi-Fi plan allows streaming television programming.
“The season finale of Yellowstone airs on Sunday, November 10, 2024. I’m on the Jubilee. I’m platinum almost diamond. I think it’s stupid that Carnival doesn’t provide for this to be shown to the passengers.” the guest explained.
“So now we have to pay for internet. I’ve never paid for premium internet on a cruise. Never had to do that. … What is the guarantee that the premium plan will allow me and probably hundreds of others to watch this groundbreaking show?”
There’s a lot to explain in the guest’s comments and questions, but Heald – who answers hundreds of questions and requests almost every day – offers his answer with a touch of ironic humor.
“Thank you and I didn’t even know there was a new season of this show, let alone a season finale. I hear there is a new character on the show who wears a cowboy hat, a studded black leather jacket, cowboy boots, a large silver belt buckle, and black lipstick. His name is Goth Brooks,’ Heald joked. “Either way, it should allow you to see the show if you purchase the premium plan.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s premium Wi-Fi package is the highest and fastest level of internet connectivity the cruise line offers onboard, with speeds up to three times faster than ‘social’ or ‘value’ plans.
“You can stream movies, video chat, monitor your home, and seamlessly surf the web, including apps like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, FaceTime, Zoom, and Ring, where coverage allows.” is on the official website.
The premium plan is available for purchase pre-cruise for $21.25 per day or onboard for $25 per day. Only one device is supported at a time, although guests can upgrade to a multi-device option for $75 per day, but this is only available for pre-cruise purchases.
The “season finale” the guest is referring to is actually the premiere of the second half of Yellowstone’s fifth season, which first debuted in 2022. Fans of the Western drama starring Kevin Costner will obviously enjoy watching. The Paramount network show can be streamed on several services, including Peacock, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
At the time of the Prime Minister Carnival anniversary will sail a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston, departing on November 9, the day before the show airs. On the air date the ship will enjoy a day at sea en route to Mahogany Bay, Roatan.
It should be noted that Carnival Cruise Line does offer this high-speed internet access via Starlink connectionsthere is no “guarantee” that an individual service at sea will be available or operate at peak speeds.
Loyalty to a cruise line or a TV show?
Furthermore, the guests’ claim that they are “platinum almost diamond,” referring to the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program, is irrelevant, which many other commentators have noted.
“What difference does it make if they are platinum, aluminum or zirconium?”
“What does the platinum level have to do with watching television?”
“Well, I’m ‘almost diamond’ and I’m smart enough and patient enough to look at it when I get home.”
As commentators have noted, because Yellowstone is a streaming show, fans can watch it at their leisure or choose to record it and watch it whenever they want.
Also read: Carnival Cruise Line changes stateroom TV channel lineup
While Carnival Cruise Line offers some great benefits for travelers who have achieved the Platinum and Diamond loyalty levels, there are no internet privileges or discounts on the list of benefits.
Heald has hinted that the VIFP program is being updated and overhauled – perhaps there will be an internet benefit in it!
