Carnival Corporation has announced a new partnership with Neuron, a company that provides a connectivity management platform designed to enhance internet connectivity. The world’s largest cruise operator hopes to significantly improve internet connectivity on its cruise ships using Neuron’s AI-powered platform.

The partnership aims to ensure consistent, high-quality internet access for both passengers and crew members, enhancing the overall experience on board.

Neuron and Carnival Aim for Increased Connectivity

Carnival and Neuron, a platform that enhances the overall WiFi and connectivity onboard ships, announced a new partnership on December 5, 2023. Together, the two companies will be using Neuron’s AI-powered platform, which is particularly effective for mobile entities like ships. 

Using real-time data and artificial intelligence, Neuron offers comprehensive control over connectivity across various service providers. This will enable Carnival to get the most out of the new internet offerings the cruise company introduced recently, such as Starlink Maritime and 5G connectivity onboard its newest cruise ship, Carnival Jubilee.

In essence, Neuron uses real-time data and AI to provide companies with incredible insights and control over their connectivity, across multiple providers. This will enable them to offer high-quality connectivity to guests and crew members during their time onboard, with fewer interruptions. 

For things that move, like cruise ships, seamless connectivity is a uniquely tough challenge to solve,” said Benny Retnamony founder & CEO of Neuron. 

“In partnership with Neuron, Carnival Corporation has demonstrated that with the right data and technologies at their fingertips, they can drive more flexible and agile connectivity operations – and as a result, make connectivity experiences even better for their guests and crew, at all times, in all places.”

In simple terms, Carnival Corporation will use the technology and data to make their internet service better and more reliable for everyone on the ship, no matter where they are.

“We want to continue providing the best available connection at sea and our partnership with Neuron allows us to have full visibility and control over our connectivity,” said Paul Marsh, director of global connectivity for Carnival Corporation. 

“By investing in new and emerging technologies, we can push the boundaries of connectivity innovation with a fresh approach that will accelerate the future of connected cruising and transform the guest experience.”

Enhancing Guest Experiences with Cutting-edge Technology

The integration of advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, and satellite connectivity like Starlink on Carnival-owned cruise ships is revolutionizing the guest experience. This transformation goes far beyond providing stable internet connections.

Guests can soon enjoy seamless streaming, stay in touch with loved ones, and even attend virtual meetings without the fear of connectivity issues, regardless of their location at sea. Compared to just a few years ago, when internet connections were in the single digit Mpbs, this represents a huge leap forward.

AI’s capabilities are set to dramatically enhance how Carnival Corporation interacts with and serves its guests. By analyzing millions of data points collected across the fleet, AI can offer highly personalized services.

This means guests can enjoy customized recommendations, from activity suggestions based on past preferences to tailored dining experiences. For returning guests, this technology ensures that their in-cabin preferences are remembered and implemented across any ship in the fleet. 

Looking ahead, the potential of these technologies extends even further. AI and advanced connectivity can revolutionize onboard entertainment, virtual excursions, and even navigation and safety protocols. They open the door to innovative experiences never seen before onboard cruise ships.

Establishing partnerships like the one between Carnival and Neuron will also benefit the cruise lines. Internet service on large cruise ships remains a profitable business model, generating substantial revenue for these companies. 

By ensuring that guests are satisfied with the available internet packages and their connectivity, the likelihood of more guests opting for onboard internet purchases will only increase.

Carnival Cruise Line has recently increased the pricing at multiple specialty dining venues fleetwide, with cost going up from just $1 per person to staggering increases of as much as $51 per person, depending on the ship and restaurant.

The new prices went into effect on December 1, 2023 and are now implemented on all of the line’s ships as holiday sailings get underway.

Specialty Restaurant Prices Increase

Multiple specialty restaurants aboard Carnival ships are now commanding higher prices after recent rate increases. While no official announcement was made for the price changes, the new rates for the most popular specialty restaurants in the fleet are confirmed on the cruise line’s website.

Not every restaurant onboard is impacted, and there is no associated increase in gratuity fees or other service charges at this time. Gratuities are automatically included in the per person rates for some specialty dining restaurants, though an additional 18% gratuity is assessed for Bonsai Teppanyaki reservations and guests may always extend additional gratuities at their discretion.

The new prices (all in USD) are as follows:

• Steakhouse – $49 per person (+$1 / 2% increase)
• JiJi Asian Kitchen – $24 per person (+$6 / 33% increase)
• Cucina del Capitano – $24 per person (+$6 / 33% increase)
• Bonsai Teppanyaki – $38 per person for lunch, $42 for dinner (+$3 / 9% increase for lunch; +$4 / 11% for dinner)
• Rudi’s Seagrill – $49 per person (+$1 / 2% increase)

It must be noted that prices differ for Cucina del Capitano aboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, as that venue operates differently aboard the Excel-class ships. All guests on those vessels receive one complimentary dinner at Cucina del Capitano (unlimited free dinners on Carnival Jubilee), and a nominal $8 per person charge is assessed for additional dinners.

Other specialty venues and dining events, including Il Viaggio and the popular Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, have not had any price change at this time. Similarly, fees for room service are not increasing at the moment.

Most Dramatic Price Increase

The most dramatic of the specialty dining price increases is the Chef’s Table exclusive experience, a private, small-group dining event with a multi-course, wine-paired meal that includes exclusive menu items, behind-the-scenes insights, and other unique experiences. On some ships, a galley tour may be included, or a premium upgraded menu and “enhanced experience” may be offered for the elite meal.

Read Also: Chef’s Table on Carnival Cruise Line – Everything You Need to Know

Chef’s Table pricing has always varied among different ships depending on the size of the ship and how exclusive the event can be. Prices may also vary for select sailings, such as during inaugural seasons or holiday cruises.

The old pricing ranged from $80-99 per person, while the new price is $90-150 per person. This is an increase of $10 to $51 depending on the ship – an increase of at least 13% and as much as 52% per person. For an entire family hoping to enjoy this elegant and entertaining meal, this can be quite a shock to the cruise budget.

The rates for the Chef’s Table do not include an additional 18% gratuity that will be added to each reservation, making the cost on the most expensive ships – Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, and the upcoming Carnival Firenze – a whopping $354 for a couple to enjoy the experience.

Why No Notice of the Increases?

While prices for specialty dining can be increased at any time without prior notice, Carnival Cruise Line does generally notify guests of impending increases a few days or weeks before the new pricing takes effect.

This typically gives booked guests the opportunity to make their reservations at the lower price point to take advantage of savings before they set sail. After the date of the increase, all new restaurant reservations – even for existing cruise bookings made before that date – are subject to the new specialty dining pricing.

There is no information available about why the price increases were not advertised ahead of time, which – while not required – is often considered a courtesy to booked guests. It is possible these increases may only be temporary tests, or an announcement may yet be forthcoming if additional price changes are still being finalized for other venues.

Of interesting note is that these dining price changes come at the same time Carnival Cruise Line announced increased Wi-Fi prices fleetwide. The internet price change does not take effect until December 8, and guests do have the opportunity to lock in the lower rates by booking a plan before the increase date.