Royal Caribbean Group has announced that it will implement the SpaceX Starlink internet service onboard its full cruise fleet. This makes Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea Cruises the first ships to adopt Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service.
Deployment will begin immediately. Royal Caribbean had performed a trial run of the SpaceX service on Freedom of the Seas, and received tremendous positive feedback. The full fleet is expected to be complete by the end of March 2023. The announcement comes just two months after SpaceX received FCC permission to provide Starlink services to boats, aircraft, and vehicles.
Royal Caribbean Group says this is the largest public deployment of Starlink in the travel industry so far. It will “provide game-changing internet connectivity onboard our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike,” says Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO. Hawaiian Airlines also has agreed to offer Starlink services on transpacific flights starting in 2023.
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Liberty continues to say that the Starlink broadband service will allow cruisers to enjoy more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming and video calls. Royal Caribbean is already considered a leader in sea-based internet service. VOOM internet, offered on Royal Caribbean ships, is marketed as the fastest internet at sea. You can purchase two different VOOM internet packages for basic (VOOM Surf) and premium (VOOM Surf + Stream) access. Celebrity also offers basic and premium Wi-Fi to passengers. Standard internet is complimentary on Silveresa Cruises, however guests staying in premium suites receive upgraded Wi-Fi service.
Royal Caribbean Group’s global fleet includes 64 ships sailing to approximately 1000 destinations worldwide. The Starlink deployment will also include new ships coming to the group. Currently the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea brands have 10 additional ships on order.
For more information, visit the Royal Caribbean Group newsroom.
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Are you ready to test out the new Starlink internet service on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea Cruises? We’d love to help plan the trip of your dreams — and select the best internet package for you to keep you connected to your loved ones. Call us at 941-479-8980 or fill out our inquiry form today!
