The world of luxury cruising is undergoing a transformative shift this year, and well into 2024, with several prominent lines implementing Starlink internet technology. This groundbreaking partnership between SpaceX and the cruise industry promises to revolutionize the onboard experience, offering guests unprecedented connectivity across the oceans and rivers of our world. “Starlink cruise ships” may not be such a popular term now, but it will certainly be an added amenity that guests will be excited to experience.
What Is Starlink, and how does it work?
Aiming to provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote and underserved areas of the world, Starlink is a division of SpaceX – the spacecraft manufacturer and satellite communication company founded by Elon Musk.
Relying on a network composed of thousands of small satellites orbiting the Earth at much lower altitudes than traditional satellites, Starlink can deploy a high-speed internet connection to basically anywhere in the world. While the network is still in development, Starlink offers significantly lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet, translating to a more reliable, faster internet service than any other provider can offer today.
Considering Starlink is easier to install onboard ships, as it only requires a series of flat panels affixed to the upper decks, instead of bulky satellite domes, it is no surprise most cruise lines have begun proudly deploying the technology this year.Â
Gone are the days of intermittent internet access and exorbitant fees onboard. Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite network enables guests to stay seamlessly connected, enjoying uninterrupted video calls, social media updates, email access, and even live-streaming services, no matter where the cruise takes them.
Digital nomads and anyone who needs to connect with the office during their voyage can now do so, as Starlink provides a reliable and secure platform for remote work. While lasting memories of the trip can now be shared in real-time, keeping families and friends updated with travel adventures.Â
For cruise lines, offering seamless connectivity enhances the overall guest experience, fostering positive feedback and repeat business – not to mention enhanced operational efficiency, as staff can now count on Starlink for any communicational and operational needs.
Starlink Cruise Ships You Will Want To Get Onboard On
Several luxury cruise lines have already begun deploying Starlink across their fleet. If you are interested in testing out this high-speed internet experience while globetrotting in the far corners of our world, make sure to get on board any of these “Starlink cruise ships”, managed by the most luxurious companies in the industry.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Starlink has been successfully installed on the Seven Seas Mariner, offering guests high-speed, unlimited, and complimentary internet access, just in time to keep guests of the cruise line’s 2024 World Cruise, setting sail in January.
Shortly before its inaugural season commenced in November, Regent’s newest ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur also began offering SpaceX’s high-speed connectivity. By the end of 2024, all six ships of the world’s most luxurious fleet will be equipped with the service.Â
Scenic and Emerald Luxury Cruises
Guests traveling with Scenic and Emerald Cruises this year began experiencing Starlink onboard Scenic’s Eclipse I and II, and Emerald’s Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.
Providing internet speeds up to 70 times faster than standard thanks to a network of 3,500 satellites, guests onboard an expedition to Antarctica, and any other far corner of the world, can remain perfectly connected throughout their journey.
Silversea Cruises
As part of the Royal Caribbean Group, one of the first in the cruise industry to adopt Starlink connectivity onboard, Silversea Cruises fleet has been carrying the technology for a few months, along with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises.
Complimenting to perfection an all-inclusive experience onboard, Starlink keeps guests onboard Silversea connected wherever in the world they might be – whether it is exploring the Indian Ocean, or diving deep into the polar regions.
Crystal Cruises
As for Crystal Cruises, Crystal Endeavor will be the first of its fleet to offer Starlink internet, followed by other vessels in the fleet in the coming months.
Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn has announced plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink internet by 2024, offering guests uninterrupted connectivity on all voyages.
Aqua Expeditions
Small ship and riverboat operator Aqua Expeditions has already equipped its fleet with the latest trend in high-speed internet connectivity. This allows guests and crew to stay fully connected even in the remoteness of the Peruvian Amazon, Galapagos Islands, or the remote Coral Triangle of Indonesia.
This is just the beginning of a new era in luxury cruising. As Starlink technology becomes more widely available, we can expect to see even more ships and lines adopt this innovative solution, a shift that will undoubtedly revolutionize how guests experience luxury cruises, allowing them to stay connected, entertained, and productive throughout their voyage.
Ready to put this technology to the test? Chances are, it will be already onboard your next luxury cruise adventure.
Mavi Parra is a journalist, content creator, and traveler with over 10 years of experience in various communications fields. Specializing in digital media and advertising, her work focuses on the relationships between travel, culture, and destinations. Currently, she is Luxury Cruise Connection’s content writer, developing engaging content to educate and promote luxury cruise travel.
