Both Seadream and Royal Caribbean Group ((RCL) plan to implement SpaceX’s Starlink satcoms system.
RCL has claimed to be the first major cruise ship operator to sign up to the high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better on board experience for guests and crew across its fleet and its various brands.
The broadband internet service will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all of the new vessels under construction or ordered for each of the brands.
Deployment of the Starlink technology across the fleet will begin immediately, RCI said, taking into account the results from the trials held on board ‘Freedom of the Seas’, which has received positive feedback from guests and crew alike.
All of the installations are due to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
“Our purpose as a company is to deliver the best vacation experiences to our guests responsibly, and this new offering, which is the biggest public deployment of Starlink’s high-speed internet in the travel industry so far, demonstrates our commitment to that purpose,” said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO.
“This technology will provide game-changing internet connectivity on board our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike. It will improve and enable more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls. Using Starlink is one more example of our continued focus on innovation and excellence for our guests, our crew, the communities we visit and our shareholders,” he said.
“Royal Caribbean Group selecting Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency internet across their fleet will make their passengers’ getaways even more luxurious,” said SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Sales, Jonathan Hofeller. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Royal Caribbean Group to ensure travellers at sea can stay connected with a great internet experience.”
“Our work with SpaceX is another example of how Royal Caribbean Group continues to lead the cruise industry in innovation and adoption of cutting-edge technology,” Liberty stressed.
SpaceX has also delivered high-speed Starlink internet connectivity to SeaDream’s two luxury yachts, ’SeaDream I’ and ’SeaDream II’.
This installation is part of SeaDream’s $10 mill renovation project.
“I am proud to announce that SeaDream is at the forefront of technology, becoming the first boutique travel line to implement Starlink on board,” said SeaDream’s Andreas Brynestad.
“This innovation optimises our guests experience by putting high speed internet at their fingertips, so they can stream their favourite entertainment, work remotely and connect with friends and family back home.
“The small size of our yachts provides a distinct advantage, inthat we can deliver a larger amount of internet per person on board, quite possibly making us the fastest internet on the seas.
“In the two short months since introducing Starlink, we have received remarkable positive feedback from guests and crew alike,” he said.
SeaDream Yacht Club’s 56-stateroom twin yachts upgrades include crafted renovations to provide guests with state-of-the-art technology, functional and enhanced stateroom space, and luxurious lounge areas on all decks, the company claimed.
