Royal Caribbean Group ‘enhancing the cruise experience’ with Starlink internet on its ships
evaluating the technology on board and conducted a trial on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas.
“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,” Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said in a news release Tuesday. “This technology will provide game-changing internet connectivity onboard our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike.”
The Federal Communications Commission approved Starlink’s use on moving vehicles in June.
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How will Starlink change internet on Royal Caribbean ships?
Liberty said Starlink will facilitate and improve “more high-bandwidth activities” like such as video calls and streaming. The service will also make working and staying in touch with loved ones easier, the company said.
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When will Starlink be installed?
Royal Caribbean Group will begin implementing Starlink throughout its fleet immediately, with deployment set to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
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How much will Starlink cost?
Royal Caribbean Group did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on how much Starlink would cost for customers on board. Royal Caribbean International currently offers a Surf Wi-Fi option that starts at $25.99 for a one-day pass or between $14.99 and $17.99 per day for each device with an unlimited voyage package, spokesperson Khiavett Diaz said in an email.
A one-day pass for the Surf + Stream option starts at $32.99, or between $19.99 and $22.99 per device each day with the unlimited voyage package.
SpaceX previously secured deals with Hawaiian Airlines and regional-jet carrier JSX in April, which both said they would offer Starlink for free.