Elon Musk's SpaceX is providing high-speed Internet connectivity with Starlink to all Royal Caribbean cruise ships following a new deal this week that will install broadband on all of the company's international cruise ships and celebrities, as well as all new ships of these brands, To be completed by March 2023.
“The Royal Caribbean’s choice of Starlink to provide high-speed internet and low latency across its fleet will make their passengers’ journeys even more luxurious,” Jonathan Hoefler, SpaceX Vice President of Sales at Starlink, said in a statement.
Hoeffler added, “We couldn't be more excited to work with the Royal Caribbean Group to ensure that travelers at sea stay connected with a great internet experience."
Internet connectivity at sea is also historically poor, and this partnership aims to change that.
“This technology will provide game-changing internet connectivity on board our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike,” Jason Liberty, President and CEO of The Royal Caribbean Group, said in a statement.
It will improve and enable higher bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calling.
Jason Liberty added, “Using Starlink is another example of our continued focus on innovation and excellence for our guests, staff, the communities we visit, and our stakeholders.”
The Starlink constellation currently only operates near waters close to land masses, but will move to mid-ocean regions in the Northern Hemisphere by the end of this year and the Southern Hemisphere by early 2023.