Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, has completed the rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet across its entire fleet of over 90 ships, the company announced today.
The move equips all of Carnival’s cruise vessels with high-speed, low-latency broadband internet powered by Starlink’s network of satellites in low-Earth orbit. It represents a major upgrade in onboard connectivity for the company’s ships at sea.
For cruise guests, the Starlink installation means faster internet speeds and higher capacity for sharing photos, videos, using social media, streaming content and remote working while onboard. Crew members will also benefit from improved communication abilities with friends and family back home.
“Starlink has been a game-changer for the onboard connectivity experience,” said Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein. “We’ve already seen a surge in guest satisfaction and positive feedback.”
Carnival began implementing the Starlink technology in December 2022 with its Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises brands before expanding across its full portfolio, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and others.
The satellite internet forms part of Carnival’s multi-provider connectivity strategy, using a range of technologies to quadruple total bandwidth for its ships since 2019. By dynamically routing traffic across multiple networks, Carnival aims to provide a consistent high-speed experience no matter the ship or itinerary.
The increased bandwidth has operational benefits, too. It allows continuous monitoring of onboard equipment, real-time data sharing between ships and shoreside teams, and faster rollout of new guest services even while vessels are underway.
The upgraded capabilities bring cruise connectivity closer to typical onshore broadband experiences. It addresses long-standing complaints around slow and expensive internet access on ships at sea.
The investment positions Carnival as a leader in elevating the cruise experience through technological innovations. It comes as the industry bounces back from pandemic disruptions and focuses on attracting new customers.
With the global rollout complete, Carnival can now market an internet solution competitive with on-land broadband to the cruise industry’s technology-savvy customers. As connectivity expectations rise, such advancements could prove a key differentiator at sea.
