Royal Caribbean Group 'enhancing the cruise experience' with Starlink internet on its ships

cruise ship
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Royal Caribbean Group is bringing Starlink internet to its ships. The cruise line operator said it will implement the satellite internet service from Elon Musk's SpaceX on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises vessels, as well as any of those brands' new ships. The company had previously been 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 in the travel industry so far, demonstrates our to that purpose," Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said in a news release Tuesday. "This 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.

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 said.

"Royal Caribbean Group selecting Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency internet across their fleet will make their passengers' getaways even more luxurious," SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Sales Jonathan Hofeller said in the release. "We couldn't be more excited to work with Royal Caribbean Group to ensure travelers at sea can stay connected with a great internet experience."

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.

How much will Starlink cost?

Royal Caribbean Group did not respond to U.S. 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.

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Royal Caribbean may add Elon Musk's Starlink internet service to its cruise ships

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