Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships’ Internet Service to use Starlink

On August 30th, Royal Caribbean Group said that it will start to deploy SpaceX’s Starlink, a fast-growing constellation of internet-beaming satellites in earth orbit, to provide internet services to its guests and crew on its cruise ships.

In June the US Federal Communications Commission has authorised Elon Musk’s SpaceX to connect its Starlink satellite internet network with moving vehicles, and approved SpaceX’s plan to expand broadband offerings to commercial airlines, shipping vessels and trucks. Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said its partnership with SpaceX marks “the biggest public deployment of Starlink’s high-speed internet in the travel industry” to date and Liberty said the service would “enable more high-bandwidth activities” for its customers and crew, including video streaming and video calls.

Royal Caribbean plans to install Starlink by the end of 1st quarter next year for ships operated under its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises brands.

Also, in the aviation industry, private jet charter company JSX plans to be the first air carrier to offer Starlink services this year for flights in the US domestic market. Hawaiian Airlines also has a deal to offer Starlink services on transpacific flights to and from Hawaii next year.