SpaceX Starlink high-speed internet will now be made available on cruise ships of Royal Caribbean. It is well known how SpaceX is experimenting with the Starlink services on moving vehicles and other locations. Now, they are also engaged with Royal Caribbean to provide internet service to the people on cruise ships.
Based on regulatory filings, the details show that the cruise ships will have SpaceX’s Starlink to provide internet service. It is known from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), that the ships will be having a new type of internet service now. It is said that the Royal Caribbean Group Vice President of Operational Excellence, John Maya asked SpaceX for these services.
Maya Askes for approval to use Starlink on Royal Caribbean ships. Starlink is satellite operated internet connection provider. The coverage area of these satellites is vast, and remote areas will also have high-speed internet. The filing states, “We write today to respectfully request that you act expeditiously and look favorably upon the pending application filed by SpaceX Services, Inc. and referenced above.”
Mr. Maya said that there is a need for high-speed internet onboard, because of increased cloud-based services. He adds that bankruptcies, attrition, and consolidation in the business of satellites internet were because of not keeping up with the demand.
Working with SpaceX
Mr. Maya said, “Working with SpaceX Services, Inc., we believe we have identified a true next-generation solution for our vessels that meets the rigorous technical and operational requirements commensurate with our growth plans.” Further added, “We believe our work with SpaceX, the first of its kind in the cruise industry will set the standard for other cruise operators and will mean a leap in terms of guest experience and business operations while at sea.”
If SpaceX is ready for Starlink to be added to a cruise ship soon, there’s a legal issue that is preventing it, which is why Royal Caribbean is appealing to the FCC. SpaceX has yet to receive approval to operate its Starlink service on moving vehicles, including planes and naval ships. Up until now, Royal Caribbean’s Voom internet service has relied on the internet from other providers, including O3b MEO. The O3b internet had made it on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships but did not get added to older ships in the fleet. Moreover, it has anecdotally not performed nearly as well more recently, especially when compared to other cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises.
