Carnival Corporation to boost at-sea internet with Space X Starlink

Carnival Corporation has partnered with Space X’s Starlink to provide the next-generation of internet connectivity across its global fleet.

The Starlink agreement is the latest in a series of moves that have nearly tripled ship bandwidth since 2019 and will now provide faster service, greater capacity and more reliable Wi-Fi on a global scale.

AIDA Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line were the first to get the new Starlink connectivity in December 2022, and there are now plans to expand Starlink to several of the company’s other cruise brands.

Carnival Corporation owns Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

Starlink’s constellation of low-earth orbit satellites rival Wi-Fi found on land, allowing guests to share photos and videos, steam movies and live sporting events, and enjoying other content onboard with a reliable connection at even faster speeds.

“For many of our guests, it has become more and more important to maintain the type of connectivity at sea that they’ve become accustomed to at home, and of course to share the unforgettable experiences of their cruise with friends and family,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.

“We are in the business of delivering happiness, and Starlink makes it as easy as possible for our guests to share all their great moments and memories, giving them even more joy out of their cruise vacation,” he added.

The enhanced connectivity will also give the cruise lines the ability to introduce new guest services and features, boost operational functions like onboard equipment monitoring and real-time communications between ship and shore teams, and enable better communication with family for crew.

“High-speed, low-latency broadband internet is critical in our modern age, and we’re excited to provide Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA’s guests an internet experience that makes their travel even more enjoyable,” said Jonathan Hofeller, VP of Starlink Sales for SpaceX.

“In even the most remote waters, guests onboard Carnival Corporation ships will be able to share real-time updates with friends and family,” he added.