Carnival-owned cruise lines, Cunard and P&O Cruises, have announced plans to enhance connectivity and bandwidth on their fleets through a partnership with Starlink, operated by SpaceX. By the end of the year, Starlink will be available in public areas and cabins on Cunard ships, including Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the upcoming Queen Anne, which is set to launch in May 2024.
P&O Cruises has already introduced Starlink in public spaces on Britannia and Azura ships, and plans to make the service available on Arvia, Iona, Ventura, Arcadia, and Aurora by the end of 2023.
According to Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK, staying connected with friends and family back home is an important part of any holiday experience. He believes that Starlink will make it easier for guests and crew to share unforgettable moments and stay up to date with news, events, and content while onboard. Jonathan Hofeller, Vice President of Commercial Sales at Starlink, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of high-speed internet in modern lifestyles, whether at home or during travel.
The partnership aims to provide guests and crew on Cunard and P&O Cruises ships with improved Wi-Fi service no matter where they are in the world. With Starlink’s advanced satellite technology, cruisers can enjoy reliable and high-speed internet access for activities such as uploading photos, catching up on news, and staying connected with loved ones.
Overall, this collaboration between the cruise lines and Starlink demonstrates the industry’s commitment to enhancing the onboard experience through improved connectivity and access to the digital world.