Royal Caribbean Joins SpaceX’s Starlink to Provide Onboard Internet

Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty stated in a press release that “this technology will provide game-changing internet connectivity onboard ships.” It will allow for a more high-bandwidth activity like video streaming and calls.

Royal Caribbean Cruises will offer onboard internet via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

Jonathan Hofeller, SpaceX vice president of Starlink Commercial Sales said that the company’s internet service would make Royal Caribbean cruises even more luxurious.

SpaceX hopes Starlink, an interconnected network of thousands of satellites orbiting low Earth orbit, will provide high-speed internet access anywhere on the globe. SpaceX has launched approximately 2,700 satellites so far.

After a push by Elon Musk, SpaceX founder authorized the FCC to authorize SpaceX to offer mobile Starlink internet service to all boats, planes, and trucks in June. Just days after SpaceX’s announcement of a partnership to “end mobile dead areas,”, the Royal Caribbean announcement was made.

SpaceX has also signed early agreements for Wi-Fi in-flight with commercial airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and JSX (a semi-private charter operator).