Cunard and P&O Cruises have partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity and bandwidth on their cruise ships, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers even in the middle of the ocean. Cunard plans to make the service available in both public areas and cabins on their ships, with the rollout expected to be completed by the end of 2023. P&O Cruises has already introduced Starlink in the public spaces of two of their ships and aims to expand it to multiple other ships by the end of 2023. This collaboration between the cruise lines and Starlink is part of a broader agreement between parent company Carnival and Starlink, which has seen the high-speed satellite internet service being implemented across various Carnival brands. With Starlink’s rapid expansion into the cruise industry, it is now installed or being installed on 11 additional cruise lines, ranging from large to boutique operators.
Cunard and P&O Cruises Enhance Connectivity with SpaceX Starlink
Introduction
Cunard and P&O Cruises, two renowned cruise line companies, have partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity and bandwidth across their fleet of cruise ships. This partnership aims to provide passengers with seamless connectivity even in the middle of the ocean, allowing them to stay connected with friends, family, and the world while on their cruise vacations.
Background
The collaboration between Cunard, P&O Cruises, and SpaceX began in June, with plans to make the Starlink service available in both public spaces and cabins on Cunard’s ships by the end of 2023. The ships included in this implementation are the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. Additionally, the newly launching Queen Anne, set to sail in May 2024, will also be equipped with Starlink. On the other hand, P&O Cruises has already introduced Starlink to the public spaces of two of their ships, Britannia and Azura. The goal is to extend the availability of this high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service to all areas, including cabins, on their ships Arvia, Iona, Ventura, Arcadia, and Aurora by the end of 2023.
Cunard Cruise Ships
Cunard is a British cruise line renowned for its luxurious and elegant ships. With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, Cunard’s fleet consists of several iconic vessels that offer unparalleled experiences to their passengers.
Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2, often referred to as QM2, is one of the most celebrated ships in Cunard’s fleet. Launched in 2004, this ocean liner showcases classic design elements and provides a grand and opulent experience for its guests. The implementation of SpaceX’s Starlink on Queen Mary 2 will ensure that passengers can enjoy reliable and high-speed internet connectivity throughout their journey.
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria, another majestic ship operated by Cunard, offers a sophisticated and refined cruising experience. With its elegant décor and luxurious amenities, Queen Victoria transports guests to a world of indulgence and relaxation. The integration of Starlink on Queen Victoria will enable passengers to stay connected with friends, family, and the outside world seamlessly.
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, embodies the timeless elegance and regality associated with the Cunard brand. This ship offers a splendid variety of activities, entertainment, and dining options that cater to the diverse preferences of its passengers. The addition of Starlink on Queen Elizabeth will enhance the overall cruise experience, allowing guests to stay connected with ease.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne, the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, is set to launch in May 2024. This eagerly anticipated ship promises to deliver unparalleled luxury and contemporary design. With the integration of Starlink, Queen Anne will provide passengers with seamless connectivity, enabling them to share their unforgettable moments and stay connected throughout their voyage.
P&O Cruise Ships
P&O Cruises is a leading cruise line in the United Kingdom, offering a wide range of itineraries and a memorable cruising experience to its guests. The company operates a fleet of modern and innovative ships, each designed to provide exceptional comfort and enjoyment to passengers.
Britannia
Britannia is P&O Cruises’ flagship vessel, known for its stylish design and vast array of amenities. This ship offers a contemporary cruising experience, with a focus on exceptional dining, entertainment, and relaxation options. With the introduction of Starlink, passengers aboard Britannia can enjoy enhanced connectivity, enabling them to share their experiences and stay connected during their cruise vacation.
Azura
Azura is another popular ship in the P&O Cruises lineup, offering a diverse range of itineraries and a wealth of onboard facilities. This family-friendly ship caters to passengers of all ages, providing an unforgettable vacation experience. By integrating Starlink in Azura’s public spaces, P&O Cruises ensures that passengers can stay connected and make the most of their cruise journey.
Arvia
Arvia, set to launch in the near future, promises to be a game-changer in the cruise industry. With its innovative design and cutting-edge features, this ship will offer an exceptional cruising experience. The implementation of SpaceX’s Starlink on Arvia will provide passengers with seamless connectivity, allowing them to stay connected even in remote regions of the ocean.
Iona
Iona, P&O Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship, combines luxury with sustainability, offering a greener cruising experience. As passengers explore breathtaking destinations, they can now stay connected through Starlink, ensuring they never miss an opportunity to share their adventures with loved ones.
Ventura
Ventura, with its impressive range of onboard facilities and diverse itineraries, offers a fantastic vacation experience for guests. By introducing Starlink, P&O Cruises allows passengers aboard Ventura to enjoy seamless connectivity, enhancing their ability to connect with others and access online content while at sea.
Arcadia
Arcadia is a refined and elegant ship, designed for passengers seeking a more intimate and tranquil cruise experience. With the integration of Starlink, Arcadia’s guests can stay connected and access the internet’s vast resources, all while enjoying the serene ambiance and luxurious amenities the ship has to offer.
Aurora
Aurora, known for its classic British charm and warm atmosphere, offers a wonderful retreat for passengers seeking a more traditional cruising experience. By incorporating Starlink, Aurora ensures that its guests can remain connected with loved ones, access information, and enjoy online entertainment throughout their voyage.
Benefits of Starlink
The partnership between Cunard, P&O Cruises, and SpaceX’s Starlink brings significant benefits to passengers on board their ships. The utilization of Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service allows for seamless and reliable connectivity, even in a maritime environment where traditional internet connections may be limited. With Starlink, passengers can stay connected with friends and family, share their experiences through social media, access real-time news and entertainment, and utilize online services, all while enjoying their cruise vacation.
Celebratory Offer
To mark the roll-out of Starlink connectivity on their ships, Cunard offers a special celebratory offer to passengers. Guests can purchase the Essentials-only internet plan for US$15 per day or the Premium internet plan starting from US$20 a day, both of which come with a 15% discount compared to regular prices. This offer allows passengers to fully experience the benefits of Starlink connectivity at an affordable price, ensuring their cruise memories are easily documented and shared.
Broader Partnership with Carnival
The collaboration between Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Starlink is part of a broader agreement between Starlink’s parent company, Carnival, and SpaceX. This partnership, signed in January of this year, extends the implementation of Starlink across various Carnival brands, including AIDA, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa, Holland America Line, and Seabourn. By partnering with Starlink, Carnival aims to provide enhanced connectivity and internet access to passengers across its fleet, revolutionizing the cruise industry’s connectivity standards.
Expansion across the Cruise Industry
SpaceX’s Starlink has quickly gained momentum in the cruise industry, with numerous cruise lines, both large and small, adopting the service. In addition to Cunard and P&O Cruises, Starlink has been installed or is in the process of being installed on eleven additional cruise lines. This widespread adoption further demonstrates the value and potential of Starlink in providing reliable and fast internet connectivity to cruise ship passengers, enhancing their overall cruising experience.
Conclusion
The partnership between Cunard, P&O Cruises, and SpaceX’s Starlink marks a significant milestone in revolutionizing connectivity in the cruise industry. By integrating Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service, both companies are enhancing the cruise experience for their passengers, allowing them to stay connected and make the most of their vacation. This partnership not only benefits the passengers of Cunard and P&O Cruises but also sets a new standard for connectivity in the broader cruise industry, paving the way for a more connected cruising experience in the future. With Starlink, the oceans will no longer be a barrier to staying connected, ensuring that passengers can continue to share their unforgettable moments and connect with the world throughout their cruise journey.