Revolutionizing Cruise Connectivity: SpaceX’s Satellite Internet

SpaceX’s low-earth-orbit satellites are going to revolutionize internet connectivity for cruise ships.

Traditionally, cruise ships have struggled with reliable and high-speed internet access due to their remote locations. However, with the deployment of Starlink’s satellite internet service, cruise passengers can look forward to seamless connectivity wherever their vessel takes them.

Starlink’s extensive satellite constellation aims to eliminate coverage gaps and provide fast, low-latency internet access to even the most remote parts of the world’s oceans. This means cruise ship guests can enjoy uninterrupted communication, access to streaming services, and smooth browsing experiences, enhancing their onboard experience and keeping them connected to the world throughout their voyage.

Carol and I will soon be sailing with Lindblad Expeditions around the archipelago of Svalbard, which is just 800 miles south of the North Pole. As I began to ponder my photography and the prospect of sharing our photographs on Facebook and Instagram, I assumed that I would have no Internet connectivity out in the middle of the Arctic.

Thankfully, I was wrong.  I just received this from Lindblad today:

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 24, 2023 – Lindblad Expeditions – the recognized global leader and pioneer of modern expedition travel to the world’s wildest and most remote places – announced today the beginning of the roll-out of SpaceX’s high-speed, low-latency broadband internet, Starlink.

With the implementation of Starlink, Lindblad Expeditions will also unveil three new tiered internet packages by the end of the year. These tiers include a “Basic” tier that enables free messaging via apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, email, and limited social media; an “Enhanced” tier that supports general web browsing and social media, as well as video calls on Zoom, FaceTime, and other platforms; and a “Premium” tier with full, unlimited web, social, and streaming access.

“Our goal has always been to help connect our guests with the off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world and now, with Starlink, we can help them stay connected with their family, friends, and colleagues back home,” said Noah Brodsky, Chief Commercial Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. “Starlink will enable up to 10 times faster download speeds over our existing service and enhanced streaming capabilities with full coverage throughout some of our most remote itineraries, like Antarctica, the Canadian Arctic, Svalbard, and Alaska. This enhanced connectivity will also enable even more meaningful research and conservation work for our naturalists, expedition leaders, and the researchers in our Visiting Scientist Program.”

Starlink has already begun rolling out across Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet, with the high-speed internet currently available on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Resolution.

This is great news, and I’m looking forward to bouncing my photographs over these satellites and giving our clients nearly live photographs from the Arctic.

HOW TO BOOK A LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION CRUISE

A Lindblad/Nat Geo price is the same booking directly with the cruise line or booking with Roaming Boomers Travel Services.

However, Lindblad/Nat Geo is a member of our Virtuoso Voyages program. Therefore, we have complimentary VIP perks to share on many of their voyages.

For more information or to book a fun expedition cruise with Lindblad/Nat Geo, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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