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Five major cruise liners are about to get a major internet upgrade, thanks to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet and Starlink Maritime terminals.

The cruise liners include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages, and Windstar Cruises. 

Starlink Maritime terminals are game changers

The installation of Starlink on these ships is expected to provide faster, more reliable internet access for guests while at sea.

Starlink Maritime, which costs $5,000 per month and includes a one-time $5,000 kit fee, provides internet access at speeds of up to 350 Mbps download. It was launched in July last year and has already gained popularity among boat owners who want a more reliable internet connection while on the water.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Corporation, one of the largest cruise line operators, announced in January that it had agreed to install Starlink on its entire fleet. The company began rolling out Starlink on Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships in December 2021 and plans to expand the service to its other brands.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean announced in August that it would make Starlink available on its entire fleet of Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International ships. 

Royal Caribbean

The company expects all ships to have Starlink by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Royal Caribbean performed a trial of Starlink on one of its ships, Freedom of the Seas, and was impressed enough to adopt the service across its entire fleet.

"This technology will provide game-changing internet connectivity onboard our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike," Royal Caribbean Group CEO and president Jason Liberty said in the statement. "It will improve and enable more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls."

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines announced in January last year that it would add Starlink to its fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in 2023.

 The company tested the service in 2022 and received rave reviews from guests. 

In 2023, Starlink will be free for guests on all cruises, providing connectivity and faster upload speeds almost everywhere American Cruise Lines sails.

American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages is also upgrading its fleet of seven ships to Starlink internet. Three of the company's vessels already offer the service, and the company plans to test and install it on all ships before they take to the seas in 2023.

 According to Cindy D'Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages, Starlink will provide guests and crew with the comforts of at-home Wi-Fi while at sea.

Windstar Cruises

 Windstar Cruises announced in February that it plans to provide Starlink across most of its ships by mid-2023. The company operates six vessels, and one of them, Star Legend, will have Starlink this spring. Windstar plans to install the service on four other ships after this.

"When the ships are inside the service area, faster speeds will alleviate much of the frustration felt at peak use times," Gregg Wagner, Windstar's technology director, said.

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, said that Starlink Maritime terminals are essential for “maintaining a connection during choppy seas and heavy storms.” 

With the installation of Starlink on cruise liners, guests can expect to enjoy more reliable internet access while at sea, which will enhance their cruising experience.