Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?
No matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you’re keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.
In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.
A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.
Will your next cruise offer the same Wi-Fi speeds you enjoy on land? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.
How does Starlink work?
Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit 22,000 miles away, Starlink’s thousands of satellites orbit about 340 miles above the Earth’s surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink’s data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.
The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 8,000 satellites currently in orbit and plans to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the oceans' most remote areas. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, with nearly complete coverage of all the world’s oceans and waterways.
The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels on upper decks, replacing the now-antiquated domes often placed near the ship’s funnel and radar masts.
Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: Things to know about internet use on board
How fast is Starlink internet access?
Starlink’s website estimates download speeds from 25 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds from 5 to 20 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These wide-ranging estimates don’t factor in cruise ship-based throttling, capacity, global positioning, and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.
The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industrywide challenge. Regardless of which line you're sailing, you'll likely encounter areas on the ship with a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.
As with traditional satellites, severe weather can affect Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can cause temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.
Cruises with Starlink
Here’s a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG’s guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.
Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white-label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.
Azamara
Azamara’s fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. Passengers only have access to one level of bandwidth.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line’s entire fleet offers Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. Three levels of bandwidth are available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. Two levels of bandwidth are available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).
Cunard
Cunard’s entire fleet offers Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. Two levels of bandwidth are available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).
Disney Cruise Line
All Disney Cruise Line ships currently use Starlink Wi-Fi. Two levels of bandwidth are available for purchase: the Internet Package (for web browsing, social media and internet-based messaging) and the Internet + Streaming Package (for video and audio streaming, plus high-bandwidth usage).
Explora Journeys
This small luxury line launched by the owners of MSC Cruises currently offers complimentary (and relatively fast) Starlink Wi-Fi to passengers for up to three devices per guest.
Holland America
Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. Three levels of bandwidth are available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).
MSC Cruises
All ships in MSC Cruises' fleet are equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. Two levels of bandwidth are available for purchase: the Browse Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse and Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard its ships, with the exception of Delfin II. The Basic bandwidth level is complimentary and supports free messaging via apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.), email and limited social media. Two additional levels of bandwidth are available for purchase: Enhanced (general web browsing and social media, plus video calls) and Premium (full, unlimited web, social and streaming access).
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide. The line offers two levels of bandwidth for purchase: the Voyage Wi-Fi Pass (web browsing, email and messaging) and the Streaming Voyage Wi-Fi Pass (audio and video streaming, plus VPN access).
As part of the line’s More at Sea promotion, guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free, depending on the length of the sailing.
Oceania Cruises
All ships in Oceania Cruises' fleet feature Starlink Wi-Fi. The line offers basic complimentary internet to all guests, with a premium option available for streaming (for a fee).
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises ships feature the MedallionNet Wi-Fi network, which combines multiorbit satellites — geostationary orbit, medium Earth orbit and low Earth orbit (Starlink) — with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. Two levels of bandwidth are available: MedallionNet Classic, the line's basic package, and MedallionNet Max, which offers the highest-performance bandwidth.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
All Regent Seven Seas ships are equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. Two levels of bandwidth are available: a complimentary basic package for emails and news, and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage (for a fee).
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s entire fleet features a Wi-Fi program called Voom, which is powered by Starlink. One level of bandwidth is available at an additional cost.
Seabourn
Seabourn offers complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide. Two levels of bandwidth are available: the Surf Wi-Fi Package (internet browsing, email and social media) and the Stream Wi-Fi Package (streaming and video calls).
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises‘ entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. Two levels of bandwidth are available: Standard Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.
Viking
Viking‘s entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. One level of bandwidth is available, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.
Virgin Voyages
All ships in Virgin Voyages' fleet feature a combination of medium Earth orbit and low Earth orbit/Starlink Wi-Fi coverage at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing (no streaming or video) and internet-based messaging. Two upgraded bandwidth options are available for an additional fee: Premium Wi-Fi (streaming and video calls) and Work From Sea Wi-Fi (video calls and VPN access).
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.