by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Mon April 10, 2023
Norwegian Breakaway at Saint Lucia. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line Media)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced it would offer
SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on all ships.
The company will begin testing Starlink on Norwegian
Breakaway and roll out the internet service across its Norwegian
Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
“We are thrilled to offer Starlink on board our ships to
improve internet connectivity at sea,” Norwegian Holdings’ Harry Sommer said. “This
initiative is a testament to our continuous quest to find new and innovative
ways to enhance the experience for both guests and crew while sailing on our
award-winning brands.”
If trials are successful, Norwegian Holdings will look to equip
seven additional ships with Starlink by the end of 2023, including all three new
additions this year, Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Norwegian Viva and Regent’s Seven
Seas Grandeur.
Norwegian will use Starlink’s advanced low-earth-orbit
satellites to deliver broadband internet connectivity to passengers sailing
with the cruise line. The additional bandwidth will expand flexibility for
onboard services and improve the ship-to-shore connection for operational
needs.
“Ensuring that this technology meets our high standards of
excellence for our guests is incredibly important to us, which is why we are
introducing this cutting-edge technology across our fleet in a phased manner,” Sommer
continued. “Once deployed, guests and crew will have a faster and more reliable
method to stay connected with friends and family including by sharing in
real-time the incredible memories they create while at sea.”
The company will announce a full rollout plan and details once
finalized.
In March, Norwegian
Holdings announced that chief executive officer Frank J. Del Rio would
retire from the company and relinquish his position on the board of directors,
effective June 30.
To replace Del Rio, Norwegian named Sommer as CEO, starting
on July 1. Del Rio is expected to remain in a consultant capacity as senior
adviser to the board through 2025.
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