Carnival Corporation, Seaspan Equip Entire Fleets with Starlink Internet

Carnival Corporation, the world’s leading cruise company, has announced the successful installation of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet service across their entire fleet of cruise ships.

The company’s fleet of over 90 ships now boasts improved service, greater capacity, and enhanced Wi-Fi reliability. This initiative began with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises in December 2022 and subsequently expanded to include all of Carnival Corporation’s brands.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, said Starlink has revolutionized the onboard connectivity experience for both guests and crew.

“We see this technology as a win-win-win — it provides our guests with more flexibility to stay as connected as they’d like on vacation, it allows our crew to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and it enhances our onboard operational systems,” said Weinstein.

In a similar development, container lessor Seaspan Corporation has also recently completed the installation of Starlink across its full fleet, positioning Seaspan as one of the first major owner-operators of containerships to fully integrate Starlink’s high bandwidth, low latency service into its operations.

As of March 31, 2024, Seaspan’s operating fleet consisted of 165 vessels, with an additional 23 vessels under construction, expected to be delivered by December 2024.

“Enhanced connectivity on board our vessels will translate to increased efficiency, safety, and seafarer welfare across our fleet,” said Torsten Holst Pedersen, Seaspan’s Chief Operating Officer.

Both companies’ decision to equip their fleets with Starlink reflects the maritime industry’s ongoing digital transformation, with shipping companies increasingly turning to technology to meet their operational needs.

“In today’s digital age, where data transfer demands continue to skyrocket for leveraging AI and other innovative technologies, it was crucial to establish robust high-bandwidth communication capabilities across our fleet,” said Garret Wong, Vice President of Information Technology at Seaspan. “With the implementation of Starlink on all our vessels, we are now well-positioned to take advantage of the latest emerging state-of-the-art technologies in the maritime industry.”

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