Norwegian’s Breakaway ship is testing Starlink internet service. Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is testing SpaceX’s Starlink internet service on one of its cruise ships, with plans to roll out the service across additional vessels and other brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The cruise line’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced the tests on Thursday. 

Norwegian is currently testing Starlink on its Breakaway ship. If trials are successful, the company is targeting to equip seven additional vessels with Starlink by year-end, including all three new additions: Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Norwegian Viva, and Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur. The company is developing a rollout plan finalizing timeline and availability on specific ships. 

Norwegian said the service enhances crew and guest experience, and also provides more flexibility for onboard services and the ship-to-shore connections 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. 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,” commented Harry Sommer, president and CEO-elect of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

SpaceX has moved into the cruise market for Starlink, signing deals with Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group, including each company’s additional cruise lines. Smaller lines American Cruise Lines and Windstar Cruises also have deals for Starlink.