Windstar Cruises has announced the launch of its Starlink Maritime high-speed, advanced broadband satellite internet capabilities. Already connecting the world by sea, Windstar Cruises will provide guests with one of the most developed high-speed connections in the world, both while sailing and in port. Windstar Cruises Starlink Internet

Windstar launched the new Wi-Fi technology on Star Pride during a recent Caribbean voyage and plans to implement Starlink across most of its global fleet by mid-2023. Star Legend will offer the service this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate the new technology as soon as it’s available in French Polynesia.

Currently, all Windstar Cruises use a geostationary satellite service, Anuvu, for internet services. The addition of Starlink technology will amplify Anuvu, delivering more reliable and faster internet to Windstar’s guests. Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation with a low Earth orbit using lasers so communication can happen further away from ground-based stations.”

“I am thrilled to be working with Anuvu and Starlink to offer our guests the latest in satellite technology,” said Gregg Wagner, technology director, Windstar Cruises. “When the ships are inside the service area, faster speeds will alleviate much of the frustration felt at peak use times.”
“Starlink is yet to be available worldwide, but Windstar Cruises is excited to be among the first in the cruise industry to offer this cutting-edge technology. The addition of high-speed internet service with our current geostationary satellite service will enable guests to stay connected to family and friends.”
Starlink will be available on select Windstar voyages where the service is active; not all global destinations are available. View Starlink’s current maritime coverage and progress map here.

About Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet service provider that is owned and operated by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The company aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to users around the world using a constellation of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit.

The goal of Starlink is to provide internet access to users in areas where traditional wired or wireless internet connections are not available or are unreliable. This includes rural areas, remote regions, and even parts of the world where internet infrastructure is not yet established.

To access Starlink’s internet, users need a small satellite dish, a router, and a power supply. The satellite dish is about the size of a pizza box and can be installed on a roof or a pole. Once the dish is installed, it can automatically connect to the Starlink satellite network and provide high-speed internet to the user.

One of the advantages of Starlink is its low latency, which is the delay that occurs when data is transmitted over the internet. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites are much closer to the Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, which means that data can be transmitted more quickly and with lower latency.

Starlink is currently in beta testing and is available in select areas of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The service is expected to expand to more areas in the coming years as the satellite network is built out.

One potential drawback of Starlink is its cost. The initial equipment cost for the satellite dish and router is around €500, and the monthly service fee is €99. This can be expensive compared to traditional wired or wireless internet options, but for users in areas where those options are not available, it may be a worthwhile investment.

About Windstar Cruises Windstar Cruises Starlink Internet

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts carrying 148-342 guests. Small ship cruises sail throughout Europe; the Caribbean; Costa Rica and the Panama Canal; Asia; Alaska and British Columbia; New England and Eastern Canada; the U.S. West Coast and Mexico; the Middle East, and the South Pacific, including a ship year-round in Tahiti. Windstar launched the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to transform the three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts with new suites, restaurants, and a world-class spa and fitness center. The award-winning line is known for immersive experiences, destination authenticity, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program. Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a group of global hospitality and travel companies, one of which traces its history back over a hundred years of operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection ®, is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.

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