Hurtigruten Expeditions is set to become the first cruise line to implement SpaceX’s broadband service Starlink across its fleet of ships. In cooperation with long-time connectivity partner Speedcast, the installation will be completed in October.
Speedcast and Hurtigruten Expeditions began testing and integration of Starlink terminals onboard the fleet of small-size expedition cruise ships in March. Installation will be complete by end of October–making Hurtigruten Expeditions the first cruise line to introduce the high-speed, low-latency connectivity across its entire fleet.
“With vessels operating in some of the most remote and spectacular areas of the world, Hurtigruten Expeditions is an ideal partner for introducing groundbreaking technology in the cruise industry. Speedcast’s expertise lies in our ability to combine all available connectivity paths and manage a complete service that offers the highest levels of uptime, availability and performance”, said Joe Spytek, chief executive officer at Speedcast.
Hurtigruten Expeditions has a growing fleet of smaller, more sustainable expedition cruise ships. Guests, crew and scientists on all three Hurtigruten Expeditions ships that will explore Antarctica from this fall, will be the first to do so on ships able to connect through the faster broadband service. Starlink is slated to introduce Antarctic maritime coverage in Q4 2022.
As one of few major cruise lines, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers free internet connectivity not only for guests, but also for all crew members.
“Introduction of new technology makes it easier for everyone on board to remain connected with friends, family and loved ones no matter where they are. We challenge all cruise lines that follows our example by installing Starlink to also follow our example to make internet free for all crew members,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.
For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.com.
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