Virgin Voyages Launches Fastest Internet at Sea With Starlink-Powered Wi-Fi

27.02.2024 - 20:20 / travelpulse.com / Laurie Baratti

Virgin Voyages, renowned for its innovative approach to cruising, is set to revolutionize onboard connectivity and elevate its included Wi-Fi offering by becoming the first cruise line to incorporate SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service. 

Partnering with solutions provider SES, a global leader in satellite communications, Virgin Voyages becomes the first cruise operator to leverage this integrated service, combining Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite coverage to deliver the fastest internet speeds ever experienced at sea.

The SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service promises connectivity speeds of up to 1.5Gbps per ship, with no data consumption limitations, setting a new standard for maritime internet capabilities. This groundbreaking technology will empower Virgin Voyages’ guests, affectionately called "Sailors", to indulge in a myriad of digital experiences while traversing the seas.

And, the benefits of this cutting-edge connectivity go beyond passenger convenience—they also extend to enhanced operational efficiency. The high-performance, seamless solution will work to power Virgin Voyages’ tech-savvy cabins, suites, spas and award-winning entertainment offerings, all of which require superior internet connectivity to function properly.

Of course, it’s an incredibly valuable as part of the line’s high-end, adults-only cruise offering to be able to provide unlimited Wi-Fi access across multiple devices. It means that passengers can make video calls, keep current on messaging and emails, post to social media and share their experiences in real-time.  From facilitating smoother logistics to enabling real-time communications, this integrated solution elevates the overall cruise experience for both guests and crew members alike.

“For cruise operators, being able to constantly innovate and unlock new, superior guest experiences for passengers is essential to stay ahead of the curve,” said Simon Maher, Senior Vice President, Cruise at SES. “State-of-the-art connectivity is at the heart of this. This is why we expanded our offering to create a fully integrated end-to-end service that uses multiple orbits, from Geostationary to Medium and Low Earth, to optimize bandwidth and meet the needs of both passengers and crew, wherever in the world they are sailing. By doing so, we are proud to deliver this new level of enhanced operational efficiency coupled with the ultimate connectivity guest experience.”

“Our exclusively adult cruise experiences are underpinned by unmatched levels of connectivity at sea that mirror those available on land, so we are excited to partner with SES to offer our guests and crew this level of connectivity, which is unlike any other in the market,”