CRUISE NEWS OCTOBER:

For many the fact that they are not in communication with the outside world is one of the great features of cruising.  In our youth, and depending on how old you were, when on holiday abroad you might make an expensive telephone call from a hotel or port, but that was it.

If you are of that ilk and need 24/7 contact things are about to get better. 

P&O Cruises and Cunard are improving wi-fi connectivity and bandwidth across the fleet with the rollout of SpaceX’s Starlink. Whilst it is now fitted on Iona, TNU editor in chief Malcolm Ginsberg, a paying guest on the ship in late October, was not offered an opportunity to test the much hyped system by the media relations department.   

Starlink, who claim to be the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology will provide guests with greater capacity across the P&O Cunard fleet, allowing for sharing photos and videos, streaming films and enjoying other content on board at even faster speeds.

The roll-out of Starlink on P&O Cruises and Cunard ships began in June 2023, with the service due to be available in both public spaces and cabins on Cunard ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth by the end of 2023. Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne will launch with the service in May 2024.

P&O Cruises ships Britannia and Azura have introduced Starlink to the public spaces on board and it will be available in both public spaces and cabins on Arvia, Iona, Ventura, Arcadia and Aurora by the end of 2023.  

Travel News Update Editor-in-Chief Malcolm Ginsberg will be producing the November TNU whilst on board Iona later this month.

“Putting together TNU, and the earlier BTN, at sea has been challenging in the past with slow and indifferent connections,” he said, “even more difficult when trying to download video files, and films, for onboard talks.  Twenty years ago I was just about able to connect from New Zealand.  Now it is just the same as working from an office at home.  The young generation have never had it so good.”

Paul Ludlow, President, Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, said: “Sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family back at home is an important part of any holiday. Whether it’s uploading a picture of a sunset as you sail away from a newly discovered destination or catching up with the news, live events or content from home, Starlink will make it even easier for our guests and colleagues to stay connected.”

Jonathan Hofeller, Vice President of Commercial Sales, Starlink, said: “High-speed internet is critical to our modern lifestyle both at home and when travelling. We’re excited that P&O Cruises and Cunard guests and crew will benefit from an improved wi-fi service on board wherever they are in the world”.

www.starlink.com

This month’s TNU Cruise News features Douglas Ward’s Cruising and Cruise Ships 2024.  www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/408

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