Starlink Cruise Update
We recently embarked on a voyage aboard the Norwegian Prima and were pleasantly surprised to find that Starlink Internet service was available onboard. For those unfamiliar, Starlink is a low-orbit constellation of satellites providing high-speed Internet across the globe. Many cruise lines are making the switch to Starlink, and this was our first opportunity to test it out.
Our cruise fare included a 300-minute, one-device-per-person package, but anticipating our business needs, I opted for additional minutes. A quick heads up: this plan works great, BUT REMEMBER TO LOG OFF after checking emails and social media. Forgetting to log off can quickly eat up those precious minutes.
PRICE
Norwegian had a special offer of $145 off the regular price for the UNLIMITED PREMIUM WI-FI: 1 DEVICE package on our 14-day cruise. This reduced the price from $454.87 to $309.87, roughly $23 per day. With $200 in non-refundable credits, the decision was a no-brainer, bringing the cost down to about $8 per day—well within our budget.
SPEED
The advertised downlink speed was 5 MBPS, slightly slower than my 500 MBPS at the office but faster than most cruise ship Wi-Fi. Using OOKLA, I tested the speed on board and found that, on clear days cruising at about 20 knots, we consistently experienced this speed—quite a pleasant surprise.
In ports, not only did we enjoy great speeds, but connectivity with multiple sites also seemed improved. This could be attributed to the ship being stationary, making it easier to lock onto satellites, and fewer people onboard, resulting in more available bandwidth.
Uploading photos and short videos in port was a breeze. However, while the ship was cruising at over 20 knots, getting to/from a port, the process was not as smooth. During these periods, I noticed that photos took a while to load from news sites or streaming platforms. Still, it outperformed any ship Wi-Fi we’ve encountered in the past two years.
COMMUNICATION
Using WhatsApp, I was able to stay in touch with clients, family, and businesses while onboard. Whether the ship was moving or stationary, the line was as clear, if not clearer, than my cellular phone. It was a game-changer to conduct business without waiting for a port or searching for a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing us to make the most of our time exploring new destinations.
CONCLUSION
At the discounted rate, utilizing our onboard credits, purchasing the Starlink package was a fantastic deal. However, at $23 per day or more, the decision might have been tougher. Our next Norwegian cruise is in August 2024 on the Viva, and its UNLIMITED PREMIUM WI-FI: 1 DEVICE package is currently priced at $399.90 for the 10-day cruise. Decisions, decisions.
Have you used Starlink on a cruise? Comment below.
