The low earth orbit solution is currently providing faster internet speeds, improved wi-fi in cabins and public spaces, reduced latency levels and lower operational costs for 15 of the line’s fleet of 22 ships following bandwidth and data traffic trials in 2022.
Fleet roll out
The first of MSC Cruises’ vessels to be equipped with Starlink was MSC Magnifica in December 2022. Since then, MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Lirica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview and MSC Virtuosa have been equipped with the technology.
MSC Opera and MSC World Europa will be added this month. The line’s other five ships set for enhanced connectivity ahead of the summer 2024 season are MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida.
Bandwidth consumption rising
MSC Cruises has seen on board bandwidth consumption continue to rise, driven by both the increase in the number of connected devices and the number of apps used by passengers.
The line offers a Browse Internet Cruise Package and a Browse & Stream Cruise Package onboard its fleet, tailored for its guests to cover the connection and number of devices needed during a sailing.
Starlink will provide MSC Cruises with enough capacity to keep up with the future requirements of its passengers, crew and also the technical requirements of its fleet of vessels.
Explora Journeys
Explora Explora I – the first of six luxury ships of MSC Cruises’ sister company Explora Journeys – is also equipped with Starlink. Explora II will be fitted with the enhanced connectivity when she first sets sail in August.
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