In a move that promises to significantly enhance the guest experience, ultra-luxury voyage leader Seabourn has announced plans to upgrade the internet capabilities on its two purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. The upgrade will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink technology, known for its leadership in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, announced Seabourn on Monday.
The Seabourn Venture will be the first ship in the Seabourn fleet to offer Starlink’s Wi-Fi technology, starting from its voyage on May 12, 2023. This comes just in time for the ship’s second Arctic season.
Following in its wake, the Seabourn Pursuit will be fitted with upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity after its launch in the summer of 2023. The new technology promises Seabourn’s expedition guests faster, more reliable Wi-Fi service, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones even while exploring some of the world’s most remote and captivating destinations.
“We are committed to providing the best ultra-luxury expedition experiences at sea, and the Starlink partnership will offer a significantly enhanced connectivity experience during our expedition journeys,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “From the polar regions to Australia and the South Pacific, our guests will experience a more reliable connection, allowing them to share those special moments and experiences with their loved ones as they sail on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.”
“Starlink offers Internet capabilities and functionality to meet growing service demands globally, and I am so pleased that guests and crew members on both of our expedition ships will benefit from this innovative technology,” added Seabourn’s vice president of technology, Kathleen Erickson.
Starting May 12, 2023, guests aboard the Seabourn Venture will enjoy enhanced Wi-Fi services. The ship’s itinerary includes voyages to the British Isles and Ireland in May, followed by its second season in the Arctic.
Between June and August 2023, the ship will embark on a series of 14- and 15-day voyages to Greenland and Iceland, and a 23-day adventure through the Northwest Passage. The ship will then traverse down the West Coast of the Americas before reaching Antarctica, where it will sail between November 2023 and February 2024. In late February 2024, Seabourn Venture will cross the Atlantic, sail up the West Coast of Africa and Europe to be in position for the 2024 Arctic season.
Recently, the Starlink Maritime service expanded to all boat sizes, offering internet connectivity for any boat from $250 per month. Last month, Costamare and Navarino said it would trial Starlink on its vessels, while Norwegian Cruise Line also said Starlink is coming, with trials underway.
