Scenic Group, the parent company of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours and Emerald Cruises, has announced plans to equip its ocean-going fleets with SpaceX’s Starlink internet service. This move aims to provide faster and more reliable internet connections for guests, addressing a long-standing challenge in the cruise industry.
“Reliable internet connections have always been a challenge for the cruise industry, as ships must rely on satellite coverage while sailing to all four corners of the globe,” said the company in a statement last week.
The upgrade initiative will commence with the fitting of Starlink on Scenic Group’s newest ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, before its christening on June 3. The company will also install Starlink on its 100-guest luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, by the end of June.
Further plans include the addition of Starlink to Scenic Group’s second luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, which is set to launch in August. The Scenic Eclipse will be equipped with Starlink by the end of 2023.
Scenic Group believes that the upgrade to Starlink will enhance guests’ ability to communicate with friends and family back home, allowing them to share their vacation experiences through social media, photos, and videos.
Starlink currently covers many of Scenic’s destinations and cruising routes, from the ports of Europe to remote locations like Antarctica.
Maritime companies continue to jump onto Elon Musk’s Starlink, such as Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean and more.
