Virgin Voyages Sets Sail with the Fastest Internet at Sea

Virgin Voyages Sets Sail with the Fastest Internet at Sea
by Erica Marchand
Luxembourg (SPX) Feb 27, 2024
In a groundbreaking move for maritime connectivity, Virgin Voyages has announced its partnership with satellite communications giants SES and Starlink to offer the fastest internet service at sea. This collaboration will see the deployment of the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service across Virgin Voyages' fleet, marking the first time a cruise line integrates Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies to provide unmatched connectivity speeds of up to 1.5Gbps per ship.

Virgin Voyages, a company renowned for its adult-only, boutique hotel-inspired voyages launched in 2021, is enhancing its passengers' experience by offering "Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi" connected experiences. This service is not just about speed; it promises seamless high-performance connectivity with no data consumption limitations, enabling a plethora of connected experiences onboard. From tech-savvy cabins and designer suites to award-winning entertainment, the superior connectivity is set to power every aspect of Virgin Voyages' luxury cruise offerings.

The integrated MEO-LEO service by SES Cruise mPOWERED and Starlink PRO is a pioneering solution in the cruise industry. It aims to provide continuous, high-capacity internet connectivity that rivals on-land experiences. This innovation allows passengers, referred to as "sailors" by Virgin Voyages, to share their journey in real-time through social media and video calls, enhancing the overall cruise experience.

Simon Maher, Senior Vice President, Cruise at SES, highlighted the importance of innovation in staying ahead in the cruise industry. "State-of-the-art connectivity is at the heart of superior guest experiences," Maher stated. The fully integrated service utilizes multiple satellite orbits to optimize bandwidth and meet the comprehensive needs of both passengers and crew, regardless of their global position.

Steven Worling, Senior Director of Infrastructure and Security at Virgin Voyages, expressed enthusiasm about providing a level of connectivity previously unseen in the maritime sector. "Our exclusively adult cruise experiences are underpinned by unmatched levels of connectivity at sea that mirror those available on land," Worling said, underscoring the partnership's significance in elevating guest and crew experiences alike.

This initiative is not just about enhancing passenger experiences but also about maintaining operational excellence across the Virgin Voyages fleet. The SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service is designed to meet and exceed the connectivity expectations of today's tech-savvy travelers, ensuring that Virgin Voyages stays at the forefront of the cruise industry's technological advancements.

As Virgin Voyages continues to sail to over 100 ports globally, the introduction of such high-level connectivity underscores the cruise line's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. This partnership between Virgin Voyages, SES, and Starlink is set to redefine the standards of maritime connectivity, offering sailors the ultimate connected experience at sea.