Cruise operators now have access to an integrated satellite connectivity solution that combines low-latency, high-throughput services from both Starlink's low-earth orbit (LEO) and SES's medium-earth orbit (MEO) systems, as jointly announced by the two companies.
This collaborative offering, known as SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink, is seamlessly integrated, marketed, and delivered by SES. It leverages the strengths of both MEO and LEO orbits to deliver continuous high-speed and secure connectivity to cruise ships and their passengers, regardless of their voyage routes or locations.
Cruise operators can benefit from SES's innovative solution, which merges Starlink's globally expansive, high-throughput LEO network with SES's high-performing MEO constellation. This integration enhances existing capacity and coverage, resulting in an unparalleled experience for guests and crew. The offering is available in two tiers: Premium (3Gbps per ship) for leading vessels aiming for industry-leading throughput and Pro (1.5Gbps per ship) for operators seeking to manage user experiences by aligning the appropriate application with the respective orbit.
SES, a managed service provider with a decade of experience in delivering connectivity services directly to cruise operators, has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to incorporate LEO-based service into its cruise solution. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience to cruise operators and passengers alike.
The cruise industry has seen a significant increase in investment in response to evolving passenger expectations and the need for always-on, high-performance connectivity, heightened further by the impacts of the COVID crisis. This demand is accentuated by the industry's focus on addressing carbon emissions and complying with new maritime regulations, including CII and EEXI.
Scheduled for availability in the fourth quarter of 2023, SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink aims to meet the escalating requirements of cruise lines, enhancing the guest experience, optimizing smart ship operations, and attracting and retaining top-quality crew members. This fully managed solution sets a new global standard for ship connectivity, offering superior bandwidth and low-latency performance while reducing upfront capital costs and ongoing operational expenses.