Carnival Corporation Expands Next-Generation Wi-Fi Connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink

Rhea-AI Summary

Carnival Corporation (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has entered a partnership with Starlink to enhance its global fleet's internet connectivity. This agreement, which began rollout in December 2022, nearly triples the ship's bandwidth, offering guests and crew a reliable and fast Wi-Fi experience. The company aims to provide superior connectivity, allowing guests to share experiences and enjoy streaming services. This initiative is part of Carnival's broader strategy to improve onboard services and operational functionality. The deployment will extend across various cruise brands under Carnival Corporation.

Positive

• Partnership with Starlink enhances guest and crew connectivity.
• Nearly tripled fleetwide bandwidth since 2019.
• Improved ability to introduce new guest services and features.

Negative

• None.

New agreement with satellite technology leader Starlink set to transform guest and crew connectivity experience with faster and greater capacity to ships, beginning with the company's Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises brands

As part of its ongoing strategy, world's largest cruise company has nearly tripled fleetwide bandwidth and continues to enhance connectivity as part of its focus to provide guests and crew across its world-class cruise brands with the best available Wi-Fi experience at sea

MIAMI, Jan. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced an agreement for the next-generation of internet connectivity across its global fleet, the latest in a series of moves that have nearly tripled ship bandwidth since 2019. The company has signed a new agreement with SpaceX's Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide faster service, greater capacity and more reliable Wi-Fi on a global scale.

Fleet roll-out of Starlink began in December 2022 with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships, with plans to expand Starlink to several of the company's other world-class cruise brands, which include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

Rivaling on-land connectivity experiences, Starlink greatly advances Carnival Corporation's focus on providing the best available Wi-Fi experience for its guests to stay connected while on vacation, including sharing photos and videos, streaming movies and live sporting events, and enjoying other content onboard with a reliable connection at even faster speeds.

"For many of our guests, it has become more and more important to maintain the type of connectivity at sea that they've become accustomed to at home, and of course to share the unforgettable experiences of their cruise with friends and family," said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. "We are in the business of delivering happiness, and Starlink makes it as easy as possible for our guests to share all their great moments and memories, giving them even more joy out of their cruise vacation."

According to Weinstein, "The added bandwidth will give the brands the capabilities and flexibility to introduce new guest services and features, as well as help boost operational functions like onboard equipment monitoring and real-time communications between ship and shore teams. And importantly, adding Starlink's innovative technology to the company's existing connectivity platform will also help our amazing crew stay in touch with friends and loved ones."

"High-speed, low-latency broadband internet is critical in our modern age, and we're excited to provide Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA's guests an internet experience that makes their travel even more enjoyable," said Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of Starlink sales for SpaceX. "In even the most remote waters, guests onboard Carnival Corporation ships will be able to share real-time updates with friends and family."

Starlink agreement advances Carnival Corporation's connectivity leadership strategy

Starlink joins a growing portfolio of world-class communications service, satellite and other technology providers that make up Carnival Corporation's industry-leading, fleetwide connectivity ecosystem. As a global cruise company with nearly 100 ships visiting over 700 ports worldwide, Carnival Corporation's innovative, multi-provider connectivity framework is designed to strategically route internet traffic to optimize network speeds across its fleet anywhere in the world.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is one of the world's largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.seabourn.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com.

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SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

FAQ

What is the Starlink agreement announced by Carnival Corporation?

Carnival Corporation has signed an agreement with Starlink to enhance internet connectivity across its fleet, tripling bandwidth.

When did the rollout of Starlink start for Carnival's ships?

The rollout of Starlink began in December 2022.

How will Starlink improve the guest experience on Carnival's ships?

Starlink will provide faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stream content and share experiences in real-time.

Which brands of Carnival Corporation will benefit from the Starlink agreement?

The agreement will initially benefit Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises, with plans to expand to other brands.