Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation, is launching a pilot programme to bring high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet to Juneau, Alaska.
This initiative will address the common issue of internet congestion during the cruise tourism season, which has been a significant complaint among locals.
The installation of Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, will begin at the Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal and extend north on Franklin Street. The service is expected to be fully operational and will be tested in time for the Alaska 2025 summer season.
This project will provide free internet access to both locals and cruise guests, enhancing the overall connectivity experience in Juneau.
Juneau, a popular cruise destination, has long struggled with internet congestion during the peak tourism season.
The influx of visitors often overwhelms the local internet infrastructure, leading to slow and unreliable connections.
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is designed to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world.
Unlike traditional satellite internet services that rely on a few large satellites in geostationary orbit, Starlink uses a constellation of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
This innovative approach allows for lower latency and higher speeds, making it an ideal solution for areas with limited connectivity options.
One of the standout features of this initiative is that it will provide free internet access to both locals and cruise guests.
For cruise guests, the availability of free high-speed internet will be a game-changer, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones, share their travel experiences on social media, or simply browse the web while docked in port, without needing to pay for the more costly WiFi package for the entire duration.
Locals will also benefit from the additional bandwidth, ensuring a better internet experience throughout the year. By addressing the seasonal internet congestion, this initiative will significantly improve the quality of life for the local community.
Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to implement Starlink fleet-wide in 2022, setting a new standard for internet connectivity at sea.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.