Virgin Voyages Sets New Standard with SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO for the Fastest Internet at Sea
Virgin Voyages is once again at the forefront of cruise industry innovation, this time by enhancing onboard connectivity to unprecedented levels. The adult-exclusive cruise line is pioneering a new era of internet at sea by introducing the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service on its ships. This collaboration with SES, a leading global satellite communications provider, marks Virgin Voyages as the first cruise line to offer an integrated service that combines the capabilities of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, delivering the fastest internet speeds ever available on the ocean.
With connectivity speeds reaching up to 1.5Gbps per ship and no restrictions on data usage, Virgin Voyages is setting a remarkable new benchmark for maritime internet service. This advanced technology ensures that Virgin Voyages’ guests, affectionately known as “Sailors”, enjoy seamless digital experiences, from high-definition video streaming to real-time social media sharing, regardless of their location at sea.
The introduction of SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO is not just about enhancing guest experiences; it also significantly improves operational efficiencies onboard. The service’s high-performance, seamless connectivity is crucial for powering the ship’s modern amenities, including tech-savvy cabins, luxurious suites, state-of-the-art spas, and award-winning entertainment options. This level of connectivity ensures that every aspect of the Virgin Voyages experience meets the highest standards of quality and convenience, mirroring the connectivity guests are accustomed to on land.
Simon Maher, Senior Vice President of Cruise at SES, emphasized the importance of state-of-the-art connectivity in the cruise industry, stating, “For cruise operators, being able to constantly innovate and unlock new, superior guest experiences for passengers is essential to stay ahead of the curve.” He further explained the strategic expansion of SES’s offering to include a fully integrated service that utilizes multiple orbits to optimize bandwidth and meet the comprehensive needs of passengers and crew worldwide.
Steven Worling, Senior Director of Infrastructure & Security at Virgin Voyages, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with SES, highlighting the unparalleled level of connectivity it brings to the cruise line’s exclusively adult guests and crew. “Our exclusively adult cruise experiences are underpinned by unmatched levels of connectivity at sea that mirror those available on land, so we are excited to partner with SES to offer our guests and crew this level of connectivity, which is unlike any other in the market,” Worling said.
This groundbreaking initiative by Virgin Voyages and SES represents a significant leap forward in ensuring that the cruise experience does not just meet but exceeds the digital expectations of modern travelers, offering an unmatched level of connectivity that enhances both the enjoyment and operational efficiency of cruising.