Starlink satellite internet is revolutionising working remotely from just about anywhere, including luxury cruise ships – which is very good news for your busy, professional clients.
Although travel advisors are used to working while cruising – it’s part of the job, after all – the digital nomad trend is growing across the board as connectivity vastly improves on luxury cruise ships.
Full speed ahead
Ponant is just one of many cruise lines that have invested in Starlink high-speed internet since it was introduced in 2019. Starlink is a division of the SpaceX system (an Elon Musk company that owns the satellites) and consists of more than 6,000 ‘low Earth orbit’ satellites designed to provide fast, effective global internet coverage, particularly in remote areas.
Ponant’s Marketing & Communications Director Australasia, Charles Boutet, says that its luxury icebreaker ship Le Commandant Charcot has been thoughtfully designed to cater to every guest’s needs who are working whilst travelling.
“The observatory lounge, with its bar and reading area on deck 9, is a personal favourite – ideal for both work and relaxation while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding polar landscape. Besides, Ponant’s recent upgrade to the Starlink Satellite network for their onboard internet service offers complimentary unlimited and optimised Wi-Fi connectivity throughout all vessels whilst sailing anywhere in the world,” said Boutet.
Whereas connectivity onboard both ocean and river ships was previously expensive and patchy at best, Starlink allows travellers to use the internet pretty much as they do at home: streaming videos, making video calls, downloading, uploading and sending attachments.
Pricing for the newly efficient internet access varies across cruise lines. It’s free for guests of luxury cruise lines such as Explora Journeys, Ponant, Scenic ocean, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Silversea provides unlimited free access for all guests and a premium access package, which offers enhanced capabilities, is available for purchase or is complimentary in the upper suites. Guests on World and Grand cruises automatically receive free premium Wi-Fi in all suite categories.
Celebrity’s basic internet packages are included in the All-Included fare or can be purchased pre-cruise or once onboard for those travelling on a cruise only fare. A premium internet package is also available for streaming, video calls, file transfers and posting for an additional charge.
What to watch out for
No system is infallible and internet speeds at sea are rarely as high as on land. Wi-Fi often seems to drop out when ships are docking or departing from a port, and if there are several ships close by in one area all trying to connect to Starlink satellites at the same time, connectivity will suffer.
In mountainous regions such as Alaska satellite coverage is often weaker and diverse factors such as bad weather can also slow speeds right down. Certain parts of ships receive stronger signals than others – generally where routers are located, for example in public spaces – so if you’re having temporary problems connecting from your stateroom, try the library or reception area, or ask the ship’s IT experts for help.
Overall, however, Starlink has made working from the world’s oceans and rivers a whole lot easier and it can only get better. Numerous tech-oriented websites and cruise forums address the finer details – as always, advisors need to be across the latest intel.
Work life balance
Luxury cruise ships provide a great environment for mixing work and play. Everything you need is at your fingertips – a room with a view (and room service), fitness centres, eateries and bars. When you’re in holiday mode, you can join a shore excursion, watch a show, indulge in a spa treatment or catch up with friends and family onboard.
Working remotely is second nature for Lisa Pile, RSSC’s Vice President Sales & General Manager, Asia Pacific.
“No matter which ship you’re sailing on, you always have an abundance of space aboard each of our perfectly sized luxury ships,” she said.
“But the really good thing about working at sea is that every desk has a view – 99 per cent of our suites have private balconies – and access to fresh air!”
RSSC’s ultra-luxe, super-sized suites feature a separate sitting area with desk space and are well equipped for business travellers.
“We introduced USB and USBC ports on our newer, Explorer-class ships to cater to evolving technology needs,” Lisa added. “The size of the suite category determines the number of power points available; at a minimum, Veranda level suites have five power points, but this increases with higher-level suites, up to the Regent Suite.”
Inspiring work spaces
Tim Jones, Vice President & Managing Director, Australia & APAC at Celebrity Cruises, said that all the line’s staterooms are equipped with a comfortable desk and plenty of charging points to ensure guests have everything they need to stay productive while enjoying their cruise.
“But beyond staterooms, Celebrity Edge, which is returning to Australia and New Zealand in October, offers tranquil spaces perfect for getting work done,” Tim said.
“The Rooftop Garden, with its lush greenery and comfortable seating, provides a serene environment for focusing on tasks or having a quiet meeting. Similarly, The Resort Deck offers an inviting atmosphere with ample seating and breathtaking views.
“I personally like to grab a bite from Eden Cafe and head up to Deck 6 on Eden, a lesser-known space at the aft of the ship filled with natural light – the perfect backdrop for clearing emails from the inbox.”
Echoing Tim’s thoughts, a spokesperson for Silversea recommended working in quiet spaces such as the Arts Café and Observation Lounge for a change of scene, and said that the Internet Café offers computers, email and internet access for guests who want to leave their laptops in the suite. Most ships provide staffed business centres – it’s the way ahead for busy professionals.
