The high-speed Starlink satellite internet service provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX venture has been added to American Cruise Lines’ fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships.
The new wi-fi service, described as a major upgrade, will be offered free of charge across 17 vessels deployed on more than 50 itineraries across 35 US states.
Starlink is powered by a constellation of ‘lower earth’ satellites, providing a stable connection to the line’s continuously moving ships and riverboats.
The company said: “American beta-tested the Starlink service in 2022 and cruise guests who experienced the platform during the testing phase responded with rave reviews.”
American Cruise Lines’ small ships, carrying between 100 and 190 passengers, operate throughout the US, from Glacier Bay Alaska to the Florida Keys as well as the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake rivers.