Windstar Adds Starlink Internet!

Great news for those who love Windstar Cruises: It just announced it is adding broadband Starlink internet to its ships…and the Star Pride already has it up and running!  The rest of the fleet is scheduled to have it installed by mid-2023.  

The Star Legend is next to have it installed, followed in the Spring on the Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Star Breeze. The Wind Spirit, which sails French Polynesia year-round, will have it installed when Starlink is available in the area.

And that brings up an important point about Starlink. Starlink does not operate worldwide, but rather in very defined areas.  Currently, Starlink has coverage in about 48 countries including most of the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand.  There is partial coverage in South and Central America as well as Africa. Because of how it functions, Starlink does not have extensive maritime coverage, but it does work in most of the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. 

Because there are so many maritime areas where Starlink still does not have coverage, Windstar will continue to offer its current geostationary internet service (as slow as it may be; especially compared to Starlink). However, with Starlink operating and the demand on this older system substantially reduced, this service should also see significant improvement in service.

Currently, there is no increase in the cost of internet or All-In Package pricing. I actually conjecture that the pricing will either remain the same or reduce over time. And, of course, with Starlink, the amount of time and lost data that you have paid for in the past, will be significantly reduced.

If you had been hesitant to sail Windstar because of a concern over connectivity, it is time to rethink your travel options!  Windstar is most certainly a top choice for “casual luxury” with its excellent, friendly, service, outstanding cuisine, and its all-suite, small-ship, experience!