Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world's largest and leading expedition cruise line announced today that the company will be the first to implement SpaceX’s innovative broadband service Starlink across all ships. In cooperation with long-time connectivity partner Speedcast, the installation across the entire fleet will be completed in October 2022.

As one of few major cruise lines, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers free internet connectivity not only for guests, but also for all crew members.

Commenting on this exciting news Hurtigruten Expeditions’ CEO Asta Lassesen has voiced the importance of free internet access for crew members on all cruise lines.

“Introduction of new technology makes it easier for everyone on board to remain connected with friends, family and loved ones no matter where they are. We challenge all cruise lines that follows our example by installing Starlink to also follow our example to make internet free for all crew members”, said Lassesen.

Aida Cruises, Viking, and Virgin Voyages are among the major cruise lines that provide free internet for the crew. Hopefully, the rest of the cruise lines will accept the challenge.

Guests, crew and scientists on all three Hurtigruten Expeditions ships that will explore Antarctica from this fall, will be the first to do so on ships able to connect through the faster broadband service. Starlink is slated to introduce Antarctic maritime coverage in Q4 2022.

“We’ve seen major players announcing plans for implementation of Starlink connectivity. Our partnership with Speedcast and fleetwide introduction of the new service not only puts us ahead of the rest of the cruise industry, it also puts us ahead of the technology. When Starlink introduces maritime coverage in Antarctica and the Arctic, we will be ready,” said Lassesen.

With sustainability, science and exploration at core, Hurtigruten Expeditions founded expedition cruising in 1896. Today, Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line.

Building on 125 years of experience, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers big adventures on small ships, taking guests to over 250 spectacular destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Hurtigruten Expeditions operates a fleet of small, custom-build expedition cruise ships, including the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships.

Hurtigruten Expeditions is part of Hurtigruten Group, the world leader in exploration travel, which also operates Norwegian Coastal Express, known as ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world’ and extensive land-based activities – including hotels, restaurants and more – through Hurtigruten Destinations.