Exciting New Connectivity Enhancements Coming To Cruises

• FCC proposes allowing 6 GHz Wi-Fi for cruise ships
• Cisco is testing to ensure no satellite interference occurs
• High-density common areas will see significant speed improvements
• Regulatory approval is anticipated within the coming year

The Federal Communications Commission is currently considering a new rule that would permit the operation of 6 GHz Wi-Fi on cruise ships, a move that promises to significantly enhance onboard internet speeds and reliability. Traditionally, this high-frequency band has been off-limits for maritime use to prevent interference with existing satellite and microwave services. However, technical leaders from Cisco are currently collaborating with the FCC to demonstrate that low-power indoor 6 GHz operations are safe for use both at sea and while docked in port.

The potential impact of this regulatory shift is substantial, given that the United States cruise industry is projected to serve approximately 26 million passengers this year. Modern cruise liners function as floating cities, often requiring thousands of wireless access points to maintain connectivity. Experts note that because cruise ships are constructed with heavy steel and reinforced glass, signals are naturally contained within the vessel, which further reduces the risk of external interference. While current 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz systems handle basic in-cabin needs, the introduction of the 6 GHz spectrum is expected to solve congestion issues in high-density common areas like entertainment venues and dining halls.

The drive for better local Wi-Fi has been accelerated by the recent arrival of faster satellite backhaul services. With the backbone of the internet connection improving, the internal wireless network must now be upgraded to match those speeds. Beyond passenger leisure, the enhanced connectivity will support essential ship operations, crew communications, and safety protocols. If the FCC follows through with its proposal, a final positive decision is anticipated within the next year. This development marks a transition away from legacy rules toward a modern standard that aligns with the high-density connectivity requirements of the contemporary travel industry.

The cruise industry has reached a major turning point in 2026, with the “battle for the skies” providing record-breaking speeds for travelers. While Starlink remains the dominant force, the landscape is shifting toward a hybrid model that uses multiple satellite providers to ensure “always-on” connectivity.

The Current State of Maritime Connectivity

Starlink: The Market Leader

As of February 2026, Starlink has solidified its position as the standard for cruise lines.

• Fleet Rollout: Major players like Carnival Corp. (including Princess, Holland America, and Cunard), Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises are now 100% Starlink-equipped across their entire fleets.
• Next-Gen Speed: SpaceX is preparing to launch its Generation 3 satellites via Starship in the first half of 2026. These satellites are expected to offer 10x the downlink capacity of the current version, targeting median latencies as low as 20 ms.
• Performance: Real-world tests on ships show average speeds between 80–200 Mbps, a massive leap from the 5 Mbps seen in the pre-LEO era.

OneWeb: The Enterprise Alternative

Eutelsat OneWeb has carved out a niche as the “reliable back-up” or primary choice for mission-critical operations.

• Strategy: Unlike Starlink, which markets directly to consumers, OneWeb partners with maritime specialists like KVH and Marlink to provide managed services with guaranteed bandwidth (SLAs).
• Network Status: OneWeb’s constellation of over 630 satellites is fully operational. While its speeds are slightly lower than Starlink’s (typically 30–100 Mbps), it offers more robust security features like AES 256-bit encryption.
• Coverage: OneWeb is particularly strong in polar regions, making it a favorite for expedition lines cruising in the Arctic and Antarctic.

The Rise of “Blending” Technology

The biggest trend for 2026 is the MDS Blender or similar hybrid routing systems. Cruise ships are no longer relying on just one “pipe.”

• Hybrid Solutions: Ships are now bonding Starlink (for speed), OneWeb (for reliability), and 5G (for coastal proximity) into a single, seamless stream.
• Redundancy: If a Starlink terminal is blocked by the ship’s funnel or loses signal in a storm, the system instantly fails over to OneWeb without the passenger ever noticing a drop in their video call.

Summary of Key Maritime Tech