Carnival Confiscates Passenger’s Starlink Mini, Adjusts Banned List
In a surprising twist during a recent Carnival Cruise Line voyage, a passenger’s attempt to secure reliable internet at sea was thwarted when his Starlink Mini was confiscated by the cruise line. YouTuber Richard Shillington, creator of the channel “No Pants Profits,” was sailing a 15-night roundtrip aboard the Carnival Miracle from San Francisco to Hawaii when he attracted the attention of Carnival Cruise upper manangement.
The Quest for Connectivity
Worried about connectivity during his voyage, Shillington invested in a Starlink Mini, which cost him $599 to purchase and plus a monthly fee of $250. Eager to showcase his travel experience, he set up the satellite dish while filming an episode about navigating the Pacific. After testing Carnival’s Premium Wi-Fi package and finding it lacking—with download speeds below 4 Mbps—he demonstrated the power of his portable satellite dish, achieving a staggering 123 Mbps.
However, his triumph was short-lived. After posting his initial video, Shillington was summoned to the hotel director’s office, where he was informed that his Starlink Mini had been confiscated for violating Carnival’s policy on prohibited items. The cruise line’s list had initially stated “satellite discs,” but they quickly corrected it to “satellite dishes,” clarifying their stance on onboard technology.
The Challenges of Onboard Wi-Fi
Shillington’s experience highlights a common frustration among cruise passengers: the high cost and unreliable nature of onboard Wi-Fi. Carnival’s Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $21.25 per person per day, totaling nearly $319 for Shillington’s trip. While pre-purchasing offers a discount, the price is still exorbitant compared to internet options found on land. The cheapest package, the Social Plan, restricts access to only select social media platforms, while the new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan allows connectivity for up to four devices at a hefty daily rate.
Despite these challenges, Carnival has been actively upgrading its connectivity options. As of May 2024, all ships in the Carnival Corporation fleet, including Holland America and Princess Cruises, have begun utilizing Starlink Wi-Fi, which boasts faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite services. Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein noted the significant improvements in guest satisfaction resulting from this upgrade.
A Gracious Passenger Experience
Despite the setback with his Starlink Mini, Shillington remains a fan of Carnival Cruise Line and plans to embark on two more cruises this year. He willingly surrendered his satellite dish, recognizing that his passion for travel and the experiences offered by Carnival outweigh this temporary inconvenience.
This incident serves as a reminder for all cruise passengers to familiarize themselves with onboard policies, especially regarding technology and internet usage. As cruise lines continue to adapt to the digital age, ensuring clarity around what is permissible onboard remains crucial.
