Cruise Passenger’s Starlink Confiscated by the Ship

Cruise Lines and the Starlink Controversy: What You Need to Know

As technology evolves and new gadgets emerge, cruise lines are continually updating their “ban lists” to reflect modern trends. However, policy pages don’t always keep pace with cutting-edge devices. This became evident recently. Richard, a YouTuber from the channel ‘No Pants Profits,’ found himself in a bit of a bind aboard Carnival Miracle.

Richard attempted to boost his internet connection with a Starlink Mini satellite dish. Ship security approached him. They promptly confiscated the device. “I knew what this was about,” he explained in his video, recalling his visit to the hotel director’s office.

Confiscation and Carnival’s Policy

Richard’s Starlink Mini fell under a list of prohibited items. This list includes Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), communication scanners, and wideband receivers. It also includes satellite phones and internet-related equipment such as satellite dishes and routers. Starlink Minis aren’t currently allowed aboard Carnival ships. Richard’s experience served as a clear reminder.

“I’m not going to fight them,” he said. “But I had three simple requests.” Richard asked for documentation proving the confiscation. He also requested permission to attach an Airtag so he could track his device. Finally, he wanted the Starlink Mini to be treated like a drone. This would allow him to retrieve it in port for use onshore.

Frustration Over Poor Wi-Fi Speeds

One of Richard’s biggest disappointments stemmed from the slow onboard Wi-Fi. This was a stark contrast to the speeds he was able to achieve with Starlink. While connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi, Richard experienced a download speed of just 3.5 Mbps. However, with Starlink, he was able to hit an impressive 140 Mbps.

“I think that’s important to understand,” Richard pointed out in his video. “Companies hate competition. This is competition.” He also noted that Carnival had confiscated his Starlink. He hoped other cruise lines would be more open to embracing such technology in the future.

The Growing Use of Starlink on Cruise Ships

Ironically, while Richard’s personal device was confiscated, Starlink is increasingly being adopted by cruise lines. It provides passengers with reliable high-speed internet. Earlier this year, Carnival announced that Starlink would be available fleetwide, offering passengers enhanced connectivity.

However, as more passengers use onboard Wi-Fi, network speeds can slow, especially during peak times.

Final Thoughts

Despite his disappointment with the situation, Richard made it clear he wasn’t banned from Carnival. He hinted that this wouldn’t stop him from continuing to push the boundaries on future cruises. His experience sheds light on the growing debate between personal tech use and cruise line policies. For now, travelers should always check with their cruise line about prohibited devices to avoid any surprises on board.