Reliable Cell Service Transforms The Cruise Experience

  • Seamless Connectivity for Guests and Crew through a partnership between Windstar Cruises and WMS
  • Service offers a crucial, reliable alternative for secure applications such as two-factor authentication and mobile banking
  • Utilizes pioneering technology including 5G connectivity and integration with low Earth orbit satellite systems like Starlink
  • The service launches first on the new Star Seeker in December 2025 with plans for fleet-wide expansion

Windstar Cruises is taking a significant step forward in enhancing the onboard experience by introducing its new Cellular at Sea service, a seamless communication solution developed through a strategic partnership with wireless industry leader WMS. This innovative offering is set to debut on the highly anticipated Star Seeker, which is scheduled to launch in December 2025. The core objective of this collaboration is to provide both passengers and crew with unobstructed, high-quality cellular connection throughout their journey, markedly improving the overall service quality and convenience at sea.

WMS is equipping the Star Seeker with advanced cellular technology, allowing guests to maintain reliable connectivity for voice calls, texting, and various essential internet applications, including email and secure mobile banking. This new cellular network is designed to work in conjunction with the ship’s traditional Wi-Fi, ensuring all communication needs are consistently met. Crucially, Cellular at Sea offers a stable and necessary alternative for travelers who require constant connection, especially for sensitive digital transactions like those involving two-factor authentication and medical portals. This capability provides a welcome layer of stability and peace of mind regardless of the ship’s location.

The underlying technology is robust, built upon WMS’s pioneering history in the cruise industry, which includes integrating 3G, 4G, and now 5G connectivity at sea. Furthermore, they have embraced integration with low Earth orbit satellite systems, such as Starlink, which are fundamentally reshaping how maritime communication functions. The introduction of Cellular at Sea marks a key industry milestone, confirming Windstar Cruises’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation. For passengers, the benefit is simple yet profound: the flexibility to manage work, personal affairs, and stay reliably in touch with loved ones throughout the entire journey. While the Star Seeker is the initial vessel to feature this cutting-edge amenity, Windstar plans to roll out this valuable service across its entire fleet, solidifying reliable, high-speed connectivity as a new standard in the superior cruising experience.