Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Starlink internet services, offering crew members hope for faster and more reliable internet connections while at sea. During the initial launch, crew members aboard the Norwegian Bliss reported that the internet ran smoothly, delivering fast and providing stable connectivity with their families and offering a source of entertainment during off-hours. However, concerns have surfaced after NCL reportedly changed the internet domain for the crew, leading to a noticeable drop in internet speed.

Crew members who rely on the internet for daily communication are feeling frustrated. One crew member, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared that the crew is paying between $75 and $120 monthly for internet access. “The internet speed was great during the first run, but after the domain change, it feels like we’re no longer connected to Starlink. The speed has become much slower, and it's frustrating, especially since we’re paying for this service,” the crew member explained.

For many crew members, the internet is more than just a luxury—it’s a vital tool for staying connected to loved ones back home. "Most of us use it to connect with our families or watch movies during our break hours to unwind from the long hours of work," said the anonymous crew member. "Now, even simple things like watching Facebook videos or reels take forever to load, which wasn’t the case before."

NCL offers daily and monthly internet packages to crew members, with the monthly option being more popular due to the cost savings. Despite paying for these services, the crew’s experience has significantly worsened, leaving many feeling disappointed by the change. "Even without an IT background, you can tell something is wrong with the net speed. We just hope we can get the same internet quality we had during the initial launch," they added.

The crew aboard the NCL Bliss is hoping for improvements soon, as internet connectivity is an important part of maintaining morale and keeping in touch with the outside world while at sea.