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Carnival Corporation announced that it has
expanded its innovative hybrid connectivity system to create the cruise
industry's largest Wi-Fi network – and one of the world's largest satellite
mobility networks, according to a company statement.
With over 31 advanced satellite systems, the company's expanded WiFi@Sea
connectivity network features the broadest high-bandwidth internet coverage in
the industry currently deployed on 30 of its 100 ships with further deployment
planned over the next several months. In addition, several of its cruise line
brands have introduced new plans and pricing packages that make staying
connected on a cruise more convenient and affordable.
Expected to be extended to nearly 40 percent of the company's fleet across
several of its global brands by the end of 2015, the expanded WiFi@Sea service
has led to increased guest satisfaction, higher usage rates and greater number
of devices connected during voyages said Carnival.
Carnival Corporation's brands currently using the new features include AIDA
Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. Building on existing
broadband Wi-Fi capabilities already available throughout its fleet of 100
ships, Carnival Corporation is continuing the deployment of its technology
solution with plans to expand the new system on the majority of its fleet across
its 10 global brands through 2016.
The system is a first-of-its kind solution that integrates a combination of
advanced satellite systems, onboard software, networking equipment, land-based
antennas and Wi-Fi from port connections.
With the continued rollout of the enhanced connectivity system across the fleet,
guests will be able to access the websites, social networks and apps most
important to them at speeds up to 10 times faster than those previously
available on the company's ships.
"As we continue to enhance our WiFi@Sea system, we implement technologies,
packages and overall approaches that will create the best experience and value
for our guests wherever their cruise vacation takes them," said Reza Rasoulian,
vice president of global connectivity and shipboard technology operations at
Carnival Corporation. "We optimize all of our service layers continuously to
ensure a great connectivity experience. With this approach, we are giving our
guests faster internet speeds without constraining the time they can be online
through our packages, which has led to more people than ever using their devices
to connect while on our ships and a steady improvement in guest satisfaction
ratings as the new plans and pricing are rolled out."
Wi-Fi packages are based on the types of services guests will be using
throughout their trip versus the previous system of charging for the amount of
time they will be online. For example, guests who are only interested in using
Wi-Fi to post to their social networks can purchase a basic package for a lower
fee.
Carnival Cruise Line, the company's largest brand with 24 ships and its 25th
ship, Carnival Vista, coming in spring of 2016, announced in August it has
enhanced internet access including new social media packages. The packages are
now available on 19 of its 24 ships with plans for fleet-wide implementation by
the first quarter of 2016.
In June, the company's AIDA Cruises brand announced new flat-rate social media
and internet packages, along with bandwidth upgrades that have been installed on
seven ships, and will be fully deployed on each of the brand's 10 ships by
November 2015.
Added Rasoulian: "We know that each of our guests is looking for something
different when they cruise, whether that is being completely or partially
unplugged from the internet or staying plugged in. For those who want to stay
connected with their life back home or research the next destination on their
trip, we are offering faster, more reliable and more affordable options to give
our guests what they are looking for." |
