MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) and Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) have launched services to Carnival Cruise Lines’ new Carnival Breeze that deliver a ‘shore-side’ experience to more than 4,000 passengers and nearly 1,800 crew members on each sailing. We experienced this first-hand when on Carnival Breeze last month.
Carnival Breeze began a summer schedule of European cruises 3 June and will launch year-round Caribbean service from Miami starting 24 November. MTN’s VSAT services exceeded the connectivity demands of the crew, passengers and corporate communications requirements during its inaugural month.
Carnival Breeze also used MTN’s Internet Cafe service delivering access to passengers and crew on mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and laptops as well as fixed PCs to stay connected while at sea. MTN integrated this connection with Carnival’s FunHub portal to provide passengers with digital access to all of the Breeze’s ship services, facilities, daily activities and social media. Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of AT&T and MTN, launched mobile calling, texting and data services for guests and crew onboard the Carnival Breeze. Through MTN’s VSAT systems, a portfolio of onboard revenue opportunities is offered to cruise line partners. The products and services, which add to the overall cruising experience, include remote access for internet, fixed and mobile phones, MTN Worldwide Television, OceanPhone crew calling, a payroll service for crew and other enterprise services.
The WMS service delivers mobile connectivity to guests and crew members as they would on land, at sea beyond any land based towers. Connectivity is activated when the ship leaves port and turned off when in range of land based providers. WMS provides service to guests and crew so they can stay in touch with family, friends or business associates back home. Guests and crew can make and receive calls, send text messages, access e-mail and surf the internet at rates similar to roaming internationally.
Flickr photo by ouyea…
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