By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Corporation & plc has expanded its hybrid connectivity system to create the cruise industry’s largest wifi network, which will be available on 40% of the ships across its ten global brands by the end of 2015.
Originally launched in November 2014, WiFi@Sea is the first connectivity network to comprise more than 31 advanced satellite systems, onboard software, networking equipment, land-based antennas and wifi from port connections. The high-speed, high-bandwidth network is currently deployed on 30 of Carnival Corporation’s 100 ships.
Carnival Corporation’s brands currently using the new features include AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. Carnival Corporation continues deployment of its technology solution with plans to expand the system on the majority of its fleet across its ten global brands through 2016.
The new WiFi@Sea service, which is also one of the world’s largest satellite mobility networks, is expected to allow guests to access websites, social networks and apps at speeds up to ten times faster than those previously available on the company’s ships. This will lead to increased guest satisfaction and higher usage rates.
“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 optimise 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.”
Several Carnival Corporation brands have also introduced new pricing packages, where guests are charged according to the type of services they use, rather than how long they spend online as in the past. For example, guests who only want to use wifi to post on social media sites can purchase a basic package for a lower fee. Specific package offerings and pricing structures vary by brand, but all are aimed at providing guests with a better overall connectivity experience.
In June, AIDA revealed plans to introduce flat-rate social media and internet packages and bandwidth upgrades on all ten of its ships by November 2015. Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line enhanced internet access and made new social media packages available on 18 of its 24 ships this August, and confirmed plans for fleet-wide implementation by the first quarter of 2016.
“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,” said Rasoulian. “For those who want to stay connected with their life back home, we are offering faster, more reliable and more affordable options to give our guests what they are looking for.”