“Game-changing” wi-fi connectivity is to be provided to cruise passengers travelling on Carnival Corporation ships.
The global cruise giant plans to introduce high-performance and reliable broadband connectivity at sea by linking into global satellite technology provided by specialist operator SES Networks.
More specifics about the MedallionNet offering and implementation on specific cruise brands within the corporation’s 103 ships will be announced later this year.
No costs to passengers have yet been disclosed.
However, the company is touting “exceptional speeds and bandwidth, pervasive stateroom signal strength and unprecedented service consistency” when the service is introduced on board.
The service is being enabled by hardware and software shipboard technology advances associated with Carnival Corporation’s proprietary Ocean Experience platform.
Chief experience and innovation officer John Padgett said: “Staying connected is inextricably linked to our daily life experiences and that now extends to the vacation experience, even when sailing in the middle of the sea.
“MedallionNet will set the new standard for wi-fi service at sea and we look forward to rolling it out to our guests.
“Our top priority is doing everything we can to exceed guest expectations, and by listening closely to our guests, we know wi-fi connectivity is important to many of our guests.
“For guests who want to disconnect, they are free to do so. But for those who want to stay connected, MedallionNet will make it easy for them – and that includes being able to easily send photos, videos and messages letting everyone know they are having a fabulous vacation.”
SES Networks CEO Steve Collar claimed the business was “uniquely positioned to enable the highest performing wi-fi connectivity at sea as well as immersive media and gaming content”.
MedallionNet will use multi-band antennas configured in an “innovative” shipboard formation to minimise any potential impact to connectivity due to seasonal weather or ship positioning by accessing multi-orbit satellite bandwidth.