SES signs new cruise contract
July 26, 2022
By Chris Forrester
SES has announced that it has signed an O3b mPOWER satellite connectivity contract with a “landmark ship of a leading family cruise line” – but has not revealed the identity of the cruise line.
The cruise line’s existing fleet will also transition its connectivity to SES’s second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) system O3b mPOWER, alongside installing the service onto its newbuild programme.
The high-performance connectivity service onboard will first be available via SES’s O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellation and will subsequently migrate and expand to SES’s O3b mPOWER communication system. This connectivity will be augmented by SES’s geostationary satellite fleet and ground-based infrastructure to provide high-bandwidth redundancy and reliability throughout the voyage.
SES said that the new agreement will help enable a seamless internet connectivity experience for guests who can unwind without worrying about consuming large amounts of data at considerable expense. Passengers can purchase new Unlimited Internet access plans by leveraging SES’s O3b mPOWER network and enjoy seamless connectivity whilst cruising.
The low-latency connectivity network is also set to enable innovative connected technologies, including a first-of-its-kind immersive augmented reality experience for guests. It will also power wearable technology for families, which provides children access to various experiences while parents recline at the pool.
Simon Maher, VP/Global Sales, Cruise Maritime Services at SES, said: “SES is privileged to be selected as the most innovative technology connectivity partner for both the transition of the current fleet of Cruise Ships from the legacy provider to SES but also supporting the cruise line’s fleet expansion plans. We are passionate about amazing, innovative experiences that push the boundaries of what people think is possible. As the only company to operate a commercially successful medium earth orbit constellations at unmatched scale, SES is uniquely positioned to offer the most reliable, best-performing high-speed connectivity at sea that helps make incredible and innovative experiences a reality.”