Carnival to Roll Out Cruise Industry's Best Wi-Fi

Carnival Corporation & plc has introduced what the travel company says will deliver the best Wi-Fi service in the cruise industry.

MedallionNet will provide guests with a high-speed and reliable broadband connection at sea.

The service will utilize global satellite operator SES Networks' geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and medium-earth orbit (MEO) constellations, managed services, antenna and shipboard technology. It is made possible by advanced hardware and software onboard technology from Carnival's OCEAN Experience Platform.

Uniquely configured multi-band antennas will allow MedallionNet to combat various weather conditions and ship positioning to ensure a strong signal.

By combining multiple sources of bandwidth, Carnival will be able to offer the highest capacity network and volume of shipboard access points in the industry.

"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," said John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation, in a statement.

"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."

"As the only company to offer a GEO and MEO constellation, unmatched in scale, performance and technological diversity, SES Networks is uniquely positioned to enable the highest performing Wi-Fi connectivity at sea as well as immersive media and gaming content," SES Networks CEO, Steve Collar, said in a statement.

@CarnivalPLC announces #MedallionNet. Pervasive WIFI at SEA. #TimesSquare pic.twitter.com/RLi59Ocuqz

— Steve Collar (@steviecO3b) September 28, 2017

Last September, TravelPulse cruise expert Jason Leppert reported on Royal Caribbean International's VOOM Internet service, which at the time claimed to be the fastest Wi-Fi at sea. O3b Networks, which powers VOOM, was acquired by SES last year.

READ MORE: Carnival Announces Digital Streaming Channel

MedallionNet was developed in Carnival Corporation's Miami-based Global Experience and Innovation Center as part of the company's "GuestCentricity" initiative.

Carnival plans to announce more details about MedallionNet including when it will roll out on the company's various cruise brands later this year.

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