Virgin
Voyages, renowned for its innovative approach to cruising, is set to
revolutionize onboard connectivity and elevate its included Wi-Fi offering by becoming
the first cruise line to incorporate SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO
service.
Partnering with
solutions provider SES, a global leader in satellite communications, Virgin
Voyages becomes the first cruise operator to leverage this integrated service, combining
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite coverage to
deliver the fastest internet speeds ever experienced at sea.
The SES Cruise
mPOWERED + Starlink PRO service promises connectivity speeds of up to 1.5Gbps
per ship, with no data consumption limitations, setting a new standard for
maritime internet capabilities. This groundbreaking technology will empower
Virgin Voyages’ guests, affectionately called "Sailors", to indulge
in a myriad of digital experiences while traversing the seas.
And, the benefits
of this cutting-edge connectivity go beyond passenger convenience—they also
extend to enhanced operational efficiency. The high-performance, seamless
solution will work to power Virgin Voyages’ tech-savvy cabins, suites, spas and
award-winning entertainment offerings, all of which require superior internet connectivity
to function properly.
Of course, it’s an
incredibly valuable as part of the line’s high-end, adults-only cruise offering
to be able to provide unlimited Wi-Fi access across multiple devices. It means
that passengers can make video calls, keep current on messaging and emails,
post to social media and share their experiences in real-time. From facilitating smoother logistics to
enabling real-time communications, this integrated solution elevates the
overall cruise experience for both guests and crew members alike.
“For cruise
operators, being able to constantly innovate and unlock new, superior guest
experiences for passengers is essential to stay ahead of the curve,” said Simon
Maher, Senior Vice President, Cruise at SES. “State-of-the-art connectivity is
at the heart of this. This is why we expanded our offering to create a fully
integrated end-to-end service that uses multiple orbits, from Geostationary to
Medium and Low Earth, to optimize bandwidth and meet the needs of both
passengers and crew, wherever in the world they are sailing. By doing so, we
are proud to deliver this new level of enhanced operational efficiency coupled
with the ultimate connectivity guest experience.”
“Our exclusively
adult cruise experiences are underpinned by unmatched levels of connectivity at
sea that mirror those available on land, so we are excited to partner with SES
to offer our guests and crew this level of connectivity, which is unlike any other
in the market,” Steven Worling, Senior Director of Infrastructure &
Security at Virgin Voyages, said in a release.
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