MSC Cruises, Marlink Enhance Guest Connectivity
MSC Cruises, a privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa announced that it has worked together with Marlink – the pioneer of business critical communication solutions for customers operating in remote environments – to launch a next-generation connectivity for MSC Cruises’ fleet with multi-band VSAT services. Working with Marlink, MSC Cruises will provide dynamic bandwidth to its 12 existing ships as well as the next-generation ships currently under construction, including MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside. No matter the itinerary of the ships, the bandwidth will be able to accommodate seasonal fluctuations…
Carnival to Update Entire Fleet's Internet Service
WiFi@Sea high-speed network will combine land-based systems and advanced satellite connectivity designed to give passengers faster, more stable and powerful internet service at sea. With connectivity speeds that can be roughly 10 times faster than ever before, passengers will be able to share their cruise experience via Internet, email and social media in real time. Carnival Corporation & plc has unveiled a hybrid wireless network – a high-speed service to eventually be rolled out to all 101 of its ships on all nine of its brands.
Seafarers Beware – Social Media Ahead
Videotel, part of KVH Industries, Inc., has launched a new program, Social Media at Sea, addressing the unique dangers of inappropriate use of social media by shipboard personnel and providing simple solutions to ensure that seafarers understand the dangers - and benefits - of this onboard revolution. Since the use of the Internet has now become commonplace on many vessels, seafarers often have much more freedom to communicate with friends and family using social media tools.
TS Karen Approach Closes Mississippi SW Pass
Vessel traffic to vease at Southwest Pass at 6 a.m. Friday, but cargo operations at Port of New Orleans terminals will continue as scheduled Friday, despite the impending closure. The Associated Branch Pilots, the pilots that guide ships through the mouth of the Mississippi River, will cease operations at the above time. Carnival Cruise Lines has two cruise ships scheduled to berth at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal this weekend. The 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation is scheduled to arrive at the Port Saturday, while the 2,984-passenger Carnival Conquest is scheduled to arrive Sunday.
MTN and Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Social Media Record
MTN and Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) announce that a new record for social media usage at sea was set during Norwegian Breakaway’s New York inaugural events. MTN delivered the communications services for its partner, Norwegian, enabling this social media breakthrough that helped promote the launch of Norwegian’s new ship. MTN partnered with Norwegian to deliver access to social media sites, as well as Norwegian’s social media mobile app specifically designed for the N.Y. inaugural events, to enable guests to share in real time their experiences on Norwegian Breakaway.
Astrium Offers XChange Upgrade
Astrium Services released a new software version for its established XChange connectivity platform, which offers a range of new features to facilitate permanent remote access, allow smartphone usage on board and provide improved VoIP capabilities. XChange v2.3 was developed to meet specific customer demands and is available free of charge by a simple firmware update, through a local file or via the embedded over-the-air update feature. The inclusion of new VoIP technology in XChange enables bandwidth savings of over 50%, whilst at the same time offering high call quality and reliability. This makes regular use of VoIP a more attractive option to the crew…
Mariners Can Access Social Nertworks via GMN XGate
Global Marine Networks (GMN), providers of satellite data speed and services, announce the ability to update Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter via satellite phone, with the XGate Satellite Phone Data Service and a compatible computer. XGate Social services are immediately available to XGate subscribers in addition to accelerated satellite phone email, web browsing and weather data service. “Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the way millions of people share their lives with others every day. Yet until now satellite phone users, who are often in the remote places or emergency situations where they most want to update others of their status, have found it hard to post to social media sites,” said Dr. Luis Soltero, President and CTO of GMN.
