Aida Cruises Chooses MCP for New Ships

Maritime Communications Partner (MCP), provider of onboard communications to the global cruise fleet, has announced a new five-year contract with Germany’s Aida Cruises for the supply of wireless mobile services and systems to three, 2,174 passenger new builds.

The contract for three consecutive new builds in 2010, 2011 and 2012, follows the completion of the installation of wireless cellular systems onboard Princess Cruises, Cunard Lines and P&O Australia ships. It is MCP’s first contract with the German-based AIDA Cruises.

The scope of supply covers GSM, GPRS and SMS, and complete turnkey installation including the delivery of network equipment and services, engineering and product management, network design, operation, and system integration.

Today, Aida Cruises has alliances with other wireless companies for its current fleet of six ships. Facing increasing passenger demands for wireless access, the company’s new builds will feature next generation wireless technology, products and services provided by MCP.

Capt. Burkhard Mueller, Vice President Fleet Services of Aida Cruises, affirms that the deployment of GSM, GPRS and SMS has proved beneficial to their cruise operations. He explains that innovative passenger-driven onboard communications services and watertight roaming agreements are crucial factors to increasing passenger satisfaction.

(www.mcp.com)