Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 6 6 V IEWPOINT The connected cruise SES Networks is helping cruise lines to provide their guests and crew members with high-performance connectivity, regardless of where their ships are sailing C ruise operators want to deliver enhanced and personalised experiences to their guests, and they recognise that high-quality connectivity at sea plays an integral role in taking those experiences to a new level. However, to be able to support passengers as they consume an exponentially increasing volume of data, operators need better global connectivity options. SES offers the only service at sea that is capable of addressing this escalating demand for bandwidth via the broadest fleet of satellite assets in the industry, including our low-latency medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation and wide- beam and high-throughput satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). When this multi-layered connectivity is combined with our advanced ground system and broad portfolio of value-added services – such as analytics, network optimisation and voice services for passengers and crew – the SES Signature Cruise solution ensures that every guest receives world- class connectivity. Our network delivers the low-latency broadband capabilities needed to deliver smart ship technology, while providing high-speed wi-fi to cruise passengers and crew so they can upload content to social media sites and chat with friends and family back home. The network also powers the mobile apps, web portals and kiosks that allow guests to personalise their cruise experience onboard their ships. Similarly, it’s used in waterproof radio-frequency identification wristbands that help passengers navigate around the ships, make purchases and open their cabin doors, as well as in a 24/7 video gaming suite that lets guests compete with Xbox Live gamers worldwide. Simon Maher: SES Networks