Cruise Ship Wifi Gets a Boost on Norwegian, Regent and Oceania

Internet access and connection speed have long been a challenge for vacationers who set out to sea, but one of the world’s largest cruise lines is making it much easier, and faster, to surf online while on an ocean cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will quadruple the current bandwidth across its Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleets in the coming months to meet the rising internet expectations of cruise guests. The quadrupling of bandwidth is part of a long term strategic agreement with EMC to significantly enhance the internet experience onboard all 23 ships in the Company’s fleet.

This is a major addition, particularly for cruisers who need to keep up with business and clients back home, and for whom a total lack of connectivity would actually cause them more stress. Of course, it’s also a welcome perk for vacationers who just want to keep up with sports, news, or make their friends jealous by posting cruise pictures to Facebook.

To support the new WiFi network, multi-million dollar bandwidth and performance-boosting technology upgrades were installed fleet-wide just before summer, including new state of the art satellite dishes, and EMC’s patented SpeedNet program. The SpeedNet program delivers popular websites at speeds that mimic high-speed fiber optic networks, similar to those available in homes and offices.

The WiFi experience is further enhanced by the recent deployment of high speed shoreside connectivity in key ports of call. This allows travelers to keep connected whether their in their stateroom, at the onboard pool, dining at one of the included restaurants, or visiting one of the ports of call.

“With the addition of new hardware, combined with the significant increase in satellite bandwidth, shoreside connectivity and EMC’s SpeedNet, we have moved beyond the decade old problem of slow data speeds from satellite to deliver a much more efficient and faster internet experience for our guests,” said Ross Henderson, vice president, onboard revenue, at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “Our guests can consume content, post to social media, and stay in touch with family and friends on the ships’ network just as they are used to on land,” Henderson continued.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings selected EMC based on its priority software, maritime experience, and unparalleled network coverage to provide the highest quality of experience and satisfaction to cruise guests.
“This is testament to our giant leaps forward in the cruise sector, thanks to our patented, purpose-built and differentiated products, and our unmatched worldwide support,” said Brent Horwitz, president of cruise and ferry services, EMC.

The new, lightning-fast WiFi powered by SpeedNet was made available to all guests on all Norwegian, Oceania and Regent ships in July. Regent Seven Seas Cruises guests enjoy complimentary WiFi, as part of the line’s most inclusive luxury cruise experience. Oceania Cruise guests sailing under the current OLife Choice promotion and Norwegian Cruise Line guests who selected free WiFi as part of the company’s Free at Sea promotion will also enjoy the new internet experience on their cruise. For those purchasing a plan, per minute packages as well as unlimited access packages are available for pre-book or onboard.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 23 ships with approximately 45,800 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 510 destinations worldwide. The Company will introduce five additional ships through 2020.

Norwegian Cruise Line is an innovator in cruise travel with a history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of “Freestyle Cruising,” which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Norwegian Cruise Line offers The Haven by Norwegian, a luxury enclave with suites, private pools and dining, concierge service and personal butlers. Oceania Cruises offers an unrivaled vacation experience that features the finest cuisine at sea and innovative epicurean enrichment programs. Its fleet of intimate and luxurious ships sails on destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line. The line’s fares include all-suite accommodations, round-trip air, highly personalized service, acclaimed cuisine, fine wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, sightseeing excursions in every port, all gratuities, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel package for those guests staying in concierge and higher suites.