Satellite operator SES has agreed a deal to provide connectivity services on its O3b mPOWER network to MSC Group company Explora Journeys, with the Explora I the first vessel scheduled to deploy the system.
Guests onboard the cruise ship, which is set to launch in May 2023, will enjoy complementary Wi-Fi at all global locations while travelling, supporting streaming or content sharing from any part of the ship.
In addition, the connectivity service will be used to support crew welfare and training, employee performance management, and retention.
SES’s upcoming O3b mPOWER second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) system operates around 8,000km above the earth’s surface, and is supported by the company’s geostationary (GEO) fleet of satellites for service continuity where required.
“High-speed, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity is no longer a ‘nice to have’, with demand for connectivity services at sea growing in tandem with the development of social media platforms,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.
“Today’s guests simply expect seamless and uninterrupted connectivity comparable to on land as they want to share their experiences and stay online as much as possible. We are pleased to be able to offer this connectivity experience to our guests onboard Explora I thanks to SES’s services.”
