AIDA Cruises has announced the roll-out of Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) OpenRoaming across its fleet of 11 ships. The technology, implemented by Cisco Services, aims to improve the provision of Wi-Fi for 1.5 million passengers and crew members annually.
The WBA OpenRoaming system is an open connectivity framework that allows users to connect to Wi-Fi networks using existing profiles, removing the need for repeated logins or manual password entry. AIDA Cruises is the first cruise brand to introduce this technology at sea.
The deployment involves the Cisco Wireless 9800 series controllers and 9100 series access points. During a 14-day dry-dock network overhaul on the first ship, testing recorded no connection drops across more than 100 access points spanning from the engine room to the top deck.
The network supports vessel operational tasks such as safety-related workflows and crew servicing, alongside passenger services like streaming and onboard booking.
“We’re in the middle of the open ocean, but we actually exceed the connection standards you would experience in many places on land,” said Gordon Poppe, Chief Information Officer at AIDA Cruises.
“Connectivity is not only about being connected to the internet, but it’s also being able to connect to our digital touch points on board, from the minute you enter the ship.”
The modernisation programme is currently being repeated across the remaining ships in the fleet as they enter scheduled dry-dock periods over the coming months.
