38 technology. “The line is also using Cruise mPOWERED to power a suite of innovative connected technologies for passengers, including wearable devices and a first-of-its-kind immersive augmented reality experience,” says Martin. “Plus, it is now able to use smart ship technologies to boost operational efficiency and enhance the crew experience.” Redefining connectivity with an industry-first solution Adaptive Technology Management is a key feature of SES’s latest connectivity offering for the cruise industry, which was developed in partnership with US-based aerospace firm SpaceX and launched in late 2023. SES has integrated SpaceX’s lowearth orbit (LEO) Starlink system with Cruise mPOWERED to create the world’s first integrated MEO and LEO satellite network, as well as the first end-to-end connectivity solution capable of delivering speeds of up to three gigabits per second per ship worldwide. Managed and delivered by SES, the Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink offering is available at both Pro and Premium level to enable cruise operators to choose the performance and networking features that best meet their specific requirements. “By combining SES’s terabit-scale MEO technology with the world’s most extensive LEO communications satellite fleet, we’re able to deliver the lowest latency, highest throughput and most flexible connectivity services in the cruise industry,” says Martin. “Cruise operators have unlimited geographical reach and limitless bandwidth and capacity, so they don’t need to pay for capped consumptionbased data plans and can easily scale to accommodate growing demand. This, combined with our Adaptive Traffic Management technology, helps them deliver superior guest experiences, optimise smart ship operations, and empower crew to work more productively and efficiently.” Virgin Voyages was the first cruise operator to implement SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink Pro, choosing the solution to power its ‘Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi’ connected experiences for passengers sailing on its three adult-only ships. The brand will be guaranteed connectivity speeds of up to 1.5 gigabites per second (Gbps) per vessel and will be able to optimise and scale bandwidth according to passenger and crew demand, wherever in the world it is sailing. “Virgin Voyages will now receive unmatched levels of connectivity at sea, enabling it to give passengers unlimited COVER STORY Virgin Voyages was the first cruise brand to adopt SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink Pro to power connected experiences onboard its ships “ We’re able to deliver the lowest latency, highest throughput and most flexible connectivity services in the cruise industry” Photo: Virgin Cruises
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