Ahead of Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami Florida (Miami Beach Convention Center, 8-11 April 2019), Marlink reported that the expedition cruise market was "in full-on growth mode in terms of demand for connectivity in the most remote corners of the planet."
According to Marlink, it was today contracting twice the satellite capacity for the expedition sector as it was 12 months ago and was regularly providing megabit connectivity on a global scale. Marlink clients in the sector include Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd.
The 100% increase in capacity required to keep company, crew, and guests connected as far afield as the Antarctic and Arctic is due to the surge in expedition cruising's popularity. Innovative cruise lines are today developing more specialised vessels to meet the needs of passengers seeking unique experiences that are off the beaten track. More exclusivity and ensuring that all conveniences are offered regardless of location, such as connectivity for pleasure and business, are all high on the agenda.
With the cruise market in focus, Marlink recently introduced a number of new capabilities which can be accessed through an online portal, including an internet Wi-Fi onboard landing site or captive portal capable to connect APIs to the customers own customised cruise management systems for even more automated processes, to reduce manual labour.
The company's new support tool features a dashboard providing information on the best line of sight between the ship and available satellites, that is especially relevant close to the poles where obstructions such as cliffs or icebergs could affect link availability.