French luxury cruise line Ponant has extended its Sealink multi-band communication services contract with Marlink.
This contract extension secured increased Internet speeds for guests and vessel operations on its five-strong fleet of high-end luxury yacht/cruise ships, plus four newbuildings.
As a result of the new agreement, Marlink’s continuously updated global multi-band infrastructure will meet the increasing demand for fast, reliable and available connectivity driven by Ponant’s unique and global expedition and luxury cruise offering.
Combining different itineraries and 5-star hotel services, Ponant specialises in French-style cruises designed to offer excellent on board services, plus quality and exclusive itinerary destinations. Its five vessels in service enable communications in tropical regions, the Arctic and Antarctic.
The four new Ponant Explorers yachts currently under construction, which will join the fleet in 2018, and 2019, will all be connected to Marlink’s global multi-band network prior to delivery, to help ensure that high-bandwidth connectivity and global coverage is available starting from their maiden voyages.
Marlink’s satellite services for all the vessels include Internet access, premium quality telephone, GSM and data communications connectivity for on board guests, crew and business, based on global coverage.
The satcoms service provider said that it was able to deliver even higher QoS to Ponant through its unique global network of overlapping beams on all frequencies.
For example, each vessel will have access to global Ku and C-band VSAT in addition to L-band solutions and GSM/LTE services, ensuring that the best available service is in use at any time and that IP and voice communication is always available. Marlink’s SMARTConnect service will handle switching between alternate carriers to ensure seamless connectivity and uptime.
“We are committed to delivering unique cruising experiences, visiting exotic destinations while still ensuring high-end facilities on board,” said Jean Emmanuelle Sauvee, Ponant CEO. “As a long term partner, Marlink has been able to ensure coverage on its global network for all our vessels wherever they are, providing connectivity for guests and our business, operational and crew welfare needs. The contract extension introduces even higher speeds and QoS, helping us to improve our on board facilities across the fleet.”
“The luxury and expedition cruise market is a key growth area, driven by high expectations to access the Internet and social media platforms even when visiting remote destinations,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “Our frequency agnostic, multi-band approach enables the world’s most complete global satellite network, with services over all maritime satellite frequency bands. This is especially appreciated by operators like Ponant in the luxury cruise sector, who naturally have very high demands for global bandwidth, fast connectivity and reliability in order to meet the needs of their guests.”
