Wi-Fi speeds across NCL, Oceania and Regent’s fleets set for boost

Internet access bandwidth is to be quadrupled across the fleets of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Internet access bandwidth is to be quadrupled across the fleets of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The upgraded Wi-Fi is being promised by July “to meet the rising internet expectations of cruise guests,” according to parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

The quadrupling of bandwidth is part of a long term strategic agreement with communications firm EMC to “significantly enhance” the internet experience on all 23 ships across the three fleets.

Multi-million dollar bandwidth and performance-boosting technology upgrades will be installed fleet-wide before the end of June to support the new Wi-Fi network,

The project includes new state of the art satellite dishes, and EMC’s SpeedNet systems which claims to deliver speeds that mimic high-speed fibre optic networks, similar to those available in homes and offices.

This will be in addition to the recent deployment of high speed shoreside connectivity in key ports of call.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers free Wi-Fi. Oceania Cruises passengers sailing under the current OLife Choice promotion and Norwegian Cruise Line passengers who selected free Wi-Fi as part of the company’s Free at Sea promotion will also gain the new internet access.

Per minute and unlimited access packages are available for pre-book or onboard but prices were not disclosed.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings onboard revenue vice president, Ross Henderson, said: “With the addition of new hardware, combined with the significant increase in satellite bandwidth, shoreside connectivity and EMC’s SpeedNet, we have moved beyond the decade old problem of slow data speeds from satellite to deliver a much more efficient and faster internet experience for our guests.

“Our guests can consume content, post to social media, and stay in touch with family and friends on the ships’ network just as they are used to on land.”