NCLH to quadruple Wi-Fi bandwidth across NCL, Oceania, Regent fleets

This move is part of a long-term strategic agreement with EMC to significantly enhance the Internet experience onboard all 23 ships in the company’s fleet.

To support the new Wi-Fi network, multimillion-dollar bandwidth and performance-boosting technology upgrades will be installed fleet-wide before the end of June, including new satellite dishes, and EMC’s patented SpeedNet program. SpeedNet delivers popular websites at speeds that mimic high-speed fiber optic networks, similar to those available in homes and offices. 

The Wi-Fi is further enhanced by the recent deployment of high-speed shoreside connectivity in key ports of call.

'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,' said Ross Henderson, vp on-board revenue, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. '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,' he added.

NCLH said EMC was selected based on its priority software, maritime experience and network coverage.  

Brent Horwitz, president of cruise and ferry services for EMC, said his company has made 'giant leaps forward in the cruise sector' and provides worldwide support.

Passengers on all Norwegian, Oceania and Regent ships can expect to experience the new, lightning-fast Wi-Fi powered by SpeedNet by July 2016.

Regent passengers get free Wi-Fi as part of the line’s highly inclusive offering. Oceania passengers booking the current OLife Choice promotion and Norwegian cruisers who selected free Wi-Fi as part of the company’s Free at Sea promotion will also get to use the new Internet on their cruise. For those purchasing a plan, per minute packages as well as unlimited access packages are available for pre-booking or on board.