Explora Journeys selects SES's O3b mPOWER for high-speed connectivity

Explora I passengers and crew will benefit from what SES touts as best-in-class low latency, highest available throughput for reliable and uninterrupted service.

Travelers are promised unlimited omplimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, no matter how remote their ship's location. They'll be able to stream their favorite content or share their onboard experience from any place on Explora I.

Crew benefits

In addition, this enhanced connectivity is expected to improve crew welfare and training, employee performance, motivation and retention.

The service is delivered by SES’s upcoming second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite system, O3b mPOWER, which operates around 8,000 kilometers above earth’s surface, and SES’s geostationary (GEO) fleet of satellites, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Customers expect land-like connectivity

'High-speed, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity is no longer a "nice to have," with demand for connectivity services at sea growing in tandem with the development of social media platforms,' Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said. 'Today’s guests simply expect seamless and uninterrupted connectivity comparable to on land as they want to share their experiences and stay online as much as possible. We are pleased to be able to offer this connectivity experience to our guests onboard Explora I thanks to SES’s services.'

SES's Simon Maher, VP global sales, Cruise Maritime Services, said, 'It is incredibly exciting to be working with Explora Journeys whose innovative approach is setting new standards in ultra-luxury curated travel experiences at sea. Connectivity is one of the most important enablers for such travel experiences from both a guest and crew point of view.'

Simon Maher said connectivity is one important enabler of ultra-luxury standards

Maher predicted O3b mPOWER will 'revolutionize the ultra-luxury expedition maritime segment.'

While Explora Journeys doesn't bill itself as an expedition brand, Maher's comment suggests O3b mPOWER can be suitable not just for the big ships of existing customers including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, but also for smaller vessels traveling to far-flung places.

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