Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) introduced a new broadband network Monday to provide smoother Internet access on voyages.
The system is intended to boost Internet connections aboard the company's 101 ships and let passengers stream videos and engage in other online activities, according to CNN Money. Carnival's Chief Information Officer Ramon Millan said the move to increase Internet connection is similar to airlines' push towards providing faster Wi-Fi speeds to passengers.
"It's a ship, and it's moving in the middle of the ocean where there's no infrastructure, so we have to be creative," Millan said.
Carnival said it will provide Internet access in different options as its boats travel, The Verge reported. Boats will connect to land-based Wi-Fi while docked, long-ranged Wi-Fi when 40 miles off shore, and satellite Internet across multiple frequency bands while on open water.
The exact speed of the service has yet to be revealed, although Carnival said it is about ten times faster than previous forms. The price of the connection has also not been revealed yet.
Millan said the new service is aimed at bringing in younger travelers, "who have made connectivity and social media and everyday part of their lives," CNN Money reported.
"Our guests are looking for different experiences when they cruise - some are interested in disconnecting, and others are interested in staying in touch with their world back home," he added.
Carnival plans to launch the Internet service in the fourth quarter of this year aboard ships departing from the United States for the Caribbean, The Verge reported. The company is also looking to make the new connection available aboard boats in other areas in 2015 and 2016, such as the Mediterranean, western Europe, and Asia.
