With the installation of cellular phone technology aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide implementation of cell phone service aboard all 21 of its “Fun Ships.”
With the new service, made possible through an agreement between Carnival and Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, guests sailing aboard the “Fun Ships” can make and receive calls and transmit text and multimedia messages from their personal cell phones, BlackBerrys or similar devices while at sea.
“Since we launched cell phone service last summer, response has been excellent. Our guests are making maximum use of the opportunity to utilize this convenient and cost-effective means for keeping in touch with friends, family members and business associates back home,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Utilizing WMS’ state-of-the-art high-bandwidth technology, the new fleetwide service is compatible with virtually any cellular telephone and enables guests sailing on Carnival to make and receive calls and send messages anywhere in the world from any cruising region.
The service requires no additional software or special dialing procedures – guests simply make and receive calls as well as transmit text and multimedia messages as they would on land using their personal cell phone. International roaming fees apply to all shipboard cell phone calls.
Fleetwide cell phone service is just one way that Carnival helps guests stay connected while sailing aboard the “Fun Ships.” Recently, the line completed fleetwide implementation of strategically positioned “wi-fi” hotspots that enable guests to access Web sites and send e-mails via any wireless-equipped laptop computer from all lounges, bars, pool areas, open decks, dining venues and suite accommodations.
Additionally, Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty are the only cruise ships in the world offering “100 percent bow-to-stern” wireless Internet access. |
