USA SeaMobile announces Holland America Contract

[Jason]

USA. SeaMobile announces Holland America Line’s contract largest to date for company

Source: BYM News

SeaMobile Enterprises, the dominant global service provider of at-sea communications, connectivity and content services, announced today it has signed an agreement with Holland America Line, the leader in the cruise industry's premium cruise segment. SeaMobile will provide wireless cellular phone and PDA services for Holland America Line's guests throughout the world. Installations of wireless broadband communications equipment will begin on board Holland America's entire fleet of 13 ships later this year.

The SeaMobile communications service will allow guests and staff of Holland America's ships to use their own cellular phones and wireless PDAs while at sea. SeaMobile's proprietary technology is a sophisticated IP/software-based solution that works with any type of wireless phone (GSM, GPRS or CDMA) used by the guest when accessing the SeaMobile network. This allows virtually anyone aboard any vessel at sea to use voice and data services available through their wireless home carrier, just as they would on land. Worldwide roaming agreements established by SeaMobile provide transparent connectivity for wireless services. Charges for calls and data services will then appear on the user's wireless bill from their home carrier.

"We are pleased to be chosen by Holland America Line as their communications partner and view this as an important milestone for SeaMobile," said Bill Marks, chief executive officer of SeaMobile Enterprises. "Holland America is known for offering premier services at a great value to its guests. Being chosen by Holland America Line further validates the leadership position that SeaMobile has earned very quickly in this industry. To be selected as a Holland America partner speaks of their confidence in SeaMobile to provide seamless communication services to their guests at an affordable rate. We will more than meet their expectations."

Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), a SeaMobile company, already provides satellite connectivity and manages the Internet cafes on board Holland America's ships. These simple-to-use, high-quality services are expected to complement a host of premier services aboard Holland America Line ships.

Holland America Line is consistently among the highest-rated cruise lines, and was recently awarded the Best Overall Cruise Value by World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society in Ocean & Cruise News for the 14th consecutive year.

"Over the course of our company's history, our cruise line has carried more than 10 million passengers across the world," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America. "This is a result of our commitment to providing the best comfort and amenities for guests aboard our 13 luxury ships. We chose SeaMobile Enterprises to provide simple-to-use, superb communication services for our ships, because we know how important it is for our guests to have the ability to stay connected with family, friends, and business associates while at sea."

[Mebert]

Jason,

Thanks for the info.

This sounds like a nice move on the part of Holland America. I hope Carnival does the same with Holland America's sister lines. I can't wait to see what the connection fees are like.

[saltydog]

Sorry but I think it is a sad thing when cell phones can be used at sea.

I go to sea to relax and not to have to listen to mindless chatter while enjoying the fresh sea air. For emergency use the ships have ship/shore service available. Hopefully people will have the courtesy of using them in their cabins or their balconies.

Cheers

Tim

[Joanandjoe]

Tim, we agree with you 100 percent!