Fast growing SeaMobile to install communications network aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony
luxury cruise ships --
Seattle, WA. (July 12, 2006) – SeaMobile, Inc., a leading global provider of advanced wireless at sea voice and data communications services, announced today it has signed an agreement with Crystal Cruises, one of the world’s leading luxury cruise lines, to provide communication solutions for its guests throughout the world. SeaMobile will begin installing wireless broadband communications equipment on board two luxury Crystal Cruises ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, later this year.
The SeaMobile communications service will allow guests and staff of Crystal Cruises to use their own cellular phones and wireless PDAs while at sea. Charges for calls and data services will then appear on the user’s wireless bill from their home carrier. The simple-to-use, high quality service is expected to complement a host of luxury services aboard the Crystal Cruises ships. For the tenth consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was recently awarded Condé Nast Traveler "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" in its annual readers’ poll.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen by Crystal Cruises as their communications partner,” said Jack Donohue, President of SeaMobile. “To be chosen by a cruise line that specializes in quality is both a great recognition of our capabilities and a responsibility. Crystal Cruises guests expect a simple-to-use, superb communications service that complements all of the other luxuries they experience while on board. SeaMobile will more than meet their expectations.”
“Our guests continue to choose Crystal because they expect first class service, abundant space, exceptional quality and extensive choices,” said Thomas Mazloum, Crystal Cruises’ senior vice president, hotel operations. “With that consistent attention to detail in mind, we have chosen the best at-sea communications provider to add onboard wireless service.”
The agreement with Crystal Cruises marks the first cruise line contract to be signed since SeaMobile’s acquisition of Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN), a leading provider of satellite-based broadband communications and networking services for the maritime industry. Together, the two companies have created the dominant player in maritime communications and content driven services. These services include mobile phone service, wireless service for PDA / Blackberry® devices and laptops, access to printed versions of more than 200 hometown daily newspapers, live television, onboard ATMs, Internet cafes, WiFi connectivity for personal laptops and much more.
“We see the announcement of our relationship with Crystal as being the first of many significant milestones for SeaMobile Enterprises,” said Bill Marks, Chief Executive Officer of SeaMobile Enterprises. “When we announced the combination of SeaMobile and MTN several months ago we suggested that it was a new day at sea. Without reservation, we believe that the best is ahead for cruise travelers who will use our communications services to get away to exciting destinations while maintaining a window into the world they left behind.”
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 customer 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 and billing is provided by the home carrier.
About SeaMobile Enterprises
SeaMobile Enterprises was founded by some of the world’s top mobile phone, telecommunications and cable television executives to deliver new and enhanced wireless voice, data communications, and content services to the global maritime industry. In 2006, SeaMobile acquired Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), the leading provider of satellite-based broadband communications and networking services for the maritime industry, to create the dominant service provider of at-sea communications, connectivity and content services. Services include mobile phone service, wireless service for PDA / Blackberry® devices and laptops, access to printed versions of more than 200 hometown daily newspapers, live television, access to bank accounts through onboard ATMs, Internet cafes, WiFi connectivity for personal laptops and much more. SeaMobile offers packaged and customized wireless solutions for cruise lines, ferries, yachts, container ships and offshore platforms. The company has offices in Seattle, WA, Miramar, FL, and Paris, France. For more information, visit http://www.seamobile.com
The Crystal Difference
Cruising the world, the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity and the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony are distinguished by their unique combination of attentive service, abundant space, exceptional quality and extensive choices. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.
In the February 2006 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were awarded with the coveted No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the magazine's 6th annual "Best Cruise Ships in the World" readers' poll. For the past ten consecutive years, Crystal Cruises has been voted "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines - the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.
For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com