PrePaid discounted Internet packages now available thru TAs
MTN OFFERS PREPAID INTERNET CARDS FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS THROUGH TRAVEL AGENTS Opportunity to Pre-sell Onboard Internet Access at Discounted Rates
MIRAMAR, Fla. – June 2, 2010 – (Marine NewsWire) – MTN Satellite Communications (MTN), the leading global service provider of communications, connectivity, and content services to remote locations around the world, today announced a special incentive program under which travel agents can offer their customers prepaid Internet access cards for use on cruise ships.
This wholesale/resale incentive program for travel professionals will not only add to the overall cruising experience for their customers but will also provide them with additional revenue, according to Brent Horwitz, senior vice president, MTN cruise and ferry services.
“More than 165 cruise ships are currently equipped with MTN Internet Café and Wi-Fi services,” said Horwitz. “Now travel agents can pre-sell Internet time to their clients when booking cruises at lower rates than they would be charged onboard, or they can even offer free cards to customers as a value-added incentive for booking a cruise. These prepaid Internet access cards are a great way for passengers to stay connected, anytime, anywhere.”
The shipboard Internet Cafés are built and staffed by MTN employees, ensuring trouble-free online connections for passengers at sea. If the passengers prefer to log on from their own notebooks, MTN provides Wi-Fi coverage on many ships as well. MTN’s network provides fast broadband connections, as well as necessary firewalls and security.
Horwitz noted that MTN offers special competitive bulk pricing for groups and charters with rates as low as 20 cents per minute for high-volume users.
“Cruising on the high seas today means remaining in touch with the world,” said Horwitz. “With MTN onboard, cruise passengers can be at the center of everything even in the middle of the ocean.”
MTN is showcasing its Internet Café and Wi-Fi services in Booth 1403 at Cruise3Sixty in Vancouver, British Columbia, this week.
It is a great idea though we have to hope the Pursers office will credit your shipboard account correctly and most importantly they ensure the speeds are maintained beyond someone telling you that 56K is good or too many folks are accessing the service right now.
Time will tell....
__________________ Rob Next Cruise: History: Celebrity Infinity-1, Dawn Princess-1, Sea Princess-2, Golden Princess-2, HA Maasdam-1, SS Cavina-1 Web site: http://robbarcruises.wordpress.com/
I agree, sounds like a good idea, but just wonder about the speed...The connections onboard are anything but quick?
That is why you need plenty of time.
TM
__________________
CRUISES
Century 4/1998
Mercury 4/2000+4/2006+7/2007
Sensation 4/2002
Infinity 4/2003
Summit 4/2004+4/2005
Carnival Liberty New Year's Eve 2007
Liberty of the Seas 5/2008+11/2009
Solstice 4/2009
Oasis 4/2010+4/13/2013
Allure 1/16/ 2011
Equinox 4/11/2011
As I posted prior, my experience and those of my friends show that ADSL / Cable speed is not a given on a regular basis.
So the discounted rates would have to be extremely attractive to cause one to purchase a large package.
Hopefully the service will improve over time.
Cheers
__________________ Rob Next Cruise: History: Celebrity Infinity-1, Dawn Princess-1, Sea Princess-2, Golden Princess-2, HA Maasdam-1, SS Cavina-1 Web site: http://robbarcruises.wordpress.com/
On my last cruise on Oasis OTS, the speed was not bad at all.
TM
__________________
CRUISES
Century 4/1998
Mercury 4/2000+4/2006+7/2007
Sensation 4/2002
Infinity 4/2003
Summit 4/2004+4/2005
Carnival Liberty New Year's Eve 2007
Liberty of the Seas 5/2008+11/2009
Solstice 4/2009
Oasis 4/2010+4/13/2013
Allure 1/16/ 2011
Equinox 4/11/2011
Glad to hear.
Part of it might be the systems age on some of the ships, WiFi ability and proximity to what Satellite being used.
__________________ Rob Next Cruise: History: Celebrity Infinity-1, Dawn Princess-1, Sea Princess-2, Golden Princess-2, HA Maasdam-1, SS Cavina-1 Web site: http://robbarcruises.wordpress.com/
It is a great idea though we have to hope the Pursers office will credit your shipboard account correctly and most importantly they ensure the speeds are maintained beyond someone telling you that 56K is good or too many folks are accessing the service right now.
Time will tell....
I think MTN puts the charge on your account. My guess is the card has a discount code you enter when you first sign up for service. We had something like that in one of those coupon books during our last cruise.
I wonder if TAs will be able to offer the internet time as an attraction - it doesn't affect the cruise lines bottom line.
__________________
Bob
A Bad Day At Sea [with power] Always Beats A Good Day At Work
Alaska 2014 - haven't picked a cruise yet
Carnival: Glory 2004, Destiny 2008, Splendor 2009, Freedom 2011, Valor 2012
Celebrity: Summit 2011
Princess: Ruby 2010, Caribbean 2013
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PrePaid discounted Internet packages now available thru TAs
though we have to hope the Pursers office will credit your shipboard account correctly and most importantly they ensure the speeds are maintained beyond someone telling you that 56K is good or too many folks are accessing the service right now.
Rob
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