CruiseSAT is branching out from the Americas to offer global services and new premium and live content.
'We're excited about expanding to the rest of the world,' said Charles Sackermann, CEO of Digital Video Systems (DVS), the long-established parent company of CruiseSAT.
Until now, there hasn't been much competition in the space, according to DVS maritime consultant Shannon McKee of Access Cruise.
'We're bringing more variety, more flexibility and additional options,' Sackermann said. 'The technology we're using allows us to give a higher performance.'
Single satellite downlink
CruiseSAT provides high-definition and standard-definition linear networks including news, sports, entertainment and specialty networks and on-demand content using a single satellite downlink.
After launching in 2017 with Carnival Cruise Line as its first customer, CruiseSAT added Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — but for services only in the Americas. Now, by going global, the door is open to all lines.
DVS provides satellite engineering, services and support for some 250 cruise ships worldwide and Sackermann said CruiseSAT was developed after listening to those customers' needs. CruiseSAT is now aboard more than 50 cruise ships so 'we see a large runway for our expansion.'
And having global reach makes it possible to serve emerging markets like the expedition cruise segment with its far-flung deployment.
News, sports, entertainment, live events
From a content perspective, CruiseSAT has master agreements with key partners and works closely with cruise lines to develop a package that best suits their demographics. The portfolio includes BBC World News, CNN, CBS News, FOX Business, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery Channel, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Rai Italia and Deutsche Welle.
CruiseSAT worked with partner ViacomCBS to create Nick at Sea. Unique to cruise lines, the Nickelodeon-branded channel features kids' programming from Nickelodeon's extensive catalogue.
Among the other available content is GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV of the Philippines, ET Live, CNBC, MSNBC and Newsmax TV.
The sports portfolio includes ESPN, SEC ESPN, ESPNU, NFL Network and others. Last year more than 1,000 hours of prime events like NCAA March Madness Final Four, NFL games and the Super Bowl were available.
Cost-effective solutions
During this challenging period for the cruise industry, 'It's even more important for us to bring cost-effective solutions to our customers,' Sackermann said. 'We're a trusted partner. We'll continue to work with them through these difficult times.
'We're pushing the envelope to be cost-conscious and bring solutions that have high value but are reasonably priced.
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Original source: Seatrade Cruise News.
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