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Carnival’s Chinese Brand Will Have World’s First 5G Cruise Ship

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Carnival’s Chinese Brand Will Have World’s First 5G Cruise Ship

Carnival's Adora Cruises brand in China partners with Shanghai Telecom for the world's first 5G cruise ship.
ByRobert McGillivray
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Modified Date: Jan 12, 2023

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Having a stable internet connection onboard a cruise ship is the holy grail for many cruise lines. While most cruise companies are opting for the SpaceX Maritime Internet option, others are looking at different options.

Carnival Corporation’s Adora Cruises brand announced a strategic partnership with Shanghai Telecom, stating their first cruise ship will be a fully 5G-enabled vessel.


This partnership marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a 5G network has been installed on a cruise ship, and the Chinese cruise line will be setting a new standard if the results are satisfactory.

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Adora Cruises Partners With Shanghai Telecom​

It’s a nightmare for some and an absolute necessity for others. Still, there is no denying that having a reasonable internet connection onboard is more a requirement than a wish nowadays.

Adora Cruises is working towards a future where guests can enjoy a cruise experience with 5G connectivity and high-speed internet at all times. The company is implementing a roadmap to achieve this goal, which includes expanding network coverage and executing high-speed satellite communication and various digital applications on cruise ships.

Guests will be able to enjoy worry-free always-on communication with the latest wireless communication technology available on board, including the option to choose between WI-FI6 and mobile 5G network packages.

If the cruise line does manage to achieve the speeds that 5G is known for, guests could expect up to 1000Mbps. As a comparison, Maritime internet from SpaceX reaches speeds of 100–300 Mbps, although this depends on the number of users online, something that has little effect on speeds with 5G.

Mr. Chen Ranfeng, Managing Director of CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited: “With a clear insight into the importance of network services for Chinese customers, we are thrilled to partner with Shanghai Telecom, a leading 5G network service provider, to bring cutting-edge 5G technology to our cruise ships.”


“From network layout and satellite communication to various digital applications, our goal is to deliver seamless multimedia interactions and consistent mobile connectivity for guests and crew, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones and the world while at sea.”


First Cruise Ship Under Construction​

Construction of the first ship for Adora Cruises is underway at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao shipyard and is expected to be delivered to the cruise line in late 2023. The cruise ship is being built in cooperation with Carnival Corporation. However, the company is still a separate entity from the company that operates Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and others.

The build will mark the debut of the first domestically built large cruise ship for the Chinese market, signaling a new era of cruise travel in the region. The yet-to-be-named ship belongs to the popular Vista class and will come in at 135,500 gross tons.

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While the vessel is modeled after the Vista class, it will feature customizations tailored to the Chinese market, one of which is the 5G connectivity.

Mr. Gong Bo, General Manager of Shanghai Telecom, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Adora Cruises to build 5G network on a large cruise ship for the first time in the world, which demonstrates China takes the lead in 5G application innovation.”

“Combining 5G and satellite technology, we will focus on network communication, digital high-definition, AR/VR, and other content services to further improve the guest experience.”


The ship will also have entertainment focusing on the Chinese market, food for Chinese tastes, world-class shopping, and other cultural differences from ships sailing in Europe and the Americas.

What the Future Holds for Cruising in China​

The vessel currently under construction is just the first of several, with at least two more new ships in the pipeline and several older cruise ships, such as Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea, that will also be converted to the same Adora Cruises standards.

Moving forward, the company will be looking to install Shanghai Telecom-supported 5G connectivity across its full fleet of cruise ships.

The question is when these ships will be put to the test. There is no doubt that the relaxation of COVID protocols in mainland China will have a positive impact; when these changes will be visible remains to be seen.

 

World's first '5G cruise ship' to be delivered in China

Source: Xinhua
2023-01-12 17:17:45

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World's first cruise ship covered by a 5G network will be delivered in China later this year, announced by Adora Cruises, a brand of Chinese cruise ships under CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, on Thursday.

The company has partnered with China Telecom to bring 5G connectivity to its first China-built large cruise ship and also the world's first 5G cruise ship.

The cruise ship will be equipped with advanced wireless communication technology, and a Wi-Fi6 and mobile 5G network will be both available to provide passengers on board with the same network experience as on land.

"By seizing a first-mover advantage in the cruise industry's 5G market, we hope to set a new standard for digital communication in the marine travel sector," said Chen Ranfeng, managing director of CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping, a joint venture between China's largest shipbuilding company China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and the U.S.-based Carnival Corporation.

Construction of Adora's first cruise ship has been completed and it is expected to start operation in 2023. With a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes, the ship has 2,125 guest rooms and can carry 5,246 passengers.

"We will focus on network communication, digital high-definition, as well as AR/VR and other content services, in order to further improve the guest experience and jointly promote the high-quality development of the tourism economy," said Gong Bo of China Telecom's Shanghai branch.

 
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China to launch its first 5G cruise ship: All you need to know - 10 points​

Adora Cruises have collaborated with Shanghai Telecom, which is a major 5G network service provider in China to bring 5G connectivity to its first China-built large cruise ship.


Authored by: TN World Desk
Updated Jan 13, 2023 | 04:25 PM IST

China is set to launch the world’s first ship to be covered by a 5G network. The cruise ship will be launched by Adora Cruises a brand of Chinese cruise ships under CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping and will be delivered in the country later this year.

According to a Xinhua report, Adora Cruises have collaborated with Shanghai Telecom, which is a major 5G network service provider in China to bring 5G connectivity to its first China-built large cruise ship.

  1. The cruise ship will be equipped with advanced wireless communication technology
  2. It will also have a Wi-Fi6 and mobile 5G network, reported Xinhua.
  3. Adora's first cruise ship with a 5G network is out of the construction phase and is expected to start operation later in 2023.
  4. With a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes, the ship will have 2,125 guest rooms and can carry up to 5,246 passengers.
  5. The ship will be made and launched by CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Ltd’s own cruise brand Adora Cruises in partnership with China Telecom Corp Ltd Shanghai Branch.
  6. This partnership marks a major milestone, as it is the first time a 5G network has been installed on a cruise ship in the world and sets a new standard for connectivity and convenience, the press release stated.
  7. Combining 5G and satellite technology, the 5 G-powered Chinese cruise vessel will focus on network communication, digital high-definition, AR/VR and other content services.
  8. Adora’s first two China-built large cruise ships are currently under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Corp.
  9. By seizing a first-mover advantage in the cruise industry's 5G market, we hope to set a new standard for digital communication in the marine travel sector," said Chen Ranfeng, managing director of CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping
  10. Adora Cruises is already in the process of designing and constructing its second 5G-capable ship.
 

Construction of Second Adora Cruises Newbuild Progressing in China​

  • January 15, 2023
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The construction of Adora Cruises’ second newbuild is progressing in the Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Yard in Shanghai, China.

According to an update published by the shipyard, a ceremony took place on December 29, marking the start of the outfitting of the 135,000-ton vessel.

As the second large cruise ship to be built in the country, the newbuild is currently known by its project name of H1509, presumed to be the hull number.

In addition to several department heads, the event was attended by Zhou Qi, deputy general manager of Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.

Speaking at the ceremony, Zhou Qi affirmed the efforts and achievements made by relevant departments during the first stages of construction of the cruise ship.

He also pointed out that the project team should carry out the vessel’s construction in an orderly manner, while ensuring safety, and applying the experience acquired during the construction of the first large cruise ship built in China.

With a design based on Carnival’s Vista Class, the H1509 is set to debut in late 2025.

Joining Adora’s first newbuild, which is set to enter service in 2023, the yet unnamed cruise ship is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia, sailing from different Chinese homeports.

With capacity for 5,000 passengers in double occupancy, the ship was purpose-designed to cater to Chinese guests and is said to present Chinese- and Western-style features, including a shopping plaza, a two-deck dining room and more.

In addition to the two newbuilds, Adora Cruises acquired two existing cruise ships, the Costa Atlantica and the Costa Mediterranea.

Still sporting Costa Cruises’ colors and features, the two vessels are currently anchored off the island of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean.

A new cruise line, Adora Cruises was revealed in late 2022. Focusing on the Chinese market, the company is a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation.

 

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