Crystal Becomes the First Cruise Line to Implement WebAccelerator(TM) Technology for the Fastest Internet at Sea |
Quicker Connections and Downloads Help Guests Optimize Time Online
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise specialist Crystal
Cruises has significantly upgraded its onboard computer network with new
state-of-the-art technology and applications that enable guests to optimize
their time online with faster connections and quicker downloads regardless
of where in the world the ships travel.
Due to the need to use satellites for transmission, Internet access
aboard a ship will always be significantly slower than on land. To
dramatically improve performance, the award-winning Crystal Serenity and
Crystal Symphony have become the first cruise ships in the industry to
purchase and install the new WebAccelerator(TM) technology, a highly
specialized device designed to compress the data in transit between the
ship and satellite, optimizing communication and transmission time.
Developed by F5, a global leader in application delivery, the technology
has been proven to dramatically reduce web page load times.
Crystal has also undertaken a number of additional steps to upgrade the
performance and speed of its shipboard networks, including increasing
bandwidth by 33 percent, upgrading components responsible for routing
traffic within the ships' networks, and implementing equipment specially
designed to deal with the delays inherent in satellite communication.
"Guests will notice an immediate benefit and significant improvements
in the pace and performance of our shipboard networks, whether they are
checking e-mail, surfing the net or sending digital photos to family and
friends," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president, hotel
operations.
"We know that e-mail and Internet are an integral part of our guests'
way of life. With the most extensive shipboard labs and hands-on
instruction programs in the industry, Crystal has chosen to be a leader in
onboard computing," continues Mazloum. "While it was an expensive
undertaking, our recent network upgrades and our decision to be the first
andonly cruise line to invest in the new WebAccelerator(TM) is in line with
our commitment to provide guests with the best computer technology and
performance at sea."
These upgrades follow the recent debut of the luxury line's wireless
Internet and cell phone service aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal
Serenity.
Crystal's Computer University@Sea
Since its launch in 1996, the popularity of Crystal's Computer
University@Sea has continued to grow along with its complimentary
curriculum now numbering 30 courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced
levels. The fleetwide program allows guests to choose courses suited to
their own personal and professional enrichment on topics from basic
computer skills to advanced digital photo finishing.
Aboard every Crystal itinerary a team of dedicated instructors offers
courses on Windows and e-mail, website design, digital video editing,
digital camera orientation, Photoshop and even surfing the Web. Other
topics, depending on the number of sea days, include Word, Excel, Access,
Powerpoint, greeting and business card design, and how to research stocks,
bonds, mutual funds, and other investments and prepare financial
spreadsheets. Private instruction is also available.
State-of-the-art Dell(R) laptops and PCs, high-tech learning, and
24-hour Internet access from every lab and stateroom are just some of the
features of this ground-breaking program. The Computer University@Sea labs
allow guests to explore cyberspace and to send and retrieve e-mail
instantly via their own Internet services or through their personalized
shipboard e-mail addresses. Guests may opt to bring their own laptops and
have them configured for in-stateroom Internet access or rent laptops at a
nominal fee.
The Crystal Difference
Crystal Cruises enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence,
anchored in 12 consecutive years of "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line"
awards by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines
-- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call
888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at crystalcruises.com.
CONTACT: Mimi Weisband 310-203-4302
publicrelations@crystalcruises.com
SOURCE Crystal Cruises
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CONTACT:
Mimi Weisband of Crystal Cruises,
+1-310-203-4302, publicrelations@crystalcruises.com
