lnternet@Sea

Barriers to comm u n i c a t i o n between ship-toship and ship-toshore are quickly dissolving with the break-neck speed at which the communications industry worldwide is expanding capabilities and service. Cruise ships — which cater to millions of individuals who increasingly find taking a full break from the "real" world tough if not impossible — are perfect trying grounds for communications solutions, both as a value-added benefit for communication craving guests and as a revenue generation opportunity for cruise lines. Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) and Digital Seas International (DSI) have executed a three-year contract to provide Renaissance Cruises' entire fleet with Internet Cafes. MTN will supply the cruise line with the highspeed IP satellite network to operate DSI's Internet services. After a successful trial between MTN and DSI on the R2, Renaissance Cruises decided to offer Internet services fleet wide for their guests.