MCP Offers New Digital Reality for Shipowners, Passengers and Crew

Maritime Communications Partner (MCP) has announced the launch of VAVE, a unique digital business enablement platform for the cruise and ferry industry.

VAVE (Value Added Voyage Experience) has been conceived to bridge the digital divide between land and sea mobile behavior. By utilizing a vessel’s GSM signal and Wi-Fi network it creates a ship-wide ‘onboard cloud’ that all mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops etc.) fall under.

Users can then access a range of services – such as free messaging (if desired) over Wi-Fi, or onboard retail/booking systems – while shipowners can target individual handsets with personalized messages.

The system has been developed in partnership with iES Italia and is licensed exclusively to MCP. Installation is simple – centered on the fitting and configuring of a VAVE delivery and platform engine onboard – with the system then available across cabin screens, public area TVs, or any internet-enabled device.

The interface is either a simple to use Android or Apple app, or a standard web browser, with HTML 5 software providing an app-like user experience. The platform can be accessed from the moment a voyage is booked, and after the vacation, allowing passengers to enjoy its service, while cruise companies have a powerful tool for upselling, ongoing marketing and building customer loyalty.

MCP, which has more than 160 vessels signed to its CellAtSea network, has rigorously tested its innovation onboard Mega Express Five, the 1,800 pax Corsica Sardinia ferry that sails routes between Nice in France and Bastia in Corsica.

VAVE can be customized for any vessel and any owner’s business model – with selected services either charged on a usage basis, creating new revenue streams, or available free, for operators that want to enhance their brand experience and create market standout.

[mappress]
March 14, 2014