Island Cruises' Island Escape is the first cruise ship to take advantage of a new communications offering developed by Wireless Maritime Services, a joint venture of AT&T Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN).

The new offering combines satellite and wireless services to provide the cruise line industry and its passengers with on-board wireless service.

"Customers rely on us for a comfortable and relaxing holiday, so naturally we wanted to extend this service to the Island Escape as soon as it became available," said Patrick Manuel, Information Technology Director of Island Cruises, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and First Choice Holidays.

"Our passengers now have the option of using their own mobile phones while at sea, whether they wish to stay reachable at their usual phone number or check for voicemails and text messages whenever they like."

Wireless service is now available on the Island Escape for many passengers with GSM phones operating on the 900 MHz frequency, which is common throughout Europe. Passengers will be billed for usage by the wireless carrier to whom they subscribe, as with any other roaming service.

The Island Escape, which accommodates more than 1,700 passengers and a crew and staff of 540, sails in the Mediterranean during the summer and serves primarily European passengers.

Earlier this year, AT&T Wireless and MTN announced the formation of Wireless Maritime Services, which combines MTN's expertise in providing satellite services to the cruise industry with the expertise of AT&T Wireless in delivering wireless services to consumer and business travelers.

Wireless Maritime Service was formed to develop and launch this innovative and affordable communications offering for cruise ships.

Financial terms between Wireless Maritime Services and Island Cruises were not disclosed.

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Island Cruises
Maritime Telecommunications Network
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