Cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the cruise industry, making your next voyage more seamless and enjoyable. Cruise lines are leveraging a range of advanced technologies to eliminate the need for long waits in the terminal before boarding, the hassle of tracking down a busy pool deck bartender and the inconvenience of carrying around unwieldy accessories like walkie-talkies and whiteboards to keep track of your shipmates. With these next-gen technologies, you can even open your cabin door without swiping a keycard. Here are a few cruise lines that are setting the standard for innovative amenities that you can experience on your upcoming trip:
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has introduced Ocean Medallion, a hybrid system comprising of wearable technology and multiple phone apps. The technology permits cruisers to order food and drink on demand, locate “lost” shipmates, compete in ship wide games, make payments and unlock cabins doors without touching them. The chip also serves as a gateway to information stored elsewhere about each cruiser; using this info, crew can greet cruisers by name, have their favorite drink ready or know about food allergies without ever having to ask. The company has also launched facial recognition technology to speed up check-in processes.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is implementing several new technologies to enhance the cruising experience. One of these is the use of Virtual Balconies in interior cabins on select ships. These balconies feature floor-to-ceiling HD display screens that give passengers real-time views of the sights and sounds outside, making the interior cabin experience more enjoyable. Royal Caribbean has also introduced their app that allows guests to check-in and obtain their mobile SetSail Pass, which can be used to pass through accelerated checkpoints and board the ship faster. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to provide high-speed internet on all its ships, enabling guests to enjoy high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming and video calls while at sea.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has invested in a multichannel digital experience including an app/wearable tech combo it calls MSC for Me that combines a NFC (Near Field Communication)-enabled wristband with an app that offers several functionalities. The wristbands can be used to make payments onboard, track down the locations of kids and interact with thousands of sensors and digital access points on the ship. On one ship (Bellissima), MSC has also launched the first “personal cruise assistant” called Zoe, a voice-enabled artificial intelligence device that can answer up to 800 ship-related questions and provide information about onboard services and venues in seven languages.
Just like the world around it, ships are constantly evolving to be more efficient, accessible and enjoyable for their passengers. To experience the newest tech coming to your next getaway, call a Personal Vacation Manager at 800-709-9507 today.
