Find out how the latest technology for cruise lines is revolutionizing the cruising experience
Cruise lines are always looking for new ways to wow travelers and take the cruising experience to new heights. In 2017, cruise lines will be using virtual reality, wearable tech, and dedicated apps to transform travelers’ onboard experience. From doors that open as you approach to dedicated apps that keep track of young cruisers, take a look at the exciting ways that new technology for cruise lines promises to deliver the smoothest sailing experience ever.
Virtual reality
Some cruise lines are using virtual reality, which employs video technology to create real-to-life experiences for viewers, to make sure every passenger can enjoy breathtaking sea views from their rooms, even in inside cabins. Disney’s cruise ships feature virtual portholes in inside cabins that provide real-time sea sights to guests. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas takes the concept further, furnishing guests in inside cabins with virtual balconies that provide everything but the wind in your hair.
MSC Cruises is using virtual reality to re-imagine the purchasing process. The cruise line has created immersive virtual shore excursions that guests can try before purchasing the real deals, and an augmented reality device that shows travelers how they will look in the designer clothes sold on board without even having to try them on.
Fast Wi-Fi
While Wi-Fi isn’t a new technology, getting fast Wi-Fi on a cruise ship is definitely a new experience. Now that we’ve become accustomed to using the Internet for everything from finding a movie to posting our latest vacation pics on social media, having a fast Wi-Fi connection on a cruise has become increasingly important. Most cruise lines now often some form of tiered service, where guests can pay for Wi-Fi by the day or by the service, purchasing access to specific apps and services rather than unlimited internet services. Royal Caribbean’s Voom service is the latest technology in cruising Wi-Fi, combining new satellite technology with custom-built ship antennas to deliver land-fast speeds at sea. Celebrity Cruises’ Xcelerate delivers speeds fast enough to enjoy video streaming and gaming on board without interruption.
Dedicated apps and wearable technology
Wearable tech for cruise lines is the most exciting shipboard innovation in 2017. Carnival Corporation and MSC Cruise Lines will both debut wearable tech this year that promises to revolutionize the cruising experience. The technology, which is similar to Fitbit trackers and Apple watches, features a small coin-sized medallion that allows guests to interact with the cruise ship. The offerings from the two cruise lines are similar, but offer key differences in approach and execution. The wearable tech connects with dedicated apps to deliver an unprecedented level of convenience to travelers. One key feature offered by both cruise lines’ apps and wearable tech is the ability to keep tabs on children and other members of their party no matter where they are on the ship.
MSC Cruise Lines’ MSC For Me uses a dedicated app that is accessible on personal devices and in-cabin TVs in combination with red and blue silicone wristbands with embedded NFC short-range wireless technology. The wristbands will communicate with a companion app that offers more than 130 different features. Adult guests may have to buy MSC for Me depending on their class of travel, but all children will be given a wristband when they board. MSC Cruise Lines’ dedicated app, which is accessible to all guests, will allow travelers to schedule activities, receive personalized recommendations, and access the concierge. The new tech will debut on MSC’s new megaship MSC Meraviglia in June and on MSC Seaside this November.
Carnival Corporation, which owns a portfolio of cruise lines that includes Princess, Holland America, Seabourn, and more, has developed a high-tech wearable called Ocean Medallion. This small disk can be slipped into a variety of decorative wristbands, necklaces, and other holders the ship has available for purchase. All guests on the ships featuring the new tech will be sent an Ocean Medallion engraved with their name so they can travel “Medallion Class.” Carnival seeks to deliver a seamlessly smooth sailing experience with their tech. For example, your cabin door will automatically unlock as you approach, without your having to take any action such as waving your wrist at the door. Guests can use Carnival’s dedicated app to place food and drink orders, and the wearable tech allows staff to deliver the food to guests anywhere on board. Carnival’s new technology will debut on its Regal Princess ship in November, extend to two more ships in 2018, and eventually roll out to the cruise line’s entire fleet of 101 ships.
Are you ready to experience the exciting new technology revolutionizing the cruising experience in 2017? Call CruiseExperts.com at 1-888-804-CRUISE(2784) to book your cruise vacation on one of the ships featuring these new technologies! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use. Also, check out our new Resource Center, where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!