Your hair doesn’t need to be pink to be “Millennial”but cruise lines are upping their game to satisfy this fast growing market for tech-savvy customers wanting value but also cutting edge.
Certainly some gimmicks are in, but creative tech is the new focus with lots of great user friendly innovations beginning to be introduced.Wristband technology has been used for a few years now from the likes of Disney and now apps are being introduced that can be loaded onto watches,smartphones and tablets allowing smooth free check- in,and enhanced onboard experiences.Some of the latest tech are The Ocean Medallion,which Carnival and Princess describe it as -the complimentary Ocean Medallion is your portal to amazing vacation possibilities. It’s the size of a quarter and can be worn in a variety of ways: as a wristband, pendant, clip or even in your pocket. Consider the Ocean Medallion your key to opening doors: to your stateroom, your ship and experiences you won’t find anywhere else It also gives you access to more digital experiences ship wide, the current Medallion class fleet consisting of the Regal Princess, the Royal Princess, the Caribbean Princess,the Island Princess, the Crown Princess the Golden Princess and Ruby Princess.Want to find your way around ? ,they use an avatar call a Tagalong to help you reach your favourite venue Will we see shortly wearable tech. you can customise such as the Disney ones ?.Characters like the Cat in the Hat from Carnival lines, Shrek from Royal Caribbean, Lego characters on MSC or many more may lend themselves to fun customisation.
The new generation of MSC ships aren’t far behind Luca Pronzati, chief business innovation officer at MSC Cruises, describing the line’s new generation of ships as “like smart, connected cities, but with the added complexity of being at sea”, The Meravilglia has online check in, uploads your ID and more on their MSC for Me app and wearable bracelet.with over 130 smart features, and you can keep a great track on your children with over 1000 sensors aboard the new ships.The new MSC Grandiosa on its inaugural cruise 10 November 2019 is set to have an all star LED Dome and a mile of promenade to navigate. Royal Caribbean have also introduced smartphone apps for smooth check ins and location finder (especially handy on Symphony of the Seas) and also wearable tech. with the WOWbands that use old fashioned radio technology.Its not just about finding your way around ,you might not have to wander far! Advances like the virtual balcony cabins with floor to ceiling HD displays give real-time views , you have an 80 inch HDTV as your window on the world ! And with the costs of connecting at sea coming down,its easier than ever to keep in touch and share images at sea. So whats next ?, Virtual dining,virtual excursions , a ski slope at sea ?.Cruise companies are all over the tech giants to grab an edge , NCL have even had talks with NASA, sorry for the pun but watch this space.!