Redefining technology in the Cruise Industry
From virtual reality to wearables to facial recognition, cybersecurity, connectivity solutions, and more, modern cruising is becoming progressively digitised. And it doesn’t even end with all the fancy gadgets that are transforming the guest experience. Technology is also poised to play a key role in keeping people healthy amidst restarts.
Sure, cruisers want to get away, they want to relax, they want to be entertained. That’s why, despite all the uncertainty, 74% of cruisers are likely to cruise in the next few years and 2 out of 3 are willing to return to the seas within the year (according to a recent CLIA-Qualtrics survey). But it’s the digital age, and in addition to all the traditional cruising “spoils,” passengers now also demand a seamless, intuitive, and technologically-advanced experience.
As a result, cruise lines are using the latest innovations to make the guest experience incredibly creative, intuitive, personal–and perhaps most importantly in a post-pandemic world increasingly touchless.
Cruising Tech Innovations
Digital Muster:
In response to the pandemic and enhanced health protocols, many cruise lines have digitized the muster process whilst ensuring they adhere to maritime regulation’s health, safety, and compliance. In an effort to reduce overcrowding around muster stations and to allow for social distancing, guests can now confirm their completion of the muster drill on their mobile phones.
Apps:
Several lines offer interactive apps for passengers to check in and out, message one another, look up menus and activity schedules, make dining or spa reservations, get step-by-step directions, and even allow parents to locate their kids. Wearables
Allowing cruisers to unlock their staterooms, swipe and pay, and even order food and drinks, wearable discs and bracelets not only function as room keys and charge cards, but provide guests with easy embarkation, luggage tracking, pre-cruise profiles, personal activity suggestions, and concierge services.
Smart Rooms & AI:
Interior staterooms and verandah staterooms aboard many lines now come complete with “virtual views” for a more visceral and immersive onboard experience. Things that passengers are accustomed to at home are now making their way onboard ships, like device casting and custom smart-lighting. MSC has also launched Zoe, an Alexa/Siri type artificial intelligence virtual assistant. Zoe can be found in every cabin, and can answer hundreds of ship-related questions, control smart room features, and offer dining and entertainment suggestions–in seven languages.
Facial Recognition:
Even more important in an increasingly “contactless” world, facial recognition is set to play a big role in the future of cruising tech. Royal Caribbean, for example, has partnered with industry leaders in biometrics to give passengers a streamlined check-in and boarding process utilizing face recognition. The futuristic tech doesn’t end on board the ships, either. Ports and terminals are now incorporating cutting-edge technology to ensure security, efficiency, and a seamless ship-to-shore experience. Things like temperature scanning and thermal imaging using infrared to detect elevated skin temperatures may soon be here to stay.