If you’ve not been on a cruise, you may not know only how advanced these liners have become. It has hit the headlines all over travel news lately, and the buzz that cruise technology is creating is unfathomable. Those who work on cruise ships tend to describe them as entire cities at sea. Cruise companies have realized that guests aren’t taking cruises to disconnect from all technology. So they have embraced plenty of new features, upping their tech game significantly.
Downloadable Cruise Apps
You no longer need a cruise card to customize your cruise experience. Just download the cruise app. This application is user-friendly and easy to download, like any other app on your device. Log in and customize your cruise experience to the tiniest detail with ease.
Cruise cards have been the primary means of performing payments, accessing rooms, and almost everything else during stays, but things are changing. The apps allow you to do everything from opening and closing of doors to adjusting the temperature on your thermostat.
The Medallion
Speaking of cards going out the window, Carnival unleashed their new ship in 2019, Sky Princess. This cruise uses an Ocean Medallion technology designed to be small and wearable on bracelets. Think of doors unlocking as you approach and using your app to pay for bills and meals. This medallion is sent out to guests in the mail a week before their stay.
Of course, guests who did not receive the ornaments in the mail, for whatever reason, can acquire one on board. The medallion design is such that it is comfortable to wear and easy to forget about. That’s something we can call less of a nuisance and far more convenient for travelers. This is true more so in case of traveler who won’t necessarily want to walk around carrying a card everywhere – especially if you’re out at the pool or the spa.
Take a Selfie
Another cruise ship making progress in the technology arena is The Celebrity Edge, of the Royal Caribbean parent company. Debuting in December, this liner enjoys the pride of unofficially being the best new liner. The ship is a cantilevered construction, which can transform into a poolside bar and restaurant with a debarkation area.
All are hovering a few feet above the surface of the water. Guests can automatically check-in if they upload a selfie to the Guest’s app. It uses facial recognition software to reduce long check-in lines! Nobody wants to be standing in a queue at the start of their holiday.
Voice Control
We can’t blame you if you’re attached to voice apps available on your device, like ‘Alexa,’ ‘Siri,’ and ‘Google.’ If you’re one of these people,e you would love going on a cruise is the Grandiosa or even the Bellissima. These are places where you can request onboard voice-activated service through a system named ‘Zoe,’ who will assist you with many things. Zoe is available across all staterooms and is programmed such that she can answer a whopping 800 questions. She can address all your queries regarding the excursions and onboard restaurants in not one, but seven different languages!
Champagne Delivery
Virgin Voyages will reveal their first cruise liner in 2020, called ‘Scarlet Lady.’ The guests of the ship can download an app to place orders for their meals, book fitness classes, and even track the activities of their family and friends on board. Yet another exciting feature on this cruise is the way it lets you order Champagne from anywhere on the journey. Yes, guests can purchase Champagne using their phones! Merely shaking your phone will pop up the champagne button, and one tap later, your champagne is sparkling in a glass in your hand!
So as you can see, technology has infiltrated every element of cruise liners. Thus making cruising easier, enjoyable, and experience better service. There’s also been a considerable improvement in the working of ships concerning the environment. Prioritizing ecology many significant changes are done to the design of liners, which make it an incredibly environmental friendly alternative. But that’s a topic for another article! Back to cruising and tech – on a cruise liner, even with its immense technology and its integrated tools, you will feel right at home. Travelling couldn’t be much more comfortable!