In recent years, several cruise lines have put significant effort into building new vessels, and upgrading existing ones—a trend that looks set to continue for the next several years. However, rather than just creating more and bigger ships, all this construction is geared toward building better ships. Cruise lines are installing an amazing array of cutting-edge technologies to make passengers’ vacations easier and more fun.
Keeping in Touch
Cruisers commonly complain that onboard internet and cell phone use is painfully slow and expensive. Fortunately, several cruise lines are offering innovative new ways to let their passengers communicate with loved ones back home. MTN Communications’ Connect@Sea program—first implemented by Disney Cruise Line this year—changes the way companies charge for internet access. Instead of the standard, per-minute, time-based system, the new allotment scheme uses a cheaper, more efficient, data-based, per-megabyte system. Along similar lines, both Princess and Royal Caribbean are significantly improving their internet offerings, through partnerships that will both speed up connections while reducing passenger costs.
Hi-Tech Customer Service
While internet access is important for customers, it’s not the only item that the industry is changing to improve the cruise experience. For example, Royal Caribbean’s brand-new ship, Quantum of the Seas, offers a range of technology-enhanced services, including an enhanced computerized check-in system that will streamline boarding and luggage handling. The company has also designed new apps that enable families and friends on the same ship to stay in touch through the day and coordinate their activities. In addition, Royal Caribbean is distributing tablet computers to crew members throughout its fleet to improve customer service. It is even adding a novel robot bartender to the mix!
Because passengers share their cruise experiences through social media, companies have a clear interest in providing their passengers with affordable communications and tech-enhanced services. As long as cruisers continue to enjoy and promote the cruise industry, cruise lines will strive to provide latest technologies to keep them connected and happy.
