Travel
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Cruise holidays have grown in popularity over recent years, with the appeal of visiting a number of countries in one trip and having everything you need in one place giving holidaymakers an experience they’ll never forget. According to the Cruise Lines...
- The One And Only: Destinations Best Seen By Cruise
Climbing on board a ship to explore, recuperate, reach a destination or just to enjoy the ebb and flow of life on the on the ocean waves has been practiced for some time. People have been crossing large bodies of water for centuries, after all. In our...
- 5 Cruises To Suit Every Age, Taste And Budget
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- Disney Dream Cruise Ship Arrives At Port Canaveral, Florida
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Travel
The Birth of the Cruise Industry’s Smartship
With a robust reputation for traditionalism, the cruise industry has invested heavily in encouraging a younger demographic to try a holiday on the high seas. Providing family-friendly cruises with cutting-edge amenities has helped change that preconception to an extent.
Royal Caribbean have been leading the way this year, since the launch of the first in a series of “smartships”; other cruise lines are bound to be hot on their heels.
Here’s a look at the latest developments in cruise ship technology:
Advanced Connectivity
At the very core of this technological advancement is improved internet access for passengers and crew. Utilising service from O3b Networks, RC’s smartships support the fastest internet browsing on the seas, allowing passengers to stream videos or Skype loved ones, even from the middle of the ocean.
Additionally, this improved connectivity is making it easier for guests to make bookings and reservations remotely using an online concierge service. CruiseTraka is an app that allows cruise passengers to share their travels with friends and family back home, using GPS location tools.
Reduced Queue Times
Despite capacities of well over 4,000 guests, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of ships are trying to ensure that queue times are minimal. Utilising dynamic dining, a system which makes eating in restaurants more intuitive, here’s hoping that famous cruise liner buffet queues are a thing of the past!
Furthermore, checking in online has reduced the queue times for entering the ship. RFID bands are given to all guests making check in quicker and more efficient. Additionally, an app for laptops and mobile devices has been developed allowing all passengers to locate their luggage during the check in process.
New Experiences at Sea
Progressive technologies are affording Royal Caribbean the opportunity to introduce new concepts and experiences to the seas. The Quantum of the Seas plays host to the first ever skydiving simulator at sea. The iFly by Ripcord allows passengers the chance to experience freefall in the middle of the ocean with skilled professionals keeping a close eye.
The Future…
P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line both have new flagship vessels readied for maiden voyages in 2015, and both companies will understand the need to provide incredible experiences to compete with the technology of Royal Caribbean’s newest fleet members. Watch this space!
Images credit Royal Caribbean International
Images credit Royal Caribbean International
- Top 8 Tips For First Time Cruisers
Cruise holidays have grown in popularity over recent years, with the appeal of visiting a number of countries in one trip and having everything you need in one place giving holidaymakers an experience they’ll never forget. According to the Cruise Lines...
- The One And Only: Destinations Best Seen By Cruise
Climbing on board a ship to explore, recuperate, reach a destination or just to enjoy the ebb and flow of life on the on the ocean waves has been practiced for some time. People have been crossing large bodies of water for centuries, after all. In our...
- 5 Cruises To Suit Every Age, Taste And Budget
Everyone needs to take some time off. Among many coveted vacation packages, none come close to a cruise vacation. Although cruises have received a bad rap recently, it’s barely swayed Americans from taking their next vacation on a cruise. Why are cruises...
- Disney Dream Cruise Ship Arrives At Port Canaveral, Florida
Disney Dream cruise ship's Art Deco atrium lobby The brand new Disney Dream cruise ship entered its Florida port welcomed by a fireworks display this week, after crossing the Atlantic from a ship yard in Germany. The Maiden Voyage is set for...
- What Do You Need To Know For Aruba?
Are there any necessary skills involved in vacationing in paradise? You need to know how to swim. C. never had the opportunity to learn how to swim. Last year however, she wanted to go to summer camp, yet another experience she had never had. Summer...