The cruise industry is well known for offering guests some of the most innovative entertainment options, dining choices and enrichment of the whole travel industry. Celebrity chefs, West-end style shows, and culinary schools are just some of the trend-setting holiday choices that cruising has championed over the past decade.
Given this level of innovation there is little wonder that this year the global industry is set to reach a record 25 million cruisers – with much of that growth coming from people who have been enticed to try a cruise for the first time thanks to that innovation.
But there is a new revolution coming in the form of technology.
Recently we heard from Carnival Corporation on brand new ‘medallion’ technology being introduced initially with Princess Cruises where customer-facing technology is being pushed centre stage. The Medallion is part of a whole range of new technology being rolled out by many cruise lines to meet customer demands and to enhance the guest experience, and examples can be found across the industry.
New cruise ship technology has taken the form of new WIFI choices, pre-departure planning websites, onboard interaction, guest interaction, stateroom design, restaurant reservations, and much more.
The guest is being treated to new ways to enjoy their holiday using the latest technology – and that compares incredibly favourably with the technology that is available in most hotels or homes.
Predictably that adoption of technology is also reaching travel agents who now have access to some of the best booking and research tools.
This month CLIA started to exclusively offer the new Full Picture technology to its members, in addition to a whole range of other resources online. Proven to assist with upgrading customers as well as switch selling customers, the technology enables travel agents to share imagery and other resources directly with customers in real time whilst the sales conversation is taking place.
There are many reasons why cruise is appealing to more and more holidaymakers – and new technology is enhancing both the sales process and the holiday experience. Expect more announcements by cruise lines this year and into the future – the adoption of new and exciting technology is only in its early stages.
