We are currently living in a golden age for technology. Every year a new gadget or gizmo is released sending tech-geeks into a frenzy of excitement, only for a better version of the same product to be released the next year. This constant influx of new products and technology influences almost every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate with one another to how we spend our time alone. It may not surprise you to know that the cruise industry has also been heavily affected by the latest technology, adapting its outlook to accommodate the modern need for constant connectivity and streamlined services.
In this blog we will discuss which new technologies are best suited, often essential, to take with you on your next cruise getaway and some of the new technologies being harnessed by the cruise industry to provide their guests with a more sophisticated and interactive cruise experience.
Nowadays, everyone has a smart phone with fast internet connection, and carries it with them everywhere they go, allowing them the opportunity to find out anything they want to know at any time with the magic of the internet. Aside from ruining pub quizzes, it is generally agreed that this has changed the world for the better, as people have continual access to all the information they may ever need, whenever they want it. But is it worth taking your smart phone or lap top on a cruise with you? Well that is up to you! The vast majority of cruise lines have been rolling out brand new and impressive Wi-Fi services and internet cafes aboard many of their already feature-packed cruise ships, offering passengers the chance to stay connected even whilst in the middle of the ocean. So, which cruise lines have what and is it worth it?
On many cruise ships, connecting to the internet via the ship’s on-board Wi-Fi service will cost you a certain sum of money per minute. However, Regent Seven Seas have recently invested in upgrading their ship’s wireless infrastructure and increased the size of their bandwidth to improve the speed of their on-board internet connection. They are also offering their Concierge-level passengers up to 500 minutes of internet connection completely free starting from the 2014-2015 winter season. This step suggests that the cruise line is encouraging the use of technology on their vessels by helping guests to stay connected whilst at sea.
Silversea Cruises are also improving the Wi-Fi and internet services on their vessels, but in a different way. They have just initiated a new TV and movie-streaming service for their passengers on a selection of their vessels, allowing guests to stream entertainment simply by connecting to the ship’s Wi-Fi on their laptop and watching through their browser. Travellers can also catch up on the latest current affairs by downloading newspapers directly to their smart phone or tablet device.
Celebrity Cruises have decided to harness new technologies in yet another way by utilising the capabilities of Apple’s world-famous iPad. In a unique twist, at their on-board Qsine restaurant, they provide their guests with menus displayed on iPads in order to, as they put it, “make your dining experience even more fun and interactive”. This novel idea certainly has us at Cruise118 intrigued and demonstrates how Celebrity Cruises are truly embracing new technology on their ships.
Whether or not you agree that technology and internet connection should have a place aboard a cruise ship, it’s too late to stop it. Cruise lines are continually approving and implementing new technology aboard their vessel, from faster internet connection to interactive menus. With the speed at which technology is currently developing, who knows what the future holds!
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