Princess cruises will roll out its ‘Internet of Things’ based new wearable upon resumption of cruises in 2021, throughout its entire fleet.
The line states in a press release that the innovative OceanMedallion wearable will enable the line to offer unmatched touchless technologies and significantly enhance and personalize the guest experience and support new health protocols.
The technology-based innovations are based on the MedallionNet broadband internet connection on the vessels, which have been put in place in cooperation with SES Networks.
The innovations look fantastic, and if Princess manages to implement everything, it will be a game-changer in the industry. During the pause of operations, the new tech will be installed on Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, and Sapphire Princess along with the new Enchanted Princess.
A Whole New Experience
Princess Cruises says the technology will bring a new era of guest service onboard the vessels, which will allow a complete touchless experience. Amongst other things, the line says that the following will be possible onboard:
- Touchless embarkation and disembarkation
- Keyless stateroom entry
- Completely contactless commerce
- Simplified safety drills
- On-demand food, beverages, and retail items delivered anywhere onboard
- Guest service requests via mobile device chat
- Location-based gaming and wagering
- Entertainment content via smart devices
In a way, it looks like Princess is going the anything, anywhere, anytime route. John Padgett, Chief Experience and Innovation Officer for Carnival Corporation, had this to say about the new systems:
“Staying connected is inextricably linked to daily life experiences, and now extends to the vacation experience, even when sailing. MedallionNet will set the new standard for Wi-Fi service at sea, and we look forward to rolling it out to our guests.”
A Breakthrough For Guest Service
While fast internet onboard sounds like a great thing to have, and with a reported download speed of 25mb/s, that is undoubtedly the case; there are other benefits.
We all dislike having to wait in line, yet with this new system, Princess can closely monitor all movements onboard the vessels. OceanMedallion connects guests and crew to an experiential Internet Of Things platform through a network of sensors and readers, that helps recognize individuals in locations throughout the ship.
So if your favorite restaurant is full, you could get a message or look at a noticeboard and know not to go there. The app will also allow you to order room service by the pool or order drinks from the bar without waiting for your waiter.
Want to upgrade your room? Instead of queuing at the guest service desk for help or support, guests sailing on MedallionClass ships will be able to request assistance from their mobile device, stateroom TV, or any crew member using OceanNow. Requests will then be routed to a crew member to chat or locate the guest to provide personal assistance.
MedallionPay will transform shopping by eliminating the need to carry cash and credit cards on board. MedallionPay allows for payment when purchasing anything on the ship.
Because the proximity of the Medallion associates a guest’s photo with their location, crew members can quickly transact purchases without requiring the guest to handover, tap, swipe, or insert a card, sign, or enter a PIN.
Also Read: Princess Cruises Extends Suspension Into Spring 2021
Safety Features Will Be Much Improved
One of the best features that will set Princess apart from the rest will be its new safety and evacuation drills.
The new approach to the safety assembly on embarkation day lets people watch a safety video on their mobile device anytime on embarkation day or from their cabin’s comfort via their stateroom TV.
They should then verify their designated muster station with a quick, contactless check-in anytime between boarding and sail away.
All in all, although we might not like the fact that we will not have cruises for almost a year, it looks like the Pandemic is offering some bright sides.
You have no more bunched up drills while standing in the heat waiting for the last people to come, while the arrival of smart technology throughout vessels will make everything a little easier. And the best thing? With internet speeds like this, you don’t even have to miss your favorite Netflix show!
