Virtual At-Sea Concierge On The Way
Princess Cruises is set to enhance the guest cruise experience with new wearable technology – the Ocean Medallion – a virtual concierge that can do everything from open a stateroom door to delivering food to any part of the ship to suggesting and booking shore excursions.
The medallion itself is a small disk that can be worn around the wrist like a watch or around the neck like a pendant. Guests can also simply carry them in their pockets.
Princess Cruises will be the first Carnival Corporation brand to feature the new Ocean Medallion, powered by an interactive technology platform within the O·C·E·A·N, One Cruise Experience Access Network. It will be available Nov. 13 aboard Regal Princess, followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in early 2018.
With no discernible technology – no on-off switch, no charging and no menu to navigate – the Ocean Medallion is simple to use, offering enhanced services and personalized experiences without guests having to push a button or take any action. The pre-cruise engage will allow passengers to provide preferences that detail their wants, needs and desires for a personalized onboard experience.
Pairing with the Ocean Medallion is the Ocean Compass (for both guests and crew). The compass is a personal digital experience concierge accessible by all guests using interactive displays throughout the ship, on stateroom TVs or via guests’ own mobile devices. For example, guests can find their way to venues around the ship; make reservations at the Lotus Spa, specialty dining restaurant and shore excursions; arrange celebrations; view photographs; learn about the destinations they will visit and activities at each port of call and more.
Other service innovations include:
- Ocean Ready: The Ocean Medallion expedites embarkation as required information is added to the guest profile at home.
- Stateroom Access: The Ocean Medallion will also unlock a guest’s stateroom door – replacing the key card and its sign and sail functions.
- HERE and NOW: Guests can place dining orders and have them delivered to their current location. For example, by using the Ocean Compass guests can order select food and beverages from a lounge chair and not miss a moment of Movies Under The Stars. While Stargazing with Discovery at Sea on the top deck, parents can order and surprise the kids with hot chocolate without interrupting a moment of the family fun.
- THERE and THEN: Guests can place a beverage order and have it delivered to where they plan to be at a designated time. For example, guests wanting to enjoy a glass of wine at the theatre can place an order prior to the show and it will be delivered to them at their seat.
- Crew at Your Service: With the Ocean Medallion, onboard experiences will be curated in alignment with a guest’s preferences allowing crew to assist at all times. For example, a room attendant or bartender will have the ability to assist a guest with booking Lotus Spa services or specialty dining reservations.
- Ocean Navigate: Accessed through the Ocean Compass, guests can learn the whereabouts of their family as they enjoy activities throughout the ship and be guided seamlessly in finding their way around the ship. Friends and family will also be able to easily communicate with each other through seamless messaging service.
“Ocean Medallion Class will deliver an elevated cruise vacation experience by connecting people, places and cultures from around the world in a more profound way,” said Jan Swartz, president, Princess Cruises. “The service Princess guests have always loved will be amplified by the Ocean Medallion.”
