There are a number of ‘smart ships’ sailing out there. Laced with all the luxury that one could think of for a fun-packed, utterly comfortable experience on the seas, these cruise ships are also loaded with technology. Take, for instance, MSC Bellissima in which each cabin boasts of a virtual assistant – similar to Apple’s Siri – that can help one navigate the humongous ship. Called ZOE, this virtual assistant can help one with reservations, tell what’s on the menu and in which part of their extensively elaborate restaurant, help plan an excursion, and pay bills. 

Power to the passengers

The pandemic had brought the tourism estate to a standstill, and this gave time to the cruise companies to up their game and provide a better, smoother experience to their customers. ZOE on MSC Bellissima is a cherry on top for on-boarders who now have tech-supported access to know the Bellissima that has a multi-purpose karaoke bar, comedy club, TV studio & Bar, an amusement park, and a sports center, water parks, 12 dining venues, and 20 bars. ZOE has been programmed to keep learning with every interaction, and if she didn’t immediately know a particular question – let’s say, which of the ship’s dining spots serves baked lasagna – she will adapt, learn, and will know next time. The ‘MSC for Me’ app is the platform through which the cruisers can access the facilities of digital technology that literally interconnects the guests, the crew and the ship, your time on board is in your hands. The easy-to-use interactive touchscreens around the ship, the In-Cabin Smart TV, and the app – all take the cruising experience to a whole new level.

Cruise ships are increasingly adopting Internet of Things (IoT) systems to support smart wearables on board. Cell phone connectivity is spotty at sea, and many people keep phones off to avoid expensive data roaming charges, making apps impractical for contact-free interactions, but IoT systems enable fast connections and data sharing even in the middle of the ocean.

Hassle-free modus operandi

As well as enhancing the passenger experience, the latest technology being introduced by the major cruise lines can ease concerns about health issues associated with close contact. Royal Caribbean’s seamless check-in is one example of the touchless boarding experience, allowing passengers to take a selfie and scan their passports. From there, Royal Caribbean’s partnership with Tascent Inc has resulted in a smart door device that can control access to a stateroom or common area using facial recognition. Enabled with a wide-angle camera, the smart device detects a person’s face in its field of view, uses facial recognition algorithms to identify the person, and unlocks the door if the person is authorized to enter. It eliminates the need to constantly carry a key card during a cruise. There’s also a robot-powered Bionic Bar, where robotic arms mix up custom cocktails, along with a skydiving simulator and North Star, a viewing pod that provides 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level. You’ll also find RFID baggage tracking, state-of-the-art internet connectivity, and USB power ports in every guest room.

Tech-Providers penetrating the cruising business

TraceSafe, a global leader in location-aware Internet of Things (IoT) platforms for large-scale industrial and enterprise operations, were the one behind Royal Caribbean’s custom wearable devices and bands that are equipped with long-lasting batteries and RFID modules. MSC Bellissima’s personalized digital assistant service ‘MSC for Me’ is an innovation partnership with tech giant Samsung. Carnival Corporation — Princess Cruises’ parent company — debuted its latest open seas innovation: the Ocean Medallion, a tiny wearable device that will allow passengers to have a largely hands-free experience. Created with the assistance of the tech whizzes at Nytec, the waterproof device — which can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, on your belt or simply be dropped into your pocket – works a bit like your very own butler.

The post Cruisin’ on technology: High-tech, AI facilities step up the cruise experience appeared first on TravHQ.

An ambitious INR 325-crore ‘Malanad-Malabar cruise tourism’ project was inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala to promote cruise tourism in the waterways of Northern Kerala and encourage tourist arrivals to the lesser-known destinations of the state. The implementation of this project is said to happen with Kerala Tourism’s association with the State Government.

The project will be spread across other parts of the state, including Vadakara and Koilandy taluks of Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Kannur and Mananthavady taluk of Wayanad. It will showcase the tourism potential of eight rivers – Mahe, Valapattanam, Kuppam, Perumba, Kavvayi, Anjarakandy, Tejaswini and Chandragiri rivers and the Lake Valiyaparamba. Around INR 53 crore has been sanctioned for construction work for 17 boat terminals.

The various types of cruises that would be available for the tourists include, the Malabar circuit that will feature cruises based on the themes of its culture, while the martial arts and Kalari cruise on Mahe River will showcase the origins of ‘Kalari’. The Pazhassi Raja and spices cruise on Anjarakkandy River will commemorate Pazhassi’s struggles. The other cruises will include Muthappan and Malabari cuisine cruise, Birds and Agri cruise, Theyyam cruise, Mangrove cruise, Music cruise, Handloom and Handicraft cruise, Water Sports and River Boating Cruise, Model Responsible Village cruise, and Yakshagana cruise. Food and accommodation duties will under the responsibility of the local public of the regional community who will receive various training programs under the guidance of the tourism department.

Under the aegis of the Tourism Department, seminars at the local level will be organised across different regions to discuss the development opportunities regarding the river cruise project.

Speaking at the inauguration, CM Vijayan said, “This initiative will focus on improving the quality of tourism and will make sure that all the visitors will have exceptional experiences. Tourists come in hopes of exploring our land’s rich natural resources and heritage. So it is important that we maintain and keep our culture intact while also accommodating all the required modern amenities in an eco-friendly manner in accordance with sustaining traditional occupations in namely Kasargod and Kannur districts.”

Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Cooperation, Tourism and Devaswoms, Government of Kerala said, “We were unable to explore the tourism potential in North Malabar. With the commencement of this initiative that calls for an integrated plan, Malabar regions in the state will finally be able to expedite tourism opportunities. With the functioning of the Kannur International Airport, the cruise project would attract travel and adventure enthusiasts to the state. Within the last year 600 Crore has been allocated for North Malabar and a government order issued 75 crore for Kannur district and 12.5 crore for Kasargod district.”

The post Kerala Tourism gears up for grand project to promote lesser-known destinations through cruise tourism appeared first on TravHQ.

The cruise industry is perhaps one of the biggest drivers of growth in the the travel and tourism industry, globally. While the sector has been flourishing immensely outside of India, Indians are slowly, but steadily warming up to cruise tourism as well.

Currently, India has a very small share of the world cruise tourism market, estimated at 23 million passengers in 2016. According to a study by consulting firms Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, EY and Finance for Cruise Destinations commissioned by the shipping ministry, some 120,000 Indians book a cruise each year. Statistics obtained from the Singapore Tourism Board indicate that a majority of India’s cruise tourists travel to Singapore.

The primary reason behind these numbers is lack of cruise infrastructure at key ports in the country. However, the government is addressing all issues concerned with the development of cruise shipping in the country such as creating port infrastructure, cruise terminals, providing financial incentives and reducing tax burdens, and establishing an institutional framework for holistic development of cruise shipping.

Cruise tourism has tremendous potential in India, if it is made more affordable and the availability of cruise services are enhanced. The millennial generation forms a huge pool of client base. India also has a tremendous geographical advantage and with its vast and beautiful coastline, undisturbed idyllic islands, and rich heritage, it can be a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists. With the Indian economy developing at a steady pace, the middle class and their disposable income is also growing, which provides an opportunity to boost leisure tourism on cruises. Additionally, the country provides travellers from across the world, more choices in terms of cruise routes other than the favoured Caribbean and Mediterranean destinations.

Much is already being done to promote cruise tourism in India. Ports in India are earmarking funds from their own resources for development of cruise-related Infrastructure. Dedicated cruise vessel facility is currently available at Chennai, New Mangalore, Kochi, Mumbai and VOC Port at Tuticorin, and cruise terminals are being developed at other ports like Murmagao and Kolkata. Initiatives such as a 30% rebate on all cruise vessel-related charges and a rise in the number of days a cruise ship can dock to three from one are also pushing growth of the sector.

The Union Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari recently announced that the government wanted to increase the number of cruise tourists from two lakh to 40 lakh in the next five years and turn the country into an international cruise destination. The minister said he hoped the number of tourist ships visiting the country would go up from the present 158 to 955 every year, adding that the the revenue benefit would shoot up to INR 35,500 crore in 2022 from the INR 712 crore generated in 2017.

The growth in the cruise industry will expectedly push infrastructure in port areas as better accommodation and transport facilities will have to be made available. This will not only boost the economy, but also bring this travel sector under much-needed limelight.

The post Cruise tourism in India sees clear sailing ahead appeared first on TravHQ.