Group items tagged

Cruise industry must work together to address safety & sanitation measures re:Covid-19. Travel advisors will be key to selling cruises to passengers. Industry is creating an education program for travel agents/advisors hoping that they will be able to effectively instill confidence in wary travelers.

Guests on 35 Royal Caribbean Cruise ships will now have an enhanced technology experience thanks to integrated and automated IT management solutions from CA Technologies. The goal of the new solutions is to give Royal Caribbean a competitive advantage through enhanced services for its guests. Now that Royal Caribbean can manage an increasingly complex IT environment with as few resources as possible, they may seek out new technologies to improve their guests' experience. The cruise ship line is using a variety of solutions from CA, including application performance management, infrastructure management, automation and project and portfolio management. They play a vital role in helping Royal Caribbean Cruise management in an efficient and effective manner.

After 9/11 incident hotels, airlines, cruises are planning and implementing more security measurements to ensure customers' safety. Particularly, in this article security is the biggest concern while traveling. Any terrorist or criminal can book a cruise as a regular passenger and put passengers in danger. That is why in 2004 The International Ship and Port Safety Code requires that all passengers must pass by metal detectors and their baggage has to be X-rayed as well. Cruise ships also work very closely with the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland security to stay aware of possible pirate activity or terrorist attack. Ports of call are heavily reviewed and compared to ensure traveler's safety since they are in another country and other laws may apply. They check with local security and police forces, and monitor incidents that other cruise ships experience at a given port.

Unlike many articles here, this article focuses on modern technology for cruise ships. What it talks about is top ten cabin technologies which will enable cruise liners to increase guests' experience and its profits. Among the top ten, there are some remarkable technologies. First of all, biometrics will play an important role onboard because it will enable both cruise liners and guests to save great time with facial recognition, touchless palm and iris scanning. Guests will no longer have to wait in line to get into/out of the cruise ship. Second, RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, will be another key technology. This is also beneficial to both sides, guests and cruise operators. With RFID wristband or ankleband, guests do not have to bring their key cards and wallets while doing activities. Also, in-cabin sensors could detect whether guests are present, helping room stewards figure out when they need to clean the cabin, and conserving energy. The last notable cabin technology is cell phone. With wireless-enabled cell phone, guests will soon be able to open the cabin door, make a reservation for restaurants and other facilities such as spa, massage, and shore excursion. As cabin technology has greatly advanced, guests would rather spend their time in the cabin than going out to the decks and public spaces such as casino, bars, stores, ets., with their wallets. This is definitely not good news for cruise operators, but all of these great technologies make guests' experience onboard better and easier, increasing in guests repatronage and revenues.

This article talks about cruise ship which is equipped with RFID-based passenger tracking system. With this system, cruisers can find where their family members and friends are through Wi-Fi-based RFID tags in badges or wristbands, and iPhones. There are nearly 1000 access points installed with Wi-Fi network on the ship. So wherever someone with a RFID badge or wristband goes, their location can be found. With iPhones, passengers can not only locate their party members but make reservations at restaurants and spas by calling or sending messages to those places. The goal of this system is to allow cruisers to more freely communicate with their party members and merchants on board so cruise operator can improve guests' experience on board. In the near future, with the advancement of RFID system, everything on board can be done with RFID badges, wristbands, or something else, which means guests will not have to bring their cash, credit cards to pay and crew on board will go through less hassle.

I think this can be a helpful tool if used appropriately. It should be an elective option chosen by the passenger who is eighteen years or older. I think the age limit is important because once passengers are eighteen years old they are technically adults. This way parents can choose whether or not they would like to monitor their children's location throughout the ship. Keep in mind that not only can their parents see where there children are but any crew member who has access to the system may be able to track such movements throughout the ship. I hope appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent people from using the system inappropriately.

I would not be a fan of this if I were going on a cruise. This is too "Big Brother is watching" for my liking. I think it's a good idea for families to keep track of their kids but that does not apply to me. The only function I would like is the alert from the restaurant saying your table is ready.

In The Proven Principles Podcast, Ron Swidler explains the future of hotel bars and food & beverage operations - it's robots! This is a part of a larger presentation on the Hotel of Tomorrow" - https://www.hospitalitynet.org/video/69001240.html https://hoteltechnologynews.com/2020/09/the-hotel-of-tomorrow-project-showcases-future-design-and-technology-concepts/ Clearly MSC Cruises anticipated this and included a hefty chunk of capital expenditure budget for this technology investment. They also tried to incorporate the 'human touch' so ingrained in hospitality interactions.

This article emphasizes the different methods and approaches cruise ships are taking to become more sustainable in the future. They are doing so by pursuing innovations like renewable resources, regenerative travel, providing energy solutions, and more. They are seeking to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. One of the methods described in the article is that cruise ships are now integrating liquified natural gas (LNG) fueled ships which produce zero sulfur emissions and reduce greenhouse gases by 20% when compared to regular ship fuel. Cruise lines have already started to introduce this kind of innovation to newer ships. Ports are also taking initiatives to become greener by having solar-powered terminals, smart waste separation, electric transportation, etc. Cruise lines are also working with organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to make sure that culture, environment, and destination laws are enforced and protected.

This article goes in depth into GDS. It explains the concept of the GDS is and how eaxctly it works. It also gives examples of some major GDSs. It talks about the benefits of using GDS in hotels.

The global distribution system in the hospitality industry is beyond vital in the act of keeping the ball rolling. GDS provides live products and offers to travelers across the globe. Whats really amazing about GDS is that live availability and rates are transferred through a channel manager directly to online booking sites. This allows guests to acquire the best rates the soonest as opposed to waiting to call a hotel or resort to see what they have and at what price.

This article shows us everything we need to know about Hotel GDS. It includes GDS in the hotel industry, GDS work way in travel, seven major GDS systems, the way to access leading GDSs with GDS software, GDS conditions of use, benefits of connecting hotel to the GDS, and how to use the GDS to capture cruise travel bookings at hotel.

Carnival has introduced a bluetooth band similar to what Disney offers. Ocean Medallion has the ability to track guest preferences so that Carnival Corp can better serve its guests. It can do everything from ordering your drink to paying your tab. Ocean Medallion will mostly affect guests shopping, gambling, and shore excursion experiences. Its big debut is set for November 12, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale aboard the Princess Cruises.

This is a great idea to incorporate into a cruise ships to enhance the experience for it's guest. The drawback to this however is that it could be dangerous for the customers financially as they are not seeing the money being taken from their account. It is not Carnivals issue necessarily, but one that needs to be given as a precaution before a guest receives the band.

This article describes the role of the Environmental Officers that disney had on board their cruise ships as well as their waste management system. To date, the environmental programs of Disney Cruise Line have: * eliminated more than 6,400 tons of metals, glass, plastic and paper from traditional waste streams through recycling. * removed more than 31,000 pounds of trash and debris from beaches and waterways.

Virgin Voyages which is the new adults only cruise line from Richard Branson is one of the most sustainable cruises in the industry. Sustainability is the core of Virgin Voyages values. Virgin Voyages actively seeks out partners that are green and sustainability friendly as well like Intelligentsia Coffee and Emerald Brand. Intelligentsia Coffee will be served complimentary on Scarlet Lady which is Virgin Voyages first ship. Intelligentsia uses a direct trade model which means that they purchase directly from the growers from coffee producing regions. Emerald Brand produces tree free and plastic free products such as bath and facial tissue, straws, bottles etc. Virgin Voyages will no have any single use items on their ships. In addition guest will be have filtered and sparkling water complimentary on board from Natura filtered water filing stations.

Carnival's and Royal Caribbean's CEOs agree that cruising will resume when "society decides it's ready for social gathering." They emphasized that the decision to resume cruises is not theirs alone, but will be guided by the CDC and other regulatory groups across the globe. Initially, they believe that shorter sailings will probably drive the markets. They stressed that that can and will establish screening and hygiene protocols but will be guided, once again, by the authorities in charge, as well as, by the people who actually do the traveling. In other words, when the people decide that the likelihood of contracting the virus has been mitigated and only poses a reasonable risk, then they will be more likely to resume traveling.

This article is about the first adults only cruise line Virgin Voyages by Richard Branson wearable band. The wearable band would replace the traditional key card that sailors use to gain access to their cabins and cashless purchases on board as well as gain access to VIP areas for suite guest like Richard's Rooftop.The hardware for the band is beautiful and can be worn even after the cruise is over as a keepsake. Being that Virgin Voyages prides themselves on sustainability the band is made from recycled ocean plastic.

This article focused on some of the new technologies being introduced within the cruise line industry. Many of the ideas and aspects we discussed in the module are included in the article from augmented reality and facial recognition to in room technology. One part of the article that stood out to me explained the wearable being introduced on cruise ships from medallions to bracelets the technology appears to follow the path of Disney's magic bands. In addition mobile apps allowing delivery services and virtual reality offering games and other ways to entertain onboard the ship sound exciting and innovating for this recovering industry.

The goal of any business is increasing and exceeding the bottom line; in other words, profit. Those companies especially within the hospitality industry that have the ability to seek and implement new/ innovative methods to cut costs tend to be the most successful. One way hoteliers, restaurant owners, cruise lines, and other 24/7 operations within the hospitality industry will be able to cut costs is a simple new advancement created by Phillips- The 7 W master GU10 LED lamp with DimTone. This article discusses the the DimTone light, its features and the potential amount of savings it offers users in the hospitality industry. Many hotels, bars, restaurants, cruise lines and other hospitality businesses incur a huge expense from energy use due to the volume and demand of business. The article points out that this new lighting feature will save those within the hospitality industry a large percentage of money each month while still providing an inviting ambiance. The life span of the DimTone light is twenty times more than traditional halogen lights. One hotel that completed a full replacement of all lighting with the new DimTone light has seen costs reduced by 82% and an investment payback of making this change within only two years. If this is true for all hotels that have the ability to invest in this cost efficient change, the only question I have to ask is why aren't we seeing this more frequently? The opportunities for an increase in profit from year to year appear to surpass the amount it would costs to enhance all hospitality businesses and help the environment as well.

While is may seem like the future promised to us on shows like "The Jetsons" may have never really arrived, we might be one step closer to seeing the gadgets and gizmos of the cartoon world become a reality in the hospitality industry. Starwood's Aloft Hotels, an upscale, modern hotel line that appeals to Millennials, recently introduced Boltr - a check-in and delivery robot. This machine was created by Savioke - a Silicon-Valley design firm. Like other startups, Savioke aims to minimize unnecessary work and increase efficiency. There is no reason an employee needs to be paid to walk back and forth to deliver items when a robot can do the job. Royal Caribbean has also introduced its own robot, specifically for bartending, in its new luxury cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas.  Hotel staff unions see robots as a potential threat to their member-employees. Nonetheless, robots replacing employees is not just unique to the hospitality industry. 

Very much like the computerized bartender we've already studied, when does automation become too much? We are a "high touch" industry that relies heavily on our guest relationships. The human wait staff can make the guest feel welcome and spoiled (isn't that why we go on cruises in the first place?), the robot cannot. Let the machine prepare the perfect drink, then let the bartender add a smile and place it in the hands of the guest. It'll keep them coming back for more.

After 9/11, hospitality-related businesses, especially airlines, cruise lines, and hotels started putting huge efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, but it has never been easy to do so because of financial matters and guests' privacy. Hotels have been exposed to terrorist attacks since, unlike airlines and cruise lines, it is relatively easy for terrorists to access hotel properties without strict security check. This article suggests hoteliers to invest in the latest technology, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for guests' safety. Within the hospitality industry, non-contact RFID is one of the latest innovations in the customer security market. This new technology allows guests to easily access the hotel and their rooms by putting their room card on a sensor. However, guests can access to only the floors that they are entitled. So this could help hotels increase the level of security. Currently, RFID technology is at the forefront of hotel security throughout the world; and, more and more hoteliers have been interested in this technology for not only cutting down labor expenses but protecting their guests from terrorism. Mostly, this RFID technology still has room for improvement and advancements.

What types of improvements do you see in the future of RFID technology?

As i know, RFID has been used in some high class buildings or latest built building in residential areas, residents can only access the floors that they are entitled. This is a great idea that i hope the hotels could widely used it in the future to protect their guests' safety.

Oracle Hospitality, a leader in digital food and beverage solutions for the hospitality industry, has unveiled their new cruise oriented service known as "Oracle Hospitality Simphony" . This POS system is fully integrated with Oracle Hospitality's PMS system and strives to create a cash free environment that allows real time management of food orders, reservations, and special packages. This is done through the use of portable MICROS compact work stations and MICROS Tablet hardware.