Much-hyped concepts “wearable tech” and “internet of things” may soon become practical realities for tens of thousands of travelers, as the cruise industry makes a massive investment in sensor-based technology and data analytics.
In November 2017, the Princess Cruises’ ship Regal Princess will debut wearable technology for guests. Some analysts believe this innovation will likely be a forerunner of how all major cruise ships will interact with guests within a decade’s time.
The wearable tech — called Ocean Medallion — is based on wristbands, called MagicBands, which Disney spent about USD 1 billion on to develop and install at its Orlando theme park.
In fact, parent corporation Carnival hired away the designers of MagicBand to lead its effort (pictured, below). Just as the MagicBand acts as a ride ticket, hotel key, and payment method, so does the Ocean Medallion double as an ID for embarking and disembarking the ship, room keycard, and payment method.
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