MSC Cruises has just claimed a cruise industry first with plans to install Amazon Alexa-style virtual assistants in every cabin.
The yet-to-be named device will be exclusively available on MSC Bellissima when it launches in March next year and introduced to the rest of the fleet over the next five years.
The technology will be able to answer every request from guests about onboard services and facilities in seven different languages.
Chief executive Gianni Onorato said the technology was a “cruise industry first” and would be even better than Carnival’s Ocean Medallion, which is still yet to launch.
Guest data, such as which restaurants they like best, will be stored in a cloud system and used the next time they travel.
The technology is being developed by Samsung subsidiary Harman International and MSC Cruises’ business innovation team.
Harman has previously developed audio products for Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
“It’s a first for the cruise industry,” said Onorato. “It will be customised for life on board our ships and for each individual guest.
“For us it’s about creating a deep interaction with customers and making sure they love their cruise experience.”
He has stated guests can activate the device, which will be round in shape and no bigger than 15cm, whenever they choose.
They will also be required to sign a waiver to agree for their information to be stored, and it will be installed on all new ships and retro-fitted on older vessels.
Onorato said the technology complemented the line’s ‘MSC for Me’ digital programme, which encompasses more than 130 smart technology features on board, including an app and sensor-packed wristbands that allow guests to access their cabins.
Meanwhile, MSC Splendida will be installed with translation technology for guests and crew when it is deployed in China in May.
What do you think of MSC’s new cabin technology? Do you have an Amazon Alexa at home? Are you impressed with the facilities MSC are putting into your cabins? Leave us your thoughts and comments below!
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