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More than half (51%) of people are unable to get through a holiday without gadgets while a similar proportion say their break is enhanced by technology and keeping connected to those back home.
A poll by Royal Caribbean International found that every day on holiday a family will send an average of four texts, two personal emails, two work emails, one Vine, two Snapchats, four Instagrams, three tweets, four images on Pinterest and four Facebook updates – totaling almost 200 social media updates a week.
Some of the 2,000 respondents admitted to sending more than 15 tweets and Facebook updates a day.
Men are the more prolific communicators and are keener to keep in touch while away, being twice as likely to post on social media channels than women.
Those aged 18-24 find it harder to switch off from work and are three times more likely to keep their boss updated on their holiday news than 45-54 year olds.
A fifth (21%) of parents said they were more guilty of being on their devices than their teenage children; with 25% playing games, 27% texting and 38% updating Facebook.
However, there are times when gadgets are banned – at meal times (39%), when on day trips (27%) by the swimming pool (21%) and on the beach (14%).
Royal Caribbean International UK and Ireland managing director Stuart Leven said: “We understand how important connectivity and technology are and when guests step onboard our new Quantum class ships, they will be forgiven for thinking they’ve been transported to the future when they see first-hand all of the incredible technological advancements.
“The new technologies make things possible at sea that could never have been done before.
“Wi-Fi connectivity speeds that match fast broadband connections onshore, robot bartenders, radio frequency identification [RFID] luggage tracking devices and Roboscreens, among others, are complete game-changers for the travel industry and we know that guests will be amazed when they step onboard.”
The line has yet to reveal the cost of accessing the high grade internet connectivity to be made available on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas – which will sail from Southampton next summer
TV’s Gadget Show presenter Jason Bradbury, who has been recruited by the line to highlight the ships’ on board innovations, pointed out that as technology develops it becomes exponentially cheaper.
“Part of the excitement of seeing something amazing is to capture it and share the experience. Royal Caribbean has acknowledged that and included it as part of the cruise ship experience,” he said.
“I must admit that connectivity and staying in touch are the most important factors for me and my family, when it comes to our holiday choices.”
The gadgets people take on holiday:
- 47% iPads / other tablet
- 53% smart phones
- 20% Nintendo DS / games console
- 25% laptops
- 20% Kindles
- 31% iPods / music devices
- 13% DVD players