Pictured: Padgett shows off an Ocean Medallion
A “first-of-its-kind” wearable device which enables a personal concierge for cruise passengers is being unveiled by Carnival Corporation.
Ocean Medallion is claimed to be the world’s first interactive passenger experience platform.
The new technology will debut on Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess in November, followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in 2018.
The interactive device comes in the form of a 1.8-ounce disc similar in size to the US quarter coin.
It has no discernible technology – no on-off switch, no charging, no menu to navigate – and can be worn as a pendant on a wristband in a clip or placed in a pocket to reveal enhanced services and personalised experiences without guests having to push a button or take any action, according to the company.
The device, laser-etched with the passenger’s name, ship and date of sailing, is to be provided at no cost.
Ocean Medallion is powered by proprietary technology developed by the cruise giant that features an Internet of Things (IoT) network of intelligent sensors and experiential computing devices.
Ocean Medallion pairs with an optional personalised digital concierge called Ocean Compass, a digital experience portal available online, on smart devices, on kiosks in US ports, on cabin TVs, interactive surfaces located throughout the ship and on devices carried by passenger service hosts.
The so-called Medallion Class will be extended to the entire Princess Cruises fleet over a period of “multiple years”.
Carnival Corporation claims the device will revolutionise service not only for the cruise industry, but the broader holiday industry.
Ocean Medallion goes “well beyond” the growing number of wearables used by theme parks and other holiday companies by leaving behind the required action of ‘tap’ and introducing “a new paradigm for guest interactions,” the organisation claims.
Benefits are said to include:
• Streamlining the port embarkation and disembarkation process
• Allowing passengers to access cabins as they approach the door with no keycard required
• Enabling passengers to locate friends and family around the ship
• Enabling passengers to purchase merchandise without any transaction, cards or paper
• Delivering enhanced dining experiences based on food and beverage preferences
• Powering an array of interactive gaming and immersive entertainment experiences
• Enhancing interaction with crew members and passengers.
Chief executive Arnold Donald is to introduce the initiative tomorrow (Thursday) at the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show in Las Vegas.
He said: “With this interactive technology platform, we are poised to have our global cruise line brands at the vanguard of forever changing the guest experience paradigm – not just in the cruise industry but in the larger vacation market and potentially other industries.
“Our focus is on exceeding guest expectations every single day and consistently delivering great experiences, and we do that extremely well.
“Now we are in prime position to take the guest experience to a level never before considered possible and build on cruising’s popularity and value as the fastest growing segment of the vacation sector.”
Carnival Corporation chief experience and innovation officer John Padgett added: “The Ocean Medallion creates an elevated level of service that’s made possible by technology but doesn’t feel like technology.
“Whether guests are exploring new experience options, having a drink delivered to their seat at the night’s show or trying their luck gaming while lounging poolside, we will assist our guests wherever they are, while engaging with them in a uniquely personal way.
“Our mission is to help our guests make the most of every moment of their vacation.”