RFID Wristbands (think MagicBands) are Coming to Royal Caribbean

[Disconnections]

As per Inside the Magic:

 

As Disney continues to find uses for new technology in its theme parks, Royal Caribbean is taking many of the same thoughts to their newest cruise ship with high-tech additions announced today.

 

Much like Walt Disney World’s MagicBands, Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Quantum of the Seas ship will feature RFID “WOWband” wristbands, giving passengers access to their onboard accounts to make purchases, help navigate the ship, and act as a room key.

 

 

“Cruise vacations have a romantic past – but they also have a lively, adventurous, state-of-the-art future,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We were determined to take the best advances in modern technology, turn them into shipboard WOWs, and take the frustration out of the vacation. This ship’s combination of ease and flexibility would make a yoga instructor proud.”

 

Royal Caribbean has also added smart checkin from home that allows guests to go from “sidewalk to ship” in 10 minutes with no check-in counter and no lines to stand in. From there, also using RFID technology, luggage can be tracked in realtime from curbside to stateroom.

 

New mobile apps allow passengers to book dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments and more before their vacation begins and obtain more details during the cruise.

 

Completing it all, Quantum of the Seas will feature faster Internet speeds using satellites launched by tech partner O3b Networks, matching fast broadband connections onshore, allowing guests to online 24/7.

 

“Even when they are getting away from it all on vacation, people want to be able to connect,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “Our satellite network will make things possible at sea that could never have been done before, and will make all the difference in the way guests share their Royal Caribbean experience.”

 

Staterooms are equipped with USB outlets to allow easy charging.

 

The crew will also use their own devices – 40,000 tablets being distributed to them – to help make guests’ stays onboard even better with more personal attention.

 

The Quantum of the Seas first sets sail in November.

 

http://www.insidethemagic.net/headlines/royal-caribbean-announces-high-tech-additions-to-quantum-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-including-rfid-wristbands-faster-internet-access/

Edited August 25, 2014 by Disconnections