Carnival’s new ‘Ocean Medallion’

CARNIVAL Corporation ceo Arnold Donald ( pictured) overnight launched a new interactive technology platform which he claims will “transform vacation travel into a highly personalised and elevated level of customised service for millions of guests”.

Unveiled at the massive annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the system centres on a wearable Ocean Medallion which will be provided at no charge to cruise passengers, engraved with their name and cruise departure.

The Medallion works in conjunction with proprietary technology that features an ‘Internet of Things’ network of intelligent sensors said to revolutionise guest service - not just on cruise ships but in the broader travel vacation sector.

The wearable device will streamline embarkation and disembarkation, allow guests to access their staterooms without a keycard, find friends and family on board, allow cashless onboard purchases and record dining and beverage preferences.

It will also power an array of “interactive gaming and immersive entertainment experiences,” Donald said, working via a personalised digital concierge called the Ocean Compass which will be available online, on smart devices, onboard kiosks and stateroom TVs.

The wearable platform will initially debut on Princess Cruises’

Regal Princess in Nov 2017. Videos showcasing the Ocean Medallion can now be viewed at cruiseweekly.com.au/videos.