CES 2017: Customized cruises

A network of 7,000 sensors throughout the ship enables these functions, as well as others such as easily locating friends and family. The medallion also allows guests to enter their rooms without the need to tap the device, pay for items throughout the ship without additional cards or money, and embark and debark more easily. For security, crew members can verify each guest’s identity by referencing a photo that appears on their own screens along with each transaction.

With the Ocean Medallion, Carnival is betting that travelers’ desire for personalization will outweigh concerns about security and intrusiveness. While the brand hasn’t yet said much about advertising, the same kind of data used to tailor the guest experience could also be used to deliver targeted messages.

But the self-contained setting of a cruise, in which people are more relaxed than usual, may prove to be an ideal testing ground for this sort of user interaction. “As long as you benefit the guest, they don’t mind sharing” personal information, John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer at Carnival, told the New York Times.

Carnival’s announcement doesn’t only reflect the travel industry’s growing affinity for technology; it also signals a shift in wearable tech. This year at CES, the wearable conversation about is no longer focused on the perennial “battle of the [fitness tracking] bands.” Instead of vying for permanent wrist real estate, companies instead are creating innovative wearables for specific use cases.

For more, read our post on The Future of Festivals and Experience.