Geneva (TAN): Switzerland-based MSC Cruises will unveil MSC Grandiosa, its sixth connected cruise ship, later this year, which will include a multi-channel digital programme for guests.
Named ‘MSC for Me’, the digital platform will aid guests to communicate with the crew so that they receive better and faster service. MSC Grandiosa will be the company’s sixth vessel to feature MSC for Me, after its launch on board MSC Meraviglia in 2017, and subsequent introduction to MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida and MSC Bellissima. More features were added to the programme each time to improve guest experience.
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“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at MSC Cruises, and technology does not stand still. Since launching our industry-leading digital innovation program MSC for Me in 2017, we continued to research and implement the latest technologies that are specifically designed to enhance our guest experience, ensuring that they can make the most of the rich array of services, activities and facilities that we offer on board our ships,” said Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises.
The company launched the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant called ZOE on board MSC Bellissima earlier this year, which will also be introduced to MSC Grandiosa later this year.
ZOE, a voice-activated Artificial Intelligence technology, was developed in collaboration with United States-based electronics company Harman, and South Korean consumer electronics company Samsung Electronics. She speaks seven languages and is able to answer questions about the cruise, share information about onboard facilities, help reserve services, and offer suggestions.
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Other new features presented this year include options to reserve packages via the MSC for Me app, the Friends and Family Locator and the MSC for Me Chat.
Guests can download the MSC for Me application and start adding services such as excursions, restaurant reservations, or entertainment shows to their personal agenda even before setting foot on the cruise. They can also pre-register credit cards through the app.
Friends and Family Locator, a paid-for service, will enable guests to track their friends with the help of a MSC for Me wristband that can be bought. MSC for Me Chat will enable guests to send messages to each other through the app without internet. The app also features a ‘what to eat’ option which will help guests decide what dishes to try during destination-hopping.
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MSC Grandiosa, the third ship of the innovative Meraviglia generation and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus class, will be christened in the Port of Hamburg on November 9, 2019. It will also be the largest ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
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