Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 4 MARKETWATCH Cruise lines develop new entertainment experiences A t the start of a new decade, several cruise operators are beginning to use technologies like virtual reality to create innovative onboard attractions and entertainment experiences that have never been seen at sea before. MSC Cruises, for example, has created the VR Maze onboard MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa so guests can experience the challenge of taking on a minotaur in Ancient Greece. Developed in partnership with Ubisoft and Triotech, MSC Cruises believes the concept appeals to all demographics. “The VR Maze was created in a way that makes it accessible to all guests,” said Gary Glading, head of entertainment at MSC Cruises. “The technology enables people to see incredible, other-worldly things while walking around.” Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Carnival Panorama features the first trampoline park at sea, a 3,000-square- foot facility created in collaboration Operators are bringing entertainment technology and trends onboard their ships to rival onshore offerings Coming soon CFR highlights three of the innovative entertainment activities that will appear on cruise ships in the next three years 2020 P&O Cruises’ Iona will feature the first gin distillery at sea when she debuts in May. Guests will be able to create their own gin during classes and the cruise line’s unique recipe will be available across its fleet. 2021 Dream Cruises’ Global Dream will feature the longest rollercoaster at sea in the first theme park onboard a cruise ship, Dream Park at the Pier, when she enters the fleet 2022 Viking Cruises’ new expedition ships will feature ‘The Laboratory,’ a space where guests can help experts from the Scott Polar Research Institute conduct primary research.