The hospitality industry is evolving faster than ever. It seems like everyone from hotels to airlines are trying to find ways to stay ahead of the trends and meet traveler demands. That’s why new airplane seat designs maximizing space have come out, and hotels might try things like 3D printed dinners. But what about cruises? While the ships seem to be getting bigger and featuring full rollercoasters, a new report by MSC Cruises reveals that’s not what will enhance the guest experience in the future.
The world’s largest privately-owned cruise line just released "The Future of the Guest Experience", which revealed the trends that will impact the future of the travel industry.
“One of the challenges of the cruise industry is that we need to design and build new ships that will still be cutting-edge for our guests 30 years from now,” said Pierfrancesco Vago MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said in a statement. “As such, innovation and consumer trends are at the very core of our DNA, and we need to have a strong and clear vision for the future while combining this with timeless style.”
So, what can we expect in the future for cruising?
The report revealed that hospitality brands would have to “deliver ultra-high definition (UHD) experiences.” That means everything will have to be over-the-top. “Luxury will be hyper-luxurious, spas will be hyper-revitalizing, and entertainment will be 5D,” reads the report.
In addition, guests will be looking for personalized experiences through technology. So, Data ID Wallets—wearables that assess guest behavior to inform individual service—will become more popular.
Subconscious Design, where environments automatically adjust to individual guests’ moods and emotions, will also play an important role. Staterooms could soon have bio-signal sensors that track heart rates and facial expression, allowing the lights and temperature to adjust for guest comfort.
But with so much technology, travelers will also seek out human connections, and that’s where Anthropo-tainment will come in to play. Think shows and attractions with audience participation and ones that don’t require someone to know a particular language. This makes the experience more inclusive.
Of course, sustainability and eco-friendly vacations are paramount right now across the hospitality industry. So, you can expect to see more 'repurposed resorts' where once uninhabited spaces get transformed into unique destinations, ultimately boosting local economies.
“We’re inherently linked to the sea, and from this perspective, there exists a big opportunity to play a big role when it comes to giving back to the environment and to the planet as a whole,” said Vago. “Our commitment to the environment is driven by not only our personal passion to protect the oceans but also the need to provide our guests with a sustainable way to travel.”
But it will have to be all of these things combined to meet traveler demands truly. Vago added, “Through intelligent innovation and design, with a strong commitment to sustainable travel, we will be able to facilitate all kinds of future experiences.”
