Ambassador Cruise Line has unveiled its innovative ‘Let’s Cruise’ app, revolutionising the way guests experience cruises through augmented reality.
The app provides a comprehensive digital tour of Ambience, the company’s first ship, offering unprecedented insight and engagement for users from the comfort of their own devices.
Unveiling the ‘Let’s Cruise’ App
Ambassador Cruise Line has introduced a groundbreaking app named ‘Let’s Cruise’, designed for both iOS and Android platforms. The app, developed in partnership with augmented reality experts 3rockAR, provides users with an unprecedented digital experience of Ambience, the line’s first ship. The app is accessible on most smartphones and tablets, reaching a broad audience.
Features and Functionalities
Upon installation, the app requests user permission to access motion sensors and the device camera. This allows users to engage with the augmented reality features seamlessly. The app guides its users through explorations of the ship, offering options to win prizes, share the experience with friends, and even book voyages directly. Each step progresses interactively by selecting the ‘Let’s Cruise’ icon.
A notable feature is the treasure hunt game, where users search for ‘Golden Tickets’ scattered throughout the ship’s digital layout. Collecting all twelve tickets qualifies them to enter a contest for one of three £25 onboard credit vouchers monthly. This engaging element not only entertains but also encourages deeper interaction with the app.
A Strategic Tool for Travel Agents
Travel agents are provided with a new avenue to showcase the Ambassador experience to potential customers through the app. The augmented reality tour serves as a virtual brochure, enabling agents to offer immersive previews of what guests might experience on board Ambience. This innovative approach enhances sales interactions by providing a tangible sense of the cruise atmosphere in a digital format.
Gordon Nardini, Ambassador Cruise Line’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the app’s potential. He stated, “We are delighted to launch our first augmented reality app, which offers guests a fantastic opportunity to explore Ambience…” His statement underscores the importance of innovative technology in enriching customer relationships and strengthening brand presence.
Collaborations and Future Prospects
3rockAR’s involvement highlights Ambassador’s commitment to innovation in the cruise industry. Ian Brookes, the co-founder and managing director, noted that Ambassador’s fresh approach made them an ideal partner. He stated that contributing to this unique customer experience has been highly rewarding, with anticipation for upcoming phases.
The app’s release precedes Ambassador’s announcement of its 2024/25 programme, indicating a strategic alignment with future developments. As Ambassador prepares to welcome the sister ship, Ambition, in May, the app could play a crucial role in marketing and customer engagement efforts.
Boosting the Trade Team
In line with the app launch, Ambassador has strengthened its trade team by appointing Ryan Readman as Business Development Manager for trade sales. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance customer and partner relations, equipping the trade team with innovative tools like the app to drive sales.
Readman’s appointment complements the app by ensuring that trade efforts are well-coordinated with technological advancements. This synergy between human expertise and digital tools exemplifies a modern approach to business development within the cruise line industry.
Augmented Reality: A New Era in Cruising
The introduction of augmented reality heralds a new era for cruise experiences. By integrating advanced technology into customer interactions, Ambassador Cruise Line is setting new standards for immersive travel experiences. This aligns with broader industry trends focusing on digital transformation and enhanced customer engagement.
The ‘Let’s Cruise’ app serves as a prototype for future innovations, potentially inspiring other companies to adopt similar technologies. As digital experiences become increasingly vital in customer decision-making, early adopters like Ambassador are likely to gain a competitive edge.
Looking forward, the cruise industry may see a redefined landscape where augmented reality becomes a staple in pre-travel experiences. Ambassador’s initiative could lead to more personalised and engaging customer journeys, transforming how voyages are marketed.
Conclusion
The launch of the ‘Let’s Cruise’ app marks a significant step forward for Ambassador Cruise Line in leveraging technology to enhance customer interaction and engagement. By embracing augmented reality, the company not only showcases its commitment to innovation but also sets a standard for the future of cruise line experiences, positioning itself strategically in the evolving travel industry.
The ‘Let’s Cruise’ app embodies Ambassador’s dedication to technological advancement, offering users a cutting-edge look into cruise experiences.
As digital interaction becomes paramount, this app positions Ambassador at the forefront of the cruise industry, aligning with future trends and consumer expectations.
