Travel and Cruise

In my last blog post, I discussed the intricacies of managing and reporting onboard sales and suggested three critical features cruise lines should look for when searching for a new POS system. Here, I'll be looking at cruise line dining systems, how they impact how "traditional dining" products are managed, and the knock-on effect on the customer experience. A key challenge in managing dining products and experiences is that the underlying workflows can vary greatly from cruise line to cruise line, ship to ship, and even restaurant to restaurant on the same ship. Cruise lines offer different ...

When I started working in systems and IT for a cruise line several years ago, I was amazed at how complex the technical landscape was to support the business, and how many systems were in place to do so. What should have been relatively straightforward was a challenging, costly, and resource-intensive IT administration feat. Even the simplest of changes were overburdened by the sheer amount of forward planning required to carry them out. While the systems we used had served their purpose, they stagnated in time, becoming a right headache to manage. This was a widely recognized challenge across...

River cruises are currently a hot trend, experiencing unprecedented growth fueled by a growing number of vacationers preferring smaller ships with fewer people onboard. The flexibility to deboard more often is another highly valued characteristic. However, river cruises contain complex itineraries with multiple ports, more destination or land-based programs and must cater to varied first- and last-mile needs of its niche clientele. So, are river cruise lines leveraging the latest technology to reach a wider demographic and enticing river cruise enthusiasts and first-timers alike, with a differ...

One of the biggest advantages of cruise travel is the inherent value it offers. The combination of accommodation, sightseeing, opulent dining options, and endless entertainment offer great value for money compared to other alternatives. Yet, as the travel industry shifts from a product-centric to a guest-centric model, new complexities and opportunities arise. But cruise lines have a tremendous advantage. The first element travelers book for a cruise vacation is the cruise itself. This gives cruise lines first insights into a guest's plans, well ahead of other potential service providers. Conv...

With sailing beginning to pick up in many parts of the world, people are increasingly flocking to cruise lines for a much-needed vacation. Typically, people choose a cruise holiday because they want an immersive experience that will completely unplug them from their day-to-day lives. To meet these customer expectations, cruise lines scrutinize every detail to ensure premium guest experiences. Point of Sale (PoS) technology is an area that still warrants a revamp for many cruise lines. As guests visit bars, restaurants, shops, or other onboard amenities, PoS systems are critical enablers of a s...