Social sharing via Wi-Fi to 'change face' of cruising

Social sharing via Wi-Fi to 'change face' of cruising

The proliferation of faster Wi-Fi networks on cruise ships will help to break down barriers for those who refuse to disconnect from the internet even during holidays and transform the cruising experience.

That is according to the chief information officer at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Bill Martin, who says that the ability to download streaming content to tablets and smartphones while at sea and easily share on social networks in real time will "fundamentally change our industry".

Seatrade Insider reports that he suggested that for the first time, cruisers will have the ability to post video clips to the internet and share content that provides a definitive taste of the cruising experience to those who have never been on one.

"We have a phenomenal product. A lot of people don't know about it," the executive said, noting that better internet connectivity on ships at sea has the opportunity to change that.

For those who have previously been unimpressed by Wi-Fi offerings on ships, Royal Caribbean is promising that its new networks are such an improvement, returning guests will notice a dramatic improvement.

Oasis of the seas is the first ship to have been tested with the high-speed wireless broadband, while Quantum of the Seas is expected to raise the bar again.