Celebrity apps for onboard?

I am thinking that the Edge will need a different app than what is now available on the 3 ships. The current app is very basic at this point (and has not been very functional according to some posts on another thread). With the Edge reveal on technology we were promised:

-keyless entry technology with the use of a digital key on a smart phone.

-stateroom automation allows guests to precisely adjust nearly every comfort feature in their stateroom – everything from lighting, to window shades, temperature, and service with a simple touchscreen.

-Virtual Concierge app will harness Artificial Intelligence, allowing guests to order drinks, book dinner reservations, or reserve shore excursions.

-Using sensors built into smart phones, precise way-finding capabilities will be built in to the app to provide mapping services based on guests’ location.

They also promise facial recognition to streamline boarding and xray vision for certain areas of the ship (to see inside engine room, bridge, for example).

I haven't seen any mention about communicating with other guests on the Edge, but assume this will be possible at some point.

Since they only have 8 months left to have the Edge all up and running, my guess is that they are working separately to develop the more complex app that will be necessary to run everything on the Edge. Then, as they Edge-isize the other ships, they could switch to the Edge-type app.

I am thinking that the Edge will need a different app than what is now available on the 3 ships. The current app is very basic at this point (and has not been very functional according to some posts on another thread). With the Edge reveal on technology we were promised:

 

-keyless entry technology with the use of a digital key on a smart phone.

-stateroom automation allows guests to precisely adjust nearly every comfort feature in their stateroom – everything from lighting, to window shades, temperature, and service with a simple touchscreen.

 

-Virtual Concierge app will harness Artificial Intelligence, allowing guests to order drinks, book dinner reservations, or reserve shore excursions.

 

-Using sensors built into smart phones, precise way-finding capabilities will be built in to the app to provide mapping services based on guests’ location.

 

They also promise facial recognition to streamline boarding and xray vision for certain areas of the ship (to see inside engine room, bridge, for example).

 

I haven't seen any mention about communicating with other guests on the Edge, but assume this will be possible at some point.

 

Since they only have 8 months left to have the Edge all up and running, my guess is that they are working separately to develop the more complex app that will be necessary to run everything on the Edge. Then, as they Edge-isize the other ships, they could switch to the Edge-type app.

I think you're right. There is a lot planned for the new technology, and it's being planned simultaneously for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. I'm not sure if the full implementation will roll out on the new SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS, but it will for EDGE from everything I have read.

I think you're right. There is a lot planned for the new technology, and it's being planned simultaneously for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. I'm not sure if the full implementation will roll out on the new SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS, but it will for EDGE from everything I have read.

That's reassuring that you have read that the Edge may have their technology ready in time. I don't want the Virtual Concierge to deliver my drink to the wrong person. ;).

That's reassuring that you have read that the Edge may have their technology ready in time. I don't want the Virtual Concierge to deliver my drink to the wrong person. ;).

I did get a small taste of the technology recently on MSC SEASIDE. They have the interactive MSC For Me app, and so far it's probably the best I've seen and I've tried most. For the first time, so long as you had Bluetooth enabled on your phone, your exact location could be detected. On MSC it was mainly used for directional purposes, finding your way from here to there, but in the future it certainly could be used to have a drink, food, or gift shop purchases delivered to you anywhere on the ship. I know this is what Princess is doing with Ocean Medallion and Royal/Celebrity with their new app. No doubt NCL has something similar in mind as well.

For all purchases onboard, you just tapped your card or wristband to the reader. In many cases if the waiter/waitress came to you, they would just put their iPad in proximity to your card or wristband and it would process the charge. Pretty nifty.

I did get a small taste of the technology recently on MSC SEASIDE. They have the interactive MSC For Me app, and so far it's probably the best I've seen and I've tried most. For the first time, so long as you had Bluetooth enabled on your phone, your exact location could be detected. On MSC it was mainly used for directional purposes, finding your way from here to there, but in the future it certainly could be used to have a drink, food, or gift shop purchases delivered to you anywhere on the ship. I know this is what Princess is doing with Ocean Medallion and Royal/Celebrity with their new app. No doubt NCL has something similar in mind as well.

 

For all purchases onboard, you just tapped your card or wristband to the reader. In many cases if the waiter/waitress came to you, they would just put their iPad in proximity to your card or wristband and it would process the charge. Pretty nifty.

That's impressive. I have great hopes for the Edge, but can't help but be cynical due to Celebrity's IT history. I hope I am surprised!

That's impressive. I have great hopes for the Edge, but can't help but be cynical due to Celebrity's IT history. I hope I am surprised!

I hear ya. This being said the Royal IQ app on HARMONY OF THE SEAS was excellent. It’s basically all the same company so it shows me they can do it, they just have to put the right resources behind it. Also they are not alone. Carnival Corp has been having major issues with its Ocean Medallion on Princess. They went from a full implementation on Regal Princess to just select cabins to test it. Lots of things not working as they should and of course it frustrates people. I love technology but it has to be done right. It’s not something you can cut corners on. If you do it will come back to bite bite you.

Like you I hope I’m surprised!

Here is the link to the article about Celebrity Cruise Virtual Concierge (SmartPhone App)

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/celebrity-edge/

Here is the link to the article about Celebrity Cruise Virtual Concierge (SmartPhone App)

 

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/celebrity-edge/

Thanks!

I have been looking forward to a lot of the advanced technology features (such as the Virtual Concierge recognizing my usual drink or asking if my DH also needs a drink), but I don't get the badge-earning part. I am an Edge junky, but even I don't have any desire to earn badges onboard. :D

The thought of every pax carrying their cell phone around all day on the ship depresses me. Popups on the cell occurring as one moves around the ship makes me think of the days of the art representatives hustling the pax as they passed the land of easels! Just another marketing assault. I can see the disappearance of the paper dailies as it's all on the phone. And bingo announcements setting off notifications on hundreds of phones. So much for relaxation.

I wonder if the ship will have extra power outlets to accommodate more devices. It's getting tougher to hide the three in one adaptors in the luggage.

We'll of course give it a try, but I think I'll park my phone in the safe.

The thought of every pax carrying their cell phone around all day on the ship depresses me. Popups on the cell occurring as one moves around the ship makes me think of the days of the art representatives hustling the pax as they passed the land of easels! Just another marketing assault. I can see the disappearance of the paper dailies as it's all on the phone. And bingo announcements setting off notifications on hundreds of phones. So much for relaxation.

 

I wonder if the ship will have extra power outlets to accommodate more devices. It's getting tougher to hide the three in one adaptors in the luggage.

 

We'll of course give it a try, but I think I'll park my phone in the safe.

I hope they don't send out announcements via phone, but now that you mention it, I wouldn't put it past them. I think there would be a push back from guests, if they did that. I am excited to try all the new technology, but if it starts interrupting my relaxation, I will turn off my phone. The FAQs sheet reassures that if we don't want to use our phone, we can get a seapass card and be off the grid.

My bigger problem with this is the GPS, which is a double-edged sword. It will be great to navigate the ship using it, but if left on, will they also track me and know how much time I spend in certain areas (casino, bars, bathrooms? :D). It likely is not a big deal, but it is slightly troubling to me.

My guess is that they will have the foresight to have multiple charging areas on this ship that they are touting as having advanced technology (in the cabins and in bars, lounges such as you see in airports). I hope they listen to all the feedback and at least have outlets next to the beds.

Some of the ideas discussed here sound interesting and possibly useful. However, I truly wish they’d try a wearable option like those described by people who’ve sailed other lines. I don’t want to carry my phone at all times, because I need both hands free to carry my drink and my little plates of nibbles:D. I’ll reconsider if I can program it to bring me vtcruising’s drinks bwaah ha ha:evilsmile:

Ah, charging stations. I predict - wait for it - unlimited charging packages :')

Some of the ideas discussed here sound interesting and possibly useful. However, I truly wish they’d try a wearable option like those described by people who’ve sailed other lines. I don’t want to carry my phone at all times, because I need both hands free to carry my drink and my little plates of nibbles:D. I’ll reconsider if I can program it to bring me vtcruising’s drinks bwaah ha ha:evilsmile:

 

Ah, charging stations. I predict - wait for it - unlimited charging packages :')

I got a good laugh about charging for the unlimited charging packages - I hope they don't read this and get any ideas. ;)

I keep my cell in my pocket or purse onboard because I use it as a camera so I can always carry a drink. No worries there! :D

Silkwood, if we ever sail together, I will buy you a drink - my Virtual Concierge should be able to find you! :D

my husband and I have thought very in depth about app capability on cruise ships, probably all the way back to his second cruise which was on eclipse in 2009. he is a developer and even started coding for such an idea, I guess we just never took it all the way to the top. an onboard messaging system between passengers was definitely part of the app, and yes, push notifications were alsoin the realm of ideas that we came up with, but only based on your interests. I can't vouch for celebrity and how they are planning to do things, but our original idea was that you would fill out a passenger profile when you first downloaded and logged in and it would allow you to check off particular interests on the ship, pertaining to drink specials, fitness, events, etc and you would receive silent push notifications based only on your choices and interests. this was our thought process so I can't say that celebrity hasn't thought of the same thing, but if we thought of it back in 2009 I am sure they have in 2018.

My only problem with using the phone as a key is when everyone in your party is swimming leaving the phone out in the sun. Carrying a tote is not always something we want to do and we have at times not all gone into the pool at the same time as we had heard of people’s property going missing while swimming. This was on another cruise line.

Wonder if they could develop wearable technologies like Disney with the bracelets? Makes it easier to use and was waterproof. My phone as of yet is not and although had bought a waterproof case, I quickly stopped using it as the touchscreen was not as responsive.

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I think it would be cool if they could put the bingo and trivia games on the app in real time, that way you could stay wherever you want and not have to be herded into a room with a thousand others. :D:D:D

The thought of every pax carrying their cell phone around all day on the ship depresses me. Popups on the cell occurring as one moves around the ship makes me think of the days of the art representatives hustling the pax as they passed the land of easels! Just another marketing assault. I can see the disappearance of the paper dailies as it's all on the phone. And bingo announcements setting off notifications on hundreds of phones. So much for relaxation.

 

I wonder if the ship will have extra power outlets to accommodate more devices. It's getting tougher to hide the three in one adaptors in the luggage.

 

We'll of course give it a try, but I think I'll park my phone in the safe.

Our phones stay OFF in the safe other than in ports where we need to use them...Tablet is used for reading and we get the airline boarding passes , if needed at the Computer Center.

We will not be filling out any profile form so they can hawk stuff to us,..At this point the tv on board is mostly sales hawking ...we usually turn it off..other than the Navigation channel and bridge cam, The phone call ads are also fairly annoying.,hard to avoid because it could be an important message.,.you never know.

Not interested in badging hunts or playing bingo by myself..actually we don't play bingo at all.

As long as all the hi tech stuff does not intefere with our unplugged vacation....we're fine with it!

Some of the ideas discussed here sound interesting and possibly useful. However, I truly wish they’d try a wearable option like those described by people who’ve sailed other lines. I don’t want to carry my phone at all times, because I need both hands free to carry my drink and my little plates of nibbles:D. I’ll reconsider if I can program it to bring me vtcruising’s drinks bwaah ha ha:evilsmile:

 

Ah, charging stations. I predict - wait for it - unlimited charging packages :')

Yes, was on the Anthem of the Seas 3 yrs ago and had the wristband and it was nice, 2 years on Carnival Vista and had to use the card - it was really cumbersome. Just off MSC Seaside and they had the wristbands and these worked better than Anthem and it made things quite easy. Now, it's not fashionable but was very functional and made things so much easier. I usually bring my cell phone because of the camera, but not always and I would prefer the option of not having to carry it. Wearing a wristband is truly much easier.

Does anyone know if Celebrity has any apps that can be used onboard to communicate with fellow travelers? I'm not planning to purchase the internet package, but am wondering about texting my family members while on the ship. How do you keep track of one another and plan out the day (especially with teens!)? Do we really need to resort to post-its, and the "old fashioned way"?;p;p

I emailed this question to Celebrity Cust Service a few months ago. I am booked with 17 others for the April 14th cruise and we will need a way to keep in touch. I was told there is NO CHAT feature being developed for the Celebrity app. I reminded the agent that Royal IQ has it, so I'm surprised the Celebrity app won't. Maybe with enough customer interest they will add it in the future. But it sounds like not.

They have a phone system where u can leave messages to cabins. Best for teens is to have them check in w you in person at set times..also there is a board where you can leave stickies or even on your door.

EDGE is going to be hi tech so you may get your texting app. While there are good reasons, still hate to see folks with their phones in dining areas etc..We prefer to stay unplugged while cruising..