It was only a matter of time before this happened: virtual reality and cruising finally combining.
Virtual reality is the latest tool being used by a range of travel organisations, such as hotels and airlines. And now it’s allowing customers to experience cruising with both feet firmly planted on dry land.
In an Australian cruise industry first, Cruiseabout has introduced their virtual reality experience, with the aim of providing users with a fully immersive, 360-degree guided tour inside two cruise ships. It’s produced in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line, and customers have the choice of the Voyager of the Seas or Carnival Spirit vessels.
The virtual reality experience is expensive to produce, and Cruiseabout is hoping that the offering will enhance the in-store experience and empower customers during the booking process. Cruiseabout General Manager Jarrod Pask said the vision will be a huge asset for travellers who are new to cruising and unfamiliar with ships, cabin types and the onboard experience, as it allows them to get a taste for it virtually before stepping on board in real life.
He added that “both ships put on an amazing display for the vision, and customers can look up, down and over their shoulder to experience what it’s like to be on board these ships complete with theatre performances, restaurant walk-throughs, previews of the onboard facilities like Voyager’s FlowRider and cabin inspections.”
Powered by cutting-edge Samsung VR headsets, the experience will be available in select Cruiseabout stores in each state, with a similar offering on the Cruiseabout website, Facebook and apps for mobile devices. The company also has plans to expand the virtual reality experience across a range of ships in the foreseeable future.
You can find out more at Cruiseabout.
Have you used virtual reality technology before? Would you go and utilise it before booking your next cruise?
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SJ is a regular travel contributor to YourLifeChoices. Her next dream destinations include Cuba and Morocco.
