MSC Cruises announced it will install Amazon Alexa-style virtual assistants in all cabins.
The still unnamed device will be exclusively available onboard MSC Bellissima when the ship launches in March 2019 and introduced to the rest in fleet over the next 5 years.
The new technology will answer “every request” from passengers about onboard facilities and services in 7 languages.
According to Chief executive Gianni Onorato, the technology is a “cruise industry first” and will be even better than the Ocean Medallion of Carnival, which is yet to launch.
Passenger data, including which restaurants they prefer, will be stored in cloud system and used during the next cruise. Passengers can activate the device, that will be round in shape and no larger than 15 cm, whenever they choose. They'll have to sign a waiver to agree for the information to be stored.
The virtual assistant is being developed by Harman International (Samsung subsidiary) and the business innovation team of MSC Cruises. Harman has developed audio products for Google, Microsoft and Amazon.