Passengers on MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC Virtuosa will be served by a futuristic robot bartender named Rob.
The humanoid barman will serve guests at the MSC Starship Club (MSC Starliner One Bar/spaceship-themed) venue when the vessel enters service on April 16, 2021.
The “integrated bar and entertainment experience” features a cold-white ceiling, a digital art wall, 3D holographic projections and a 12-seat digital (touchscreen) table for guests to enjoy personalized interactive galactic tours.
The robot bartender (Rob) will mix and serve cocktails while moving his body, head and arms (shaking-stirring-garnishing-pouring drinks) in a natural way, “engaging the guests with his voice, human-like expressions”. His LED face can express emotions. The humanoid barman speaks 8 languages - Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese. He will be joined by bartenders “dressed as if they had just stepped out of a sci-fi movie”.
Between making and serving beverages, Rob will interact with the passengers, change his facial expressions, even dance and tell jokes. Orders will be placed in vertical digital cockpits and the drinks will be served in futuristic, custom-made (MSC branded) souvenir glasses. The humanoid bartender can prepare a total of 16 "cosmic cocktails" (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) plus personalized (made-to-order) drinks using 40+ ingredients.
MSC has worked for 6 years with experts from companies specializing in entertainment experiences, digital solutions, robotics, automation, and interior design to create this unique venue and its humanoid barman.
After completing 3-4-5-night cruises in the Mediterranean, Virtuosa will be deployed to Northern Europe for the summer, with a range of Norwegian Fjords and Baltic itineraries.