Disney Cruise Line has announced the introduction of DisneyBand+ to select ships sailing in late 2023. These cool looking interactive bands have been in use for years in Disney amusement parks.
Expect the bands to serve as a contactless payment alternative, room key, etc. Knowing the Disney imagination machine, we can also expect some super fun interactive functionality that will be kept under wraps until the first cruise integration.
If you are booked unto the Disney Wish later this year, its possible that you might be one of the first to test the DisneyBand+. Disney is following the interactive technology footsteps of Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion, MSC Cruises’ MSC for Me and Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands. All major cruise lines have shifted a huge amount of previous paper documents unto phone apps so its just the next phase of evolution. What’s coming next? We can only hope for a personal holographic onboard assistant to be rolled out in 2024!
Rest assured that the DisneyBand+ will become a crucial interface for payments, event reservations and possibly fun interactive gaming. The sky (or sea) is the limit for the infinite number of uses that might be dreamed up.
Of course, Disney is already hinting about special perks for those that use the bands. Since Disney cruises cater to a family friendly environment, the bands will unlock kids’ clubs and work while splashing away in the pool or participating in various onboard activities.
The technology provides the cruise line with a ‘digital identity’ for all its users. Disney is a master at harnessing data and incorporating the analytics into all future decisions. The Disney creative team will gain insight into passengers eating habits, beverages and souvenir purchases. Think of it like a floating Amazon of information and data that will eventually churn out new ways to grab our credit cards!
Expect all of the major cruise lines to enhance onboard experiences with technology over the next few years. I wonder if my holographic onboard assistant can be Scarlett Johansson or Beyonce? Only time will tell.