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The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

If you are looking to add some fun and excitement to your cruise vacation, then cruise ship theme parties are the way to go. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these parties offer a unique and enjoyable experience for all. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with practical tips and recommendations to help you plan and throw the perfect cruise ship theme party. From choosing the right theme to incorporating captivating decor and entertainment, we’ve got you covered. So get ready to set sail on a memorable adventure of themed festivities and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Understanding Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are special events or nights organized onboard a cruise ship that revolve around a specific theme. These parties are a fun and exciting way to enhance your cruise experience and add some flair to your journey. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, participating in theme parties can be a highlight of your cruise vacation.

Theme parties on cruise ships are important because they provide a unique and memorable experience for passengers. These parties create a festive atmosphere, allowing people to let loose, socialize, and have fun. They also help passengers connect with the onboard community by providing a shared interest or theme to bond over.

Common theme party activities include costume contests, live performances, dance-offs, themed food and drinks, and interactive games. These activities are designed to immerse passengers in the theme and create a vibrant and engaging environment for everyone onboard.

Popular Types of Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Formal theme parties.

Formal theme parties are a common occurrence on cruise ships. These parties often take place on elegant nights, where passengers are encouraged to dress up in formal attire. The theme could range from a classic black and white ball to a masquerade party. Formal theme parties provide an opportunity for passengers to showcase their style and elegance while enjoying a sophisticated evening of music and dancing.

Cultural Theme Parties

Cultural theme parties celebrate different cultures from around the world. Passengers can experience the vibrant traditions, music, and cuisine of various countries, immersing themselves in a multicultural atmosphere. Whether it’s a Caribbean Night or a Mexican Fiesta, cultural theme parties allow passengers to broaden their horizons and appreciate the diversity of the destinations they are visiting.

Decade or Era Based Parties

Decade or era based parties take passengers back in time to relive the excitement and fashion of a particular period. From the roaring 20s to the disco era of the 70s, these parties are a blast from the past. Passengers can get creative with their outfits and enjoy the nostalgia of a bygone era. Decade or era based parties are a hit among cruisers who love to dress up and transport themselves to a different time.

Colour or Costume Theme Parties

Colour or costume theme parties encourage passengers to dress up in specific colours or costumes related to the theme. Examples include White Out Night, Tropical Paradise Party, or Superhero Night. These parties allow passengers to showcase their creativity and have fun with their outfits. Costume theme parties often lead to lively conversations and interactions among fellow passengers who share a similar interest or favourite character.

Holiday Theme Parties

Holiday theme parties are especially popular during festive seasons such as Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Passengers can celebrate these holidays onboard the cruise ship, complete with decorations, themed music, and special menus. Holiday theme parties create a joyous atmosphere and bring people together to celebrate in a unique and memorable way.

Steps to Planning for Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To make the most of cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some steps to help you get ready for the festivities.

Understanding Theme Party Schedule

Check the cruise ship’s daily newsletter or online portal to find out the schedule of theme parties during your voyage. Note down the dates, times, and themes of each party. This will help you plan your outfits and activities accordingly.

Planning Your Outfits

Once you know the themes of the parties, start brainstorming ideas for your outfits. Research online for inspiration and get creative with your costume choices. Make sure to pack all the necessary items, including accessories and props, to fully immerse yourself in the theme.

Participating in Activities

Take part in the activities and games organized during the theme parties. Whether it’s a dance-off, trivia quiz, or a talent show, these activities are designed to engage passengers and add to the overall fun and entertainment. Don’t be shy and join in the excitement – you might even win a prize or make new friends along the way.

How to Choose A Suitable Outfit for A Theme Party

Choosing the right outfit for a cruise ship theme party is crucial to fully enjoy and participate in the festivities. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect attire for any theme party.

Adhering to Theme and Dress Code

Make sure your outfit aligns with the theme of the party. For example, if it’s a Hawaiian Luau party, opt for a floral shirt or a grass skirt. Also, check if there are any specific dress code requirements for the party. Some parties may have formal or semi-formal dress codes, while others may require more casual or costume-like attire.

Comfortable and Appropriate Clothing

While it’s important to dress according to the theme, always prioritize comfort and appropriateness. Consider the weather, the type of activities involved, and the comfort level of your outfit. You don’t want to be in an uncomfortable costume all night or risk being underdressed in inappropriate clothing.

Accessorizing for a Theme Party

Accessories can take your theme party outfit to the next level. Choose accessories that complement your costume and enhance the overall look. Wigs, hats, jewelry, and props can add that extra touch of authenticity and fun to your ensemble. However, make sure your accessories are safe and won’t obstruct movement or cause any inconvenience during the party.

Maximizing Fun at Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To fully enjoy cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to immerse yourself in the party spirit and engage with fellow cruisers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these festivities.

Getting In the Party Spirit

Before attending a theme party, get yourself in the party mood. Listen to music related to the theme, watch movies or shows that align with the party theme, or even read books or articles to familiarize yourself with the party’s cultural or historical references. This will help you feel more connected to the theme and enhance your overall experience.

Engaging with Fellow Cruisers

Cruise ship theme parties provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who are also enthusiastic about the theme. Compliment their outfits, share your excitement about the party, and exchange stories or experiences related to the theme. Engaging with others will not only make the party more enjoyable but also create lasting memories and friendships.

Taking Part in Games and Theme Activities

Don’t be a wallflower at theme parties; actively participate in the games and activities organized. Whether it’s a dance competition, costume contest, or trivia quiz, take part and have fun. These activities are designed to bring people together and create a lively and interactive atmosphere. Even if you’re not the most outgoing person, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the opportunity to have a great time.

Tips for Family Friendly Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are not just for adults – they can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to ensure that theme parties are family-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.

Choosing Family Appropriate Themes

When selecting theme parties to attend as a family, make sure the themes are suitable for all ages. Avoid parties that may have adult-oriented themes or activities. Look for themes like pirate night, superhero party, or Disney character night that cater to different age groups and interests.

Dressing Children for Theme Parties

Involve your children in choosing their outfits for theme parties. Let them express their creativity and imagination when selecting costumes. Make sure their outfits are comfortable and safe for them to move around in. Additionally, consider practicality – choose costumes that are easy to put on and take off, especially for younger children who may need to use the restroom more frequently.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort for Kids

While attending theme parties, ensure the safety and comfort of your children. Keep an eye on them during crowded events and make sure they stay within your sight. Dress them in breathable fabrics and provide appropriate footwear to prevent discomfort or potential injuries. Remember to bring any necessary items such as snacks, water, or entertainment to keep them occupied during the party.

Cruise Ship Theme Parties for Couples and Singles

Cruise ship theme parties provide unique opportunities for both couples and singles to have a fantastic time. Here are some suggestions for making the most of theme parties based on your relationship status.

Romantic Theme Parties for Couples

Couples can embrace the romantic atmosphere of cruise ship theme parties by dressing up in matching or complementary outfits. Take advantage of the dance floor and enjoy slow dances or lively dances together. Participate in couple-oriented activities like couple trivia contests, love song karaoke, or photo booths. Use theme parties as a chance to create special memories with your partner while having a great time.

Fun Ideas for Singles at Theme Parties

Singles can make the most of theme parties by embracing their individuality and enjoying the freedom that comes with it. Dress up as your favourite character or in a creative costume that reflects your personality. Use theme parties as an opportunity to meet new people and strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who share similar interests or outfits. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and have a blast on the dance floor or at the party games.

Mix and Mingle Opportunities

Cruise ship theme parties often include mix and mingle events where passengers can meet and socialize with others. Take advantage of these opportunities to make connections, whether it’s for friendship or romance. Engage in conversations, participate in ice-breaking activities, and exchange contact information if you feel a connection. Theme parties create a relaxed and fun-filled environment that encourages socialization and interaction among passengers.

Unique Cruise Ship Theme Party Ideas

While there are common types of cruise ship theme parties, some cruise lines and ships offer unique and creative party ideas. Here are a few examples of these unique theme parties that can add excitement to your cruise experience:

Musical Theme Parties

Musical theme parties are all about celebrating a specific genre or era of music. From rock and roll to disco, passengers can dance the night away to their favourite tunes. These parties often feature live performances, DJs, and themed decorations to create an immersive music experience onboard.

Sci-Fi or Fantasy Based Themes

Sci-fi or fantasy based theme parties transport passengers into the realm of their favourite movies, TV shows, or books. Whether it’s Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones, these parties allow cruisers to dress up as their beloved characters and engage in activities related to the chosen theme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to celebrate their fandom in a lively and entertaining setting.

Parties Based on Popular Cultures or Fandoms

Cruise ships may organize theme parties that celebrate popular cultures or fandoms. From comic book heroes to popular video game franchises, these parties cater to fans of all kinds. Passengers can engage in discussions, showcase their fan art or memorabilia, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for a specific culture or fandom.

Customizing Your Cruise Experience with Theme Parties

Cruise lines often offer passengers the chance to participate in theme party planning and provide valuable input for future parties. Here are some ways you can get involved and contribute to the customization of your cruise experience.

Participating in Theme Party Planning

Some cruise lines invite passengers to join focus groups or provide feedback on potential theme party ideas. Take advantage of these opportunities and share your thoughts and suggestions. This way, you can have a direct impact on the types of theme parties that are planned onboard. Your input can help shape the future of theme parties and ensure that they align with the preferences and expectations of passengers.

Contributing Ideas for Future Parties

If you have unique and creative ideas for theme parties, don’t hesitate to share them with the cruise line. Write to them, participate in online forums, or submit suggestions through onboard feedback forms. Cruise lines are often open to new ideas and appreciate input from passengers. Your ideas could inspire exciting and innovative theme parties that enhance the overall cruise experience for everyone.

Sharing Experiences and Suggestions

After participating in a theme party, share your experiences and suggestions with the cruise line or fellow passengers. Write reviews, share photos on social media, or participate in online forums dedicated to cruise experiences. By sharing your thoughts and recommendations, you can help others make informed decisions and create a community of cruisers who can exchange ideas and tips for future theme parties.

Troubleshooting Common Theme Party Issues

While cruise ship theme parties are generally enjoyable, issues can arise that may require troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dealing with Unplanned Situations

In the event of a sudden change in schedule or cancellation of a theme party, stay calm and flexible. Cruise lines may have valid reasons for making changes, such as weather conditions or technical difficulties. Look for alternative activities or parties that are still taking place and embrace the opportunity to try something different. Remember, the cruise line’s priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.

Addressing Dress Code Difficulties

If you encounter difficulties with the dress code for a theme party, seek assistance from the cruise ship’s staff. They can provide guidance on appropriate attire or offer alternatives if you don’t have the necessary clothing. It’s important to respect the dress code to maintain the integrity of the theme party and create a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.

Solving Socialization Concerns at Parties

If you’re feeling apprehensive about socializing at theme parties, remember that most passengers are in the same boat. Start by observing what others are doing, join group activities or games, or strike up conversations with people who seem friendly or approachable. Chances are, many fellow cruisers are also looking to make connections and have a good time. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the party to the fullest.

In conclusion, cruise ship theme parties are a fantastic way to enhance your cruise experience and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a formal ball, a cultural celebration, or a holiday extravaganza, these parties offer something for everyone. By planning ahead, choosing suitable outfits, and actively participating in the festivities, you can maximize the fun and enjoyment of cruise ship theme parties. Families, couples, and singles alike can find opportunities for excitement and engagement, while unique and creative theme party ideas add an extra touch of excitement to your cruise. Get involved in the customization of your cruise experience and troubleshoot any issues that may arise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable theme party experience.

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New ‘Dutch Day’ on Every Cruise Celebrates Holland America Line’s Heritage with Themed Culinary Experiences

Daelmans Stroopwafel partnership offers a variety of sweet treats, while new special menus and the Orange Party highlight Holland America Line’s rich Dutch history

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Meet the company beating theme parks at their own game.

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The concept that was launched with Disney's MagicBand is now being used in a whole new industry ... [+] (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Few industries are as offbeat as the theme park sector. It's a world where making artificial mountains and organising mass mobs of dancers dressed in period clothing is commonplace. So it's hard to see how expertise in the field could apply to other sectors but actually this couldn't be further from the truth.

Indeed, when a colossus of one of the oldest industries on earth turned to a veteran of the theme park industry, it made such a splash that it transformed its entire business model.

With origins dating back nearly 60 years, Princess Cruises is the oldest North American cruise line operator. In 1965, Canadian construction equipment distributor Stanley McDonald spotted an opportunity to put Canadian Pacific's Princess Patricia cruise ship to more use. The Princess Pat, as she was fondly known, usually cruised around Alaska but McDonald chartered it on Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles when it would have otherwise been laid up for the winter. Princess Cruises was born and it went full steam ahead from then on.

Princess became so successful that it came onto the radar of Britain's Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). The historic shipping line was founded in 1837 and by 1960 it had become the world's largest shipping company with 320 ocean-going vessels. In 1974 P&O bought Princess and it went from strength to strength. So much so indeed that P&O eventually realized Princess could stand on its own two feet and spun it off in 2000 to form an independent company, P&O Princess Cruises.

Three years later, Princess merged with industry giant Carnival Corporation in a $5.4 billion deal which made the combined business the world's largest cruise operator and kept it on the crest of the wave in the face of increasing competition. Over the following years the market was awash with consolidation and a steady stream of mega cruise liners emerged from from Princess' rivals. In 2014 Princess began to chart a new course and it hasn't looked back since then.

According to CruiseMarketWatch, Princess has $3.5 billion of annual revenue and carries 1.6 million passengers annually. It is thanks to John Padgett, a veteran of Disney's theme park division, who became Carnival's chief experience and innovation officer in 2014 and took the wheel of Princess itself in 2021.

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Princess Cruises' President, John Padgett, has introduced theme park technology to the cruise line ... [+] (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Princess Cruises)

A theme park executive might not sound like someone who could give a magic touch to a luxury cruise line but actually Padgett cast perhaps the most powerful spell on the company in its entire history. Padgett is probably the most important technology innovator in the modern era of Disney and over an 18-year career with the Mouse he rose through its ranks until he ultimately landed a role with the suitably imaginative title of head of game changer experience development. There was good reason for this name.

Padgett is one of the most respected and talented innovators in the leisure industry. He invented and implemented many of the most groundbreaking guest engagement developments at Disney's theme parks including the FastPass+ queue-cutting system, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique princess-themed children's makeover outlets and the Be Our Guest restaurant which replicates the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast .

He holds 35 patents covering everything from itinerary scheduling to digital experience interaction platforms and, crucially, wearable devices. The reason for the latter is that he developed Disney's wearable wireless MagicBand device which revolutionized the entry, ride access and payment process at its theme parks.

The device debuted at the sprawling Walt Disney World Resort in 2013 and is essentially a rubber bracelet with a removable button in the center. The button contains a chip connected to a small antenna as well as a high frequency radio device. Visitors' ticket, accommodation and payment details can be synced to the MagicBand enabling them to enter the parks and their hotel room by tapping the bracelet to wireless receivers. Likewise, they can pay at shops and restaurants in the same way making impulse buys much easier.

MagicBands can even be used to play interactive games in Disney's fairytale-themed Magic Kingdom theme park with guests going on a treasure hunt following clues which appear when the bracelet is touched to receivers hidden in the scenery.

Deploying the MagicBand cost a reported $1 billion but it soon started to make the money back. Disney's chief executive "Bob Iger had amazing foresight and when he saw the original prototype of the MagicBand, he said 'this thing's going to be very special' and he was right," says Padgett.

Not only were customers prepared to pay more for their stays due to the convenience of the MagicBand but it also boosted guest spending and triggered a new collecting craze as fans clamored for the different designs of wristbands that Disney put on sale. Like all of the best technological advancements, necessity was the mother of this invention.

"I used to go into the Magic Kingdom and I would think, people are paying a tremendous amount of money for this experience which makes more money the more people you put into it. But the experience degrades the more you put people into it," says Padgett.

"So to me that set up a broader dilemma in all of travel and it is the same story with cruise ships. They started small and the cruise experience was personalized. It was individualized, and this was before any technology existed on ships. But as ships grew so did the volume of people experiencing their amenities, attractions, restaurants, retail, casinos and the experience actually degrades.

"I wanted to be the person who creates experiences like something an elite person has on a very limited volume but I wanted to do it at scale because scale gives choice, scale gives options. So that's where I started with the MagicBand."

His eureka moment came on a flight from Hollywood Burbank Airport, just a few miles from Disney's headquarters. Padgett opened the Sky Mall magazine and turned to the golf section where he saw the Trion:Z magnetic therapy bracelet which is designed to help players with their swing.

Padgett says it occurred to him that "if someone wore something like this and it seamlessly interacted with everything that you have on a vacation experience, we could eliminate hotel key cards, credit cards, meal vouchers, Fastpass tickets, transportation vouchers and credit cards." That was just step one as he adds that this could also enable guests to "be recognized as an individual so you could have scale but you could also have a personalized interaction." It sounds like a no-brainer but getting it to market was far from child's play.

"The biggest challenge was telling an organization renowned for being the best of the best on delivering experience, that it was not doing it good enough, and that we could do it better. And if you believe in this little thing, and you believe in this theory of eliminating friction, everything improves. At Disney, the business model was built on growing by building attractions but this was saying, 'no, all your content is great. It's improving access to your content that will increase consumption'. So it was a different mindset.

"There was also a lot of challenge around would people wear a device because wearable devices didn’t exist yet. So you had to believe in the philosophy that if you improve the experience, the guests will do it. So you're not telling them to wear this wearable, you're saying, 'if you do it, we will deliver a greater experience with this MagicBand'. And it was universally adopted. Whether you were three years old or 93 years old, it was instant adoption."

Padget introduced the MagicBand to Disney's theme parks (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews ... [+] Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Within just two years, more than 10 million MagicBands had been distributed and although it ushered in a whole new world for Disney, Padgett had even grander plans in mind.

"The reality is it only accomplished half of the equation that I had envisioned," he says. "It took friction out of the overall experience. The math behind it was if you eliminate friction, you increase consumption. And so that was the principle behind the MagicBand.

"The other 50% of it was if I can individually recognize you, I can give you a personalized experience and a personalized experience is more valuable than a commodity experience so it's worth more." Not just for guests but for Disney too. "If I can increase volume by reducing friction, and I can increase value by increasing personalization, those things multiply. You create value for the guest and you create value for the enterprise."

However, he adds "the reality is that the personalization element was before its time. The MagicBand was no doubt the leader in eliminating friction from an entire experience spanning a complete city or destination but what it did not do was deliver personalization at scale. My passion was to finish that job."

The MagicBand was a wearable before the category even existed and although it broke new ground, its potential has yet to be fully realized. Many guests only use the device for entering the parks and paying for tickets, merchandise, food and drink but, other than that, the experience is largely the same as before the tech was introduced. Padgett explains why.

"A fundamental element to achieving personalization at scale is individual recognition and identification. And doing that spanning an entire experience. Well, the Disney model eliminated the transactional friction but it wasn't based on a horizontal platform that spanned every element of the experience to interact uniquely in real time."

In short, as the MagicBand's popularity hadn't been proven when it was introduced, it wasn't integrated into the parks and Disney's MyMagic+ digital platform as widely as it could have been. Having seen the success of the MagicBand at Disney World, a year after Padgett joined Carnival he spearheaded the development of a new form of technology which would be integrated across all aspects of the on-board experience and would finally achieve his aim of true guest personalization.

The gold standard in cruising has long been the ratio between the number of guests and staff with the holy grail being 1:1 as it means that travelers should never be kept waiting. Padgett realised that wireless wearable tech could be used to reach this objective without needing to increase staff numbers and thereby costs.

"My vision was that the concept of personalization at scale would change the game in the travel business," he says. It was shared by Carnival's then-CEO Arnold Donald. "Everyone in the cruise industry knows that the ships were getting bigger and bigger and with that, there were more and more guests to handle," adds Padgett. "But also everyone in the cruise industry knows that yacht-class, small-ship sailing has personalization. So to me, the cruise ship was the perfect platform, a complete city-like environment where I could set out to accomplish this vision of personalization at scale."

Wireless technology was moving so fast that by 2015, when Padgett began exploring the use of it on Princess' ships, he was able to develop a completely new cutting-edge platform for the cruise operator. It now operates on every Princess ship and, as Padgett says, it "orchestrates every single guest interaction, every single crew interaction with every single aspect of the entire experience end-to-end with no exceptions. That means every guest is recognized as an individual with their needs, wants and desires in real time.

"It allows Princess crew members to interact digitally or physically and deliver service to that guest in a personalized way and do it on some of the largest cruise ships in the world. We have accomplished the mission of eliminating friction across the entire experience while delivering a personalized experience in real time to anyone in the world on any ship, any time." It is no exaggeration.

At the heart of the system is a Quarter-sized waterproof, heatproof and sand-proof button-like wearable wireless transmitter called the Ocean Medallion. Inside it are two microscopic antennas – one for Near Field Communication (NFC) and the other utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy. The Medallion is given free to every guest and communicates with receivers scattered all over the ship. In technical jargon, it turns the ship into what is known as an Internet of Things (IoT) - a network of interconnected systems which are embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity and electronics to enable them to collect and exchange data.

Princess's Ocean Medallion brings a new level of personalisation to cruising

In practical terms, it gives guests the kind of freedom and flexibility that could previously only be dreamed of on a cruise. That starts on embarkation as filling in seemingly endless forms is a thing of the past. The Medallions are sent to guests in advance and come with a lanyard or they can be clipped to your shirt. All it takes to get onboard is tapping the Medallion on a receiver and showing your ID to staff. Then the device really comes into its own.

Anyone who has been on a cruise knows how similar the floors and corridors can look. It's usually easy to get lost but not with the Medallion as it can connect to an app on your phone to pinpoint your precise position and even the location of others in your group.

Guests store their name and personal preferences on the app so staff at bars and restaurants know who you are and what you usually order before you get to the front of the queue. Like the MagicBand, it can also be used for payment but that's just the start.

If a guest places an order at the bar and then rushes out to the deck to see a school of dolphins in the sea, the server can use the system to locate them and bring their drink over. The same goes if guests head up to one of the restaurants only to find that it's fully booked. The staff can find them if there's a cancelation before they get a table elsewhere. On other cruise liners guests would have to be contacted by cell phone which can come at quite a cost using satellite connections in the middle of an ocean.

The Medallion even opens the door to their room as they walk up without needing to touch the handle. It even helps guests to get more shut eye as they don't have to be up when housekeeping come round. Thanks to the Medallion locator, housekeeping know when guests have left the room so they can come over to clean it then.

As Padgett says, it is "by far the most advanced experiential IoT that exists on the planet and it is operational at any scale." He explains that two advancements were crucial to its creation. The first was advancements in radio technology and the other was the development of the bespoke Princess OceanPlatform that is installed on hardware throughout the ship to interact with the Medallions.

Padgett says that it is different to the MagicBand tech in almost every way but what really makes the difference is the function of the sensors and receivers scattered around the ship. "We have an embedded sensor network on all the ships that is pervasive versus being at transactional points. The pervasiveness of the sensor network facilitates individual recognition in real time everywhere. Whereas within the theme park model, and I won't say just Disney, I'll say the theme park model, the technology is fundamental to transaction points. On a Princess ship, it's the whole. Generally speaking, the mindset is real time identification and delivery of service any time anywhere. It's dynamic."

Without the OceanPlatform pulling the different sets of data together, the system wouldn't be give guests anywhere near as much flexibility. Padgett adds that Disney lacks this because “it was before its time. When the magic band was created we were still using Blackberries. So the concept of an iOS that would span a physical infrastructure was not conceived. What happened is the MagicBand took you to a level where you could see more potential but you could also see the next hurdle and that was the creation of a platform that spanned all legacy systems."

He says that the OceanPlatform "extends across every single vertical, and when I say that, I'm talking hospitality, restaurants, bars, casinos, recreation." It even operates in the shops at some of the ports Princess' ships stop at "so there's never a break that you have to pull out your credit card.

"It's one thing to say you operate within a theme park, or you operate within a cruise ship, but can you extend that umbrella out to include assets and experiences that you don't physically control, own or operate? The answer is yes and I think more than 12 countries and over 200 different outlets participate in our ecosystem." He says that more are on the way and there's a very basic reason for this.

"The most simple interaction – recognition of your name, your needs, wants, desires and relationships in real time – blows people away so it takes hospitality back to its core. It's weird that we have the most technologically advanced IoT on the planet, enabling a fully connected mobile smart city in real time but the value comes from the most organic service interaction. There is an irony there." It took more than the wave of a magic wand to pull it off.

"The challenge was taking 15 cruise ships that never stop, that are always full and only go into dry dock once every three years for 13 days, and installing a complete IoT infrastructure without altering the economics of the assets, which is to keep them running.

"We did that and I would say that the biggest challenge was figuring out how to do it, which was a tremendous amount of planning. We ended up with a method by which we could do it and not change the overall economics of our dry docking. Then Covid hit and it was very hard to access ships but we were actually able to complete 10 ship transformations during the Covid pause. When everyone else was going home, we went to the ships and finished our job."

Each upgrade involved the installation of 72 miles of cable, 4,000 sensors, 650 readers, 500 edge computing devices and more than 4,000 interactive portals.

Despite getting an unexpected boost from the pandemic, the entire Medallion development process from inception to completion of installation still took seven years from 2015 to 2021.

Padgett explains that at sea "everything is harder than on land. One giant reason is the ship is made of 19 decks of steel. One of the most challenging aspects to deal with is connectivity. Another challenging element is working through satellites versus terrestrial communications. And then the others are all about weight, heat all of those engineering factors are taken to the next level in a maritime environment because of the extreme focus on safety. And the whole thing is moving all the time, even when a ship is in port"

The IoT devices, software, firmware and digital interaction layers for guests and crew were all developed for Princess. It came at quite a cost. "You're talking hundreds of millions. That's complete. That’s development, hardware, software, implementation at scale across a whole fleet of ships."

Like the MagicBands, different bracelets can be bought for the Medallions and Padgett says that the look of the device itself can be "personalized to you based on you as an individual, whether you're in a military branch, your favorite pet, your favorite color, or all of those things."

The Medallion can be personalised in a variety of ways

However, he adds that the system isn't designed to be a revenue generator and is instead "inherent in our overall business model. Apple doesn't look at their iOS segmented from their mobile device or apps. The enterprise value of Apple increased with the advent of iOS but they don't sell iOS itself.

"The overall revenue driver is the personalized experience that it enables you to deliver. So you make money on the whole, not the thing. The value comes from making sure you remember that the thing itself doesn't deliver any value. The experience becomes personalized and hassle free and that is the value to the consumer.

“Value comes from benefiting the consumer holistically across the experience so that they pay more overall both on their initial visit and their repeat visits. That is where you really create value. Differentiation and loyalty are the two key points.

"This is completely unique to Princess and it has become so synonymous with the Princess point of differentiation. Every cruise brand picks a point of differentiation with which to compete and Princess has become synonymous with personalised service at scale."

Indeed, the system is so transformational that Princess created a new name, called MedallionClass, for the category of service which can only be found on its ships. It isn't marketing mumbo-jumbo as the Medallion has won more than 10 major awards and been nominated for a prestigious innovation prize at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Importantly, Padgett says that after it was introduced "we saw double-digit improvements in our experiential levels." It also led to a sea change in the approach towards the lifespan of the ships themselves.

"Before the advent of this, and this happens in theme parks too, the belief was that as your assets get older, your experience goes down. Once we moved to a platform based service delivery, we actually proved that the service level can be ubiquitous, regardless of the age of your physical platform. It was a mindset shift that if an old ship has a universal service delivery that's consistent with your new ships, you can score experiential levels just as high.

"When you put that in the context of a cruise ship roughly costing a billion dollars, spending a few hundred million that can raise the productivity of your entire fleet is a very efficient investment."

It enabled Princess to maximise the use from its assets which increased their return on investment and contributed to Padgett being promoted to president of the brand in 2021. There is more to come from his invention as he says "let's just say that at this point, there's a lot of capabilities that we haven't manifested yet and so we still have a lot in our tank."

Ironically, although Disney pioneered the MagicBand in its parks before any of its rivals more than a decade ago, it only launched it on its cruise ships last summer. Padgett won't comment on why he thinks it has taken the Mouse so long to bring its wearable tech to sea but there is no doubt that with Princess firmly docked in this space it will be tough for Disney to make waves.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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