Seatrade is over, so what now?

According to Forbes Travel Guide, the increase in luxury-oriented travelers means that "the industry needs to align, if not raise, its service to the same standards that these guests expect from the world's best hotels".

both millennials and retirees are taking a cruise.

said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp.

Highlights

So let's take a look at some ways to raise the standard of cruise service. One of the most important is undoubtedly an interactive TV, which is user-friendly. Modern travelers want access to all sorts of information without having to pick up a brochure, they want to order services without having to visit the front desk, they want to watch shows that have already aired, they want to decide in advance what they want to eat, when their cabin should be cleaned, and much, much more. Deciding which ITV system is best for your ship can be a difficult and complex task. Fortunately, Nevron ITV has created a guide that you should definitely read to help you choose your next interactive TV system for your cruise ship.

Another important aspect of improving service is comfort and design. Old, small cabins just aren't cutting it anymore. Windstar gave us a glimpse of its 250 million new suites and suite floor plans with beds by the window. They offer a modern design that definitely matches the experience one would expect from one of the best hotels.

Foreship showed how such cruise ship conversion projects can be done. The company presented its latest infographic on cruise ship conversion considerations, which begins with feasibility studies, followed by conversion design, permitting and project management, and ends with onboard services. To date, the company has converted 1,200 cruise ships.

In addition to all the services comparable to those of a hotel, cruise ships require an extra level of security. Survitec, a global leader in ship survival and safety solutions, has unveiled a new standard for cruise ship safety management.

Another cruise ship-specific solution is coating. PPG introduced its breakthrough biocide-free fouling-release coating, SIGMAGLIDE® 1290, which eliminates mud problems and provides a smooth underwater hull.

There was much, much more, of course, but you at least got a sense of what Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 is all about. We hope to see you again next year with some interesting new insights!