Designing a new cruiseship poses a challenge in predicting what future generations of passengers will demand in the coming decades, as the vessel will likely be in service for at least 30 years.
Royal Caribbean International’s latest ships are equipped with iFly skydiving and FlowRider surfing simulators, escape rooms, robotic bartenders, and a host of other features unheard of onboard vessels a decade ago, which are proving exceptionally popular with its Millennial target group.
However, the company is thinking beyond Millennials for its next generation of ships. It wants input from Generation Z, teenagers also known as Post-Millennials or the iGeneration, about what they would want onboard when they become an important source market in a decade or so.
'Nothing is impossible'
To meet this challenge, Royal Caribbean has launched a competition in Singapore, inviting budding young designers to submit their vision for a cruiseship of the future. Tertiary students nationwide are invited to conceptualise and develop original, innovative ideas for a cruiseship that would appeal to their generation.
“Cruising has transformed well beyond the basic pools, buffet restaurants and theatres,” said Angie Stephen, Royal Caribbean managing director of Asia-Pacific.
“Skydiving at sea, robotic bartenders, virtual balconies and smart features are just a few of the latest innovations you can expect today from a Royal Caribbean cruise, and we believe nothing is impossible when it comes to the holiday of the future.
“Which is why we are excited to see what the youths of today can come up with in terms of innovative and creative features, and showcase where their imagination can take them when it comes to the cruise holiday of tomorrow. Our ship is their canvas."
The winners of the competition, which closes on 28 September, will get a free cruise and SGD 5,000 ($3,650) in cash.
