Robot bartenders and bumper cars at sea — 9 top cruise innovations in 2014

By Rita

Taking a cruise is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel globally. Visiting multiple countries in one trip and enjoying top-tier cruise facilities are experiences that flying simply can’t replace. In the past, cruises offered little more than shows and dining spaces, but today’s cruise ships boast technology-driven amenities that are beyond imagination. Below is a report from U.S. media outlet USTodayreporton cruise features. Next time you have the chance to go on a cruise, be sure to take these opportunities to experience them.

▲ Cruises are getting more popular worldwide (Image /Norwegian Getaway fan page)

1. Robot Bartenders
You can order drinks from robots B1-O or N1-C aboard the Quantum of the Seas. These robotic arms, originally designed for car manufacturing, will start mixing your drink, and before long, your beverage will be delivered via a conveyor belt.

2. Aerial Adventures
This is a trend across new cruise ships. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Plank lets you walk above the sea like on a tightrope, while the Regal Princess features a glass walkway. The Quantum of the Seas has cabins that can lift you 300 feet above the sea to enjoy the distant views.

3. Bumper Cars
The Quantum of the Seas boasts a one-of-a-kind sports center called SeaPlex, where passengers can play basketball, volleyball, soccer, and ice skate, plus attend a circus school. Best of all, you can ride bumper cars.

▲ Bumper cars aboard the Quantum of the Seas (Image /Royal Caribbean International fan page)

4. Faster Internet
In the past, internet access on cruises was nonexistent, but now not only is it available, it’s also fast and affordable. Ships like the Quantum of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line offer this service.

5. Bordeaux Cruises
In 2014, many cruises made stops in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world. Cruise lines like Viking River Cruises and Uniworld capitalized on this trend, taking passengers on journeys to taste and sip along the way.

6. Magic Shows
Norwegian Cruise Line has brought magic performances into the journey, staging dinner magic shows.

7. 180-Day Around-the-World Voyage
Oceania Cruises created the longest journey ever — “180 Days Visiting Five Continents, 44 Countries, and 89 Ports.” This voyage was so popular that tickets sold out early.

8. Onboard Carnivals
Cruise ship carnivals include private concerts, often featuring high-profile celebrity performers.

9. No-Smoking Policies
Many cruise lines have implemented no-smoking rules. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line prohibit smoking on balconies, with the exception of Holland America Line.

▲ Robot bartender on the Quantum of the Seas