The cruise industry isn’t one that you’d typically associate with high-tech. Until now.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest addition to the fleet, the Norwegian Escape, does just that.
Of course, we’ve written ad nauseum of technology in the restaurant space (like we did here, here, and here), and with good reason. The restaurant industry has long led the way in the use of technology to improve the guest experience. However, with the announcement of the Norwegian Escape, the cruise industry has apparently taken note, and for the first time ever a cruise ship will use an iPad point of sale system.
In other words, Norwegian’s new ship done changed the game up for cruiseliners.
The Norwegian Escape, the luxurious and much-anticipated new ship based out of Miami, will feature two restaurants that utilize the NorthStar Order Entry system, developed by Custom Business Solutions, to give guests control over their dining experience.
These restaurants – District Brew House and The Food Republic – were developed as part of the Escape’s branded dining experience.
Featuring up to 50 bottled beers and 24 draft beers including popular Miami craft beer from the Wynwood Brewing Company, the District will use the NorthStar system to authenticate the guests’ age and allow them to place orders as they choose. The District will also feature craft cocktails masterminded by the internationally recognized Bar Lab mixologists and a menu worthy of any gastro pub.
No waiting for a server to order their next beer or cocktail? Â We’re no mathematicians, but good drinks and table-top tablets at the table equal good times on the Seven Seas.
The other restaurant using iPads is the Food Republic restaurant, a modern upscale food hall concept developed in collaboration with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group. Food Republic will take guests on a culinary journey of small plates that they can order and devour at their own pace using the iPads at the table.
And the food is actually foodie fare. The flavors range from Asia to Central Europe and the Mediterranean, with the inventive menu and concept developed by partners Jose Medin, Andreas Schreiner and Sergio Navarro who, under the Pubbelly banner, have opened six highly successful concepts in Miami over the past three years.
Norwegian customized the NorthStar system with stylish photography of menu items and drinks, helping guests make ordering decisions with distinct visuals.
It is really no surprise Norwegian Cruise Line is the first to use this technology. Norwegian has long set the standards for the industry and was the first to introduce guest-focused freestyle cruising providing a true resort experience.
