Passengers will be able to enjoy a more vivid and engaging travel experience while onboard
By
Sean Dudley |
Holland America Line has launched a new initiative to help make passenger travel experiences more ‘engaging, vivid and meaningful’.
Called Explorations Central – or EXC – the new launch will begin in early 2017, and will roll out across Holland America’s entire fleet.
As part of the launch, the Crow’s Nest on certain ships will be transformed to create a new venue named Explorations Central. This will serve as a comprehensive resource and engagement centre for guests.
The first EXC shipboard centre will debut aboard MS Westerdam in April 2017, and will be incorporated into the rest of Holland America’s fleet during 2018.
“Explorations Central is revolutionising the way we deliver destinations to our guests, and it’s going to profoundly change how our guests are immersed in the history, culture and cuisine of the places we visit,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Those who see the world better understand the world; and when we better understand the world we can gain insights into ourselves and personally experience the transformative effects of travel. EXC is going to show our guests the world in a whole new way and enable them to engage in truly meaningful experiences.”
As part of the EXC initiative, guests will be able to explore a hub of information in the Explorations Central space. The space will feature digital storytelling, interactive video experiences, and a dedicated team of staff.
Guests will be able to ask EXC team members about the best tours and sites for each destination they visit. Also, through an initiative called EXC Encounters, local cultural representatives will come on board before the ship reaches the next destination and help build anticipation.
EXC Port Maps will also be available to present a simple view of each port and give tips and suggestions to passengers on the best things to do and to see while visiting.