Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 9 Restoring traveller confidence in cruising Preparing for the digitalisation voyage Viewpoint: Ric Cavieres Viewpoint: Brent Horwitz In today’s post-pandemic world increased sanitation measures can only accomplish so much. As cruise and travel restrictions are lifted, gaining back traveller confidence is paramount. Currently in discussions for implementation in major cruise lines, OZ Digital Consulting’s Salus solution is designed to prevent individuals suspected of having Covid-19 from boarding a ship and detect infected individuals during the cruise. To board a ship, travellers and crew will require a negative Covid-19 test, which will be tracked through the Salus mobile app. Once they are onboard, Salus will continuously collect data from infrared cameras and thermometers aboard the ship and integrate it with the passenger manifest system, internet of things sensors, ship containment facilities and diagnostics, all via a mobile crew application. If symptoms are detected, Salus will analyse the patient’s previous interactions with other guests and crew to help contain the virus. It will also coordinate patient quarantine, treatment and testing by capturing hour-by-hour containment, diagnostic and treatment details for the patient. Ric Cavieres is president of OZ Consulting As cruise lines remain hopeful of returning to the seas later this year, the expected influx of new and returning passengers will have operators going to great lengths to make the onboard guest experience nothing short of exceptional. And for most of these guests, access to high-speed internet is crucial. Service providers should be focusing on three fundamental values to help meet this need. First, they should provide a dynamic network and direct traffic through the most efficient, secure and cost-effective pathways. Second, they should offer diversity in their skills to manage service delivery, giving operators visibility into their complete system. Lastly, they must create a clear picture for the future and suggest solutions based on the most recent evolution of communications networks and technologies. The right solution will create a dynamic network to ensure connectivity needs can be met and is imperative in preparing networks for the digitalisation voyage. Brent Horwitz is senior vice president and general manager of cruise and ferry at Speedcast