169 Cruise brands must now provide a mobile application to meet passengers’ baseline expectations, according to software developer Sourcetoad. From an operational perspective, onboard apps can reduce crew workloads by providing self-service options for guests, enabling them to avoid long waits for restaurants, spa treatments or excursions and thereby improving the quality of their vacations. Sourcetoad’s 2024 Cruise Mobile Apps Annual Report features an analysis of apps from 23 different ocean cruise lines, examining how they are improving guest experiences. Findings show that a growing number of apps are incorporating features that cater to users with mobility or vision challenges. Features include screen readers and voice commands, with some also providing accessibility additions for videos, images and animations. Despite the rise in popularity for cruise apps and the growing adoption of technology, the report also highlights some of the main security concerns that remain. This includes insecure application programming interfaces that increase the risk of cyberattacks and sensitive data leaks. When looking at one of the apps, Sourcetoad discovered test data from real-life previous passengers, including their banking data. As a result of these findings, Sourcetoad reports a critical need for the industry to improve its digital defences and prioritise data protection. On the topic of technology, whilst many industries are eager to adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning, Sourcetoad found that the cruise sector is still cautious. This could be due to the rapid evolution of technology and the unique challenges of providing high-quality, AIdriven features in potentially offline environments onboard ships. Sourcetoad concludes that the current state of cruise apps reflects a journey of technological diversity, heightened accessibility, ongoing security battles and tentative steps towards integrating AI. As the industry continues to navigate these developments, Sourcetoad recommends that it continues to focus on enhancing user experiences, ensuring inclusivity and exploring new possibilities from modern technology. Read the full report at ondeck.sourcetoad. com/cruise-app-report-archive/ REPORT Assessing the cruise app experience Sourcetoad’s 2024 Cruise Mobile Apps Annual Report highlights the latest onboard app trends, as well as the need for the industry to address challenges such as data privacy
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