MSC Cruises Introduces Voice-Enabled Personal Assistant

MSC Cruises has revealed a brand-new feature of MSC for Me, the company’s digital innovation program. The new digital cruise personal assistant is a ground-breaking guest service, developed in partnership with HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and leader in connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The new virtual personal assistant is a conversational, voice-enabled Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation that can communicate, learn, and intelligently predict guests’ needs to make relevant suggestions.

 “We employ state-of-the-art technology in a uniquely comprehensive way, building it into every step of the development of our new ships, starting from their conception and design to the final guest experience,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “It is through our cruise expertise, the skill of our shipyard partners, and our unique collaborations with world-leading digital and technology experts that we are able to introduce ground-breaking technology to provide our guests with a connected experience that enhances their cruise from beginning to end.”

MSC Cruises’ Assistant is Unique

Unlike other home digital assistants that rely on cloud-based programs with Internet-connected devices or applications, this digital offering will be designed around a ship-based solution, customized especially for MSC Cruises’ guests’ needs. The current ways in which guests seek their information on board will be further enhanced, allowing for a uniquely personalized experience. Guests will be able to communicate with the new device in seven languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, and Mandarin.

Digital signage on board

The service is the latest feature of MSC for Me, a multi-channel digital experience that is designed to connect guests to their cruise with cutting-edge technology. It includes the MSC for Me App, in-cabin connected television, and interactive information screens around the ship, among other features. MSC for Me was first launched aboard MSC Meraviglia.

The new virtual personal assistant feature will initially debut on MSC Bellissima, which is currently under construction and will be christened in Southampton on March 2, 2019; will be available on all future new ships; and plans are in place to introduce the feature on the rest of the fleet.

^{Photos: MSC Cruises}