Thomson Cruises, the TUI Travel plc unit that operates five cruise ships on the British market, says it has launched an app to allow customers to view footage of life on their ships as 18% of bookings come in via smart phones or tablets.
"With 18% of customers booking a holiday using a tablet or smart phone, and many more browsing using the devices, Thomson Cruises has found the perfect way to bring its ships alive by embedding some innovative technology amongst its traditional brochure pages in a bid to modernise the research experience for customers," the company said in a statement.
For customers using Android, iPads, iPhones and other smart phones, Thomson Cruises' ships will come alive and showcase life on board. "Thanks to augmented reality, some of the photographs seen on the pages of the latest Thomson Cruises' brochure will be brought to life with six films," Thomson said.
"These films showcase some of the first class entertainment and gourmet dining options on board. Also highlighted is the Platinum offering on board Thomson Dream and Thomson Celebration, and an introduction to the programme from Fraser Ellacott, Customer Operations Director for Thomson, with a rare insight into his personal favourites from the new itineraries."
To access the hidden footage, all customers need to do is download the free Aurasma App. It’s available from the App Store and Google Play. Then they just need to search for, select and follow Thomson Cruises. By holding the smart phone or tablet over selected images, recognisable by an icon in the brochure, the ships will come alive - giving customers a real feel for the holiday they are looking to book.
"The new technology that is being applied to our brochures this year really supports our strategy of modernising the holiday experience for our customers. Showcasing the true experience of life on a cruise ship will also go a long way in helping customers considering a cruise make their decision. The video footage will also give first time cruisers a real flavour of what to expect and I am confident they will like what they see," said Fraser Ellacott, Customer Operations Director for Thomson.
"For Winter 2014/15 short and mid haul programme launch, we have yet again listened to feedback from our customers and designed itineraries that will suit new to cruise customers, families, couples and groups alike. We are really excited about the itineraries, port calls and shore excursions on offer."
