Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched an app which guests can use while on board four ocean ships ? Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch ? and ashore as well.
The new interactive app, designed in response to increasing demand for the guests, aims to inform and enhance the cruise experience. It will be available to download from the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android) free of charge and is accessible on both mobile and tablet devices.
Some of its major features are: pre-cruise countdown; ability to complete guest information, pre-book shore tours, and view cruise history; access to 'Onboard Room Account', digital 'Daily Times', restaurant & bar menus; destination information; and access to ship tracker and deck plans.
To make guests aware of the new app, the cruise company will e-mail them in advance of embarkation.
Ben Williams, head of marketing for the cruise line, said: "We are extremely excited to introduce the new Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines app, the latest development to improve the guest experience across our ocean fleet, from start to finish.
"We have been working with Ipswich-based agency, SimpleClick, with whom we have a long-standing relationship, to develop this interactive new app. SimpleClick's understanding of Fred. Olsen product and systems made them the obvious choice for this project. Being a smaller, local agency, they are very responsive, and their agile approach to working has enabled them to keep up with the changing demands of the project, as well as ensuring that the app was delivered on time.
"One of the main challenges was developing an app that moves across time zones and can be used with minimal internet connectivity, which is essential in ensuring that we are able to enhance our guests' cruise experience. This allows guests to see the digital 'Daily Times' newsletter and restaurant menus each day, as well as giving independent guests a host of destination information 'on the go'.
"We are very pleased with the outcome and would like to thank the entire SimpleClick team for their help and support. We are confident there will be a strong uptake of the app, because it enhances all aspects of the user journey. We have lots of future functionalities planned already, so we hope that uptake grows, as the app develops."
Claire Thorpe, director at SimpleClick, said: "We have been working with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for almost 10 years and have developed a wonderful business relationship, frequently working at their offices to ensure goals are met and the high level of service they expect is delivered. We're really happy to launch such an innovative app that will revolutionise the guest experience onboard."
To know more about the app, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/app
