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FINLAND. Viking Line has launched an app which the company said will enhance passengers’ travel experience. It offers features such as onboard communication, the ability to track entertainment offerings and opening hours, shopping alternatives, and, in the future, will allow passengers to create shopping lists in advance.
The free app was developed in partnership with Finnish technology company Ixonos and uses a vessel’s internal network to ensure strong onboard mobile phone coverage.
Passengers are able to maintain contact with their own travel group by creating closed discussion forums, or they can establish new contacts and use the app for dating by uploading profiles and photos.
Viking Line says cruise apps are a new “global trend” and the company believes it is the first Baltic Sea-based shipping company to offer a free mobile app to its passengers.
“The new mobile application will revolutionise the cruise experience and further broaden the social dimension on Viking Line’s ships. We want the onboard experience to be uncomplicated and entertaining. With this app, we are bringing cruise travel into the new millennium,” said Viking Line Head of Sales and Marketing in Finland and the Baltic countries Kaj Takolander.
Ixonos Development Manager Mikko Sjöblom noted that consumers increasingly want to engage with service providers through the mobile channel. He said: “Viking Line now wants to digitally challenge traditional services and bring them closer to the customer. It has been a fine experience to create completely new on-board user experiences.”
The app, which is available on iOS and Android phones, can initially be used on Viking Line’s Helsinki-Stockholm, Turku -Stockholm and Mariehamn-Stockholm routes on the M/S Mariella, M/S Gabriella, M/S Amorella, M/S Cinderella and M/S Viking Grace. It will be launched at a later date on the Helsinki-Tallinn and Mariehamn-Kapellskär routes.
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The app is available on Apple’s AppStore and Google Play and offers a range of information |
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Viking Line launched the service on many of its routes at the start of September |
