News

Netkey, Carnival to debut cruise industry's first on-board social network

August 3, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced via its news blog an on-board, interactive self-service solution that will debut Sept. 21 on its 130,000-ton Carnival Dream ship, the company's largest. KioskMarketplace.com has learned the project's software is provided by Netkey Inc.

The solution will allow guests access to Carnival's FunHub, an intranet portal that will feature what Carnival says is the cruise industry's first on-board social network, as well as information regarding the ship's services, facilities and daily activities. The network will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it also can be accessed via guest personal laptops or netbooks available for rent from the ship.

According to the blog post, FunHub's social network is much like those many travelers may already utilize day-to-day, and the portal's information features have been created to help guests craft their own cruise experience:

Carnival Dream's on-board social network mirrors the experience one finds on other social networking sites. Guests can create a personal profile and use the application to meet and interact with others on-board, send and receive private messages, create groups based on interests and invite friends to attend shows or participate in on-board events. Guests can also create their own private or public discussion group, inviting others in their traveling party or friends they meet on-board to participate.

Designed as a convenient resource for wide-ranging information specific to the Carnival Dream, the intranet portal details the ship's numerous on-board activities, including entertainment options, daily events and youth programs. Carnival Dream's extensive food and beverage offerings are showcased with sample menus, hours of operation and more. A filtering application is available to assist guests in planning their day.