Anthem of the Seas Makes Most of Wearable Technology

Multipurpose wristbands, not keycards, will welcome passengers aboard Royal Caribbean's MS Anthem of the Seas, thanks to a partnership with Assa Abloy Hospitality.

The wristbands use flexible RFID technology to upgrade the cruise experience for both passengers and crew.

As passengers approach the gangway, crewmembers can quickly scan the wristbands, which contain all the necessary identification data, making it faster and easier to embark and disembark from the ship.

The wristbands act as a room key, but also allow access to other areas of the ship, such as the spa. Passengers can even keep track of their tabs at the bar and restaurant or pay for professional photos taken on the cruise. Plus the wristbands offer an alternative payment for vending machines and casinos, providing the potential for greater revenue.

"As the cruise industry moves to develop ships with ever-increasing passenger capacities and services, cabin and passenger security will no doubt play an integral part in ensuring continued satisfaction, safety and convenience," said Gerald McMillan, Vice President Marine at Assa Abloy Hospitality. "By fully leveraging RFID capabilities, we are pleased to provide the technology that allows MS Anthem of the Seas to provide the newest generation of cruise ship vacationers with the augmented services that they increasingly demand."

The Anthem of the Seas, the third largest cruise ship in the world, has 2,090 cabins.