| As a tech geek and admitted internet junkie, I usually | | | | while sitting on a sofa chair. |
| hear a statement along the lines of "you need to | | | | Still not convinced that you NEED to be connected to |
| disconnect while on vacation!". Yes yes, I know | | | | relax? Just look at your kids (or neighbors kids)...when |
| vacation is an opportunity to relax, not think about | | | | are they not connected? Here's a related article on |
| work, not be so plugged in, etc. So, what exactly do | | | | NY Times: "If your kids are awake, they're probably |
| I do when I finally 'unplug'? I typically do the following: | | | | online". |
| read a book, maybe watch a few movies, talk with | | | | So what does this mean for Cruise lines? |
| friends and generally lounge around a lot. I suspect | | | | Mainly, that the cost of wi-fi needs to come down. |
| many of you do similar things on your vacations. | | | | As more passengers bring these devices on board, |
| So, what does this have to do with the iPad and | | | | they'll demand the ability to download a $12 book |
| Cruise lines? I know this is going to be | | | | from Amazon without spending $28 for one hour wifi |
| controversial...but I pose the following: We NEED to | | | | connection. This is actually an opportunity for Cruise |
| be connected TO relax! | | | | lines. As wifi becomes more reasonable (think $10-15 |
| On the surface, that sounds like an absurd | | | | per day), more passengers will sign up for it. |
| statement. But think about what I (and presumably | | | | Cruise lines already know that younger consumers |
| most of you) actually do to relax: read a book...on | | | | and solo cruisers are huge growth markets. Make |
| my iPad (or Kindle). Watch a few movies...on my iPad. | | | | getting online on your cruise ship quick and |
| Talk with friends...on a skype connection over wifi, on | | | | affordable...and you've got their attention. |
| my iPad. | | | | There are also other revenue opportunities for Cruise |
| Clearly more of our media and entertainment | | | | lines. Connected passengers can book shore |
| consumption will happen via the internet. And devices | | | | excursions online or make dinner reservations. All |
| like the iPad (and Kindle) are increasingly made for | | | | from the comfort of their deck chair..with a cold |
| lounging around. Lounging is the intended form. Hey, | | | | drink..and an iPad. Now that's what I call vacation. |
| it's no coincidence that Steve Jobs demo'ed the iPad | | | | |