Royal Caribbean brings Google Street View to Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has announced it is changing the way how people plan their holiday by working with Google to be the first cruise line to launch Google Maps Business View using Google’s Street View technology onboard the world’s largest and innovative cruise ship Allure of the Seas.
By highlighting Royal Caribbean International’s new Street View technology on Allure of the Seas, agents can now provide consumers with an immersive and interactive experience when they are searching for a holiday.
“Business View allows people all over the world to explore a range of businesses and organisations in great detail in just a few clicks,” said Deborah Schenker, program manager at Google UK.
“You can check out anything from restaurants to aircraft in Google Maps, and now for the first time you can sail the seas too with the first ever cruise ship coming on board.”
With just a few clicks, agents will be able to help holidaymakers virtually walk through the various decks of Allure of the Seas including the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, flanked by restaurants, boutiques and lounges.
Agents and holidaymakers alike will be able to access the technology, a first for the cruise industry, here.
Ben Bouldin, director of sales UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean International commented: “Royal Caribbean International is renowned for innovation and bold developments that no one else in the holiday – let alone cruise sector can deliver, whether it be Roboscreens and digital shows on our newest ships or Google Street View technology on our website.
“Consumers go online to research their holidays and this is the closest they can get to actually being onboard.
“We are confident that once agents give potential holidaymakers a look at the new virtual immersion available on Allure of the Seas’ various decks and features thanks to Google Street View technology, racking up the bookings will be smooth sailing with excited consumers eager to experience the real thing.”
Over 20,000 images were taken over the course of 60 man hours and eight days to complete the virtual representation of the ship which stands taller than Nelson’s Column at 240 feet high and can accommodate more guests per sailing than the capacity of the Royal Albert Hall.
The images were taken using a basic DSLR camera using a fisheye lens and a panoramic head resting on a tripod.
This method takes twelve photographs at each point and uses high-dynamic-range imaging to ensure the best exposure for areas of different light.