In the ever-evolving world of luxury superyachts, there is a demand for the latest and most innovative technological gadgets. When it comes to maritime technology innovation, the luxury cruise industry is at the forefront of consumer demand, with Owners and charterers alike wanting the latest gadgets on their superyachts.
From autonomous drones to virtual reality experiences, here are some of the coolest technologies and gadgets to enhance the yachting industry in 2017.
1). Virtual Reality Meets Luxury Yachting
Virtual reality software revolutionized the superyacht industry, influencing the design, construction, decoration of yachts and their marketing; innovative technology even allows potential buyers the opportunity to experience life aboard certain ships. With the help of a VR headset, shoppers can see the interior before a cruise ship construction even started, aiding decisions about layout and decoration. Useful inventions prevent costly mistakes that can increase manufacturing costs exponentially.
VR technology is also helping shipyards build more practical yachts, indicating whether lockers are accessible, whether pantries are properly laid out, and whether engineers can reach fuel filters. Yacht marketing will also be a new experience, with new charterers and buyers able to view yachts without even stepping on the ship.
Fraserthe world’s leading cruise broker, revolutionizing the image of yachting by creating a virtual reality experience M/Y LADY NAG NAG, a stunning 52.30m superyacht. One can feel the ship as if one were on board, which means one can experience the interior of the superyacht without actually seeing it.
2). Bringing IMAX to Superyachts
Cinemas on yachts are still rare, and screen sizes are generally limited by deck height. But this may soon change. It is possible that IMAX will adapt their 20-foot IMAX Private Theater screens for use on luxury superyachts, bringing 2D and 3D images to life in a spectacular onboard theatre.
The first cruise ship to feature IMAX sails is likely to be a new 150m development project designed by Ken Freikhov in collaboration with audiovisual provider superyacht Cruise Ship Intelligence. Building an IMAX superyacht cinema is not without challenges, such as accommodating the shape of the ship’s hull and acoustics. Nevertheless, if the project goes ahead, we can expect an IMAX cinema to be the number one superyacht design feature of the next decade.
3). Underwater Drones
With iBubble, You can wear a wristband, dive from the swim platform, and the drone’s camera will float in the water next to you, recording everything you see. Created by free divers, scuba divers and technology professionals, the iBubble drone camera records in high definition and follows your movements autonomously by tracking the bracelet you wear on your wrist.
iBubble records to a depth of 230 feet and lasts up to an hour on a single battery before reappearing automatically. It’s available for pre-order and is expected to be one of the hottest new toy superyachts of the decade.
4). 5 Floor Video Wall
Video walls are increasingly popular in superyacht designs, creating a stunning moving backdrop that complements any superyacht décor. Van Berge Henegouwen, an onboard video wall specialist, has created an aquarium scene for one particular cruise ship, where each level provides a different underwater scene, from the sandy seabed to the glistening surface. But the possibilities are endless: from sensory dining areas to large-scale gaming facilities, video walls are a must-have feature on the latest superyachts.
5). The Color-changing Hull of a Superyacht
Van Geest Design, in collaboration with lighting and shipbuilding company Oceanco Temelov, has created an extraordinary hull design that features hundreds of LED lights within its structure, allowing it to change colors and reflect patterns. The project, called Moonstone, proved that a ship’s hull can become a canvas for a play of light and color, creating a brilliant and ever-changing light show as the cruise ship docks.
