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| Queen Mary 2 |
The $800 million QM2, constructed in the shipyard at Chantiers del’ Atlantique, France, and owned by Miami- base Cunard Line Ltd., made her maiden voyage in early 2004. Passengers in each of her 1,310 cabins had access to digital entertainment such as on-demand movies and interactive television. Each cabin is also wired with Internet access and network services. For example, passengers use the network to make shore excursion reservations and dinner plans.
Upon checking in, passengers are presented with a plastic bar-coded card. The card is used while on board to make purchases, which are then billed to the customer’s account. It is also swiped as guests leave and return to the ship to track passenger location. The ship’s massive data network brings order where there once was chaos. Ship managers can run reports showing which passengers are on board, how many will be attending the morning exercise class, and which entrée was most popular at last night’s dinner. The network and database are backed up by redundant systems that automatically take over if the primary system fails.
The information system, called the Ship Partner, is used to track security, billing, telephone service, onboard television, and other operations. It was designed by Discovery Travel Systems LP (DTS). John Broughan, president of DTS, says that the IT needs of cruise ship operators differ from those of typical hotel property management companies, so specialized systems had to be created to better serve cruise companies.
The Queen Mary 2 provides yet another example of how information systems assist with management functions, providing valuable information and offering services to customers.
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| Pavilion |
Critical Thinking Questions
1. What conveniences does The Ship Partner information system provide to passengers of the Queen Mary 2? What entertainment services could be made available to passengers through this digital network?
The information system in QM2, known as the Ship's Partner, really plays a very important role all over the ship's vicinity. When it comes to suitability over existing conditions, QM2 is highly calibrated with that since they provide services which are very convenient to the customers. In just one swipe of the card, you can now access all amenities offered by QM2. Through digital network, they offer things like purchasing, dinner reservations and entertainment services. All things mentioned is made possible through QM2 information system. It could be possible as well that the cruise may have a department store where every customer can shop everything they want but of course charge to their account.
2. How does The Ship Partner information system assist ship managers with their duties and responsibilities?
QM2 information system is used to track security, billing, telephone service, on board television, and other operations. With that, duties of ship managers is made easy and effortless.
3. How does The Ship Partner information system assist Cunard in competing in the travel industry? What other travel & leisure industries would benefit from a system like The Ship Partner?
With the fast-growing numbers of high technologies, QM2 is on the roll. With its benefits, it helps Cunard more competitive and more advance towards their competitor. It is really a big impact to their competitors to have this kind of system. I think this kind of information system is applicable also to airports and plane services.
4. Why is it important for the Ship Partner to have a backup system? How would a system wide failure affect the functioning of the ship?
Computers have a tendency to go wrong from time to time therefore it is important and needed to back up the important files to avoid total loss. If there would be a system failure in the ship it is expected that the ship's performance would be affected.
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