Personalization is an absolute must for travel companies looking to meet the needs of their customers – in part because consumers are accustomed to a customized shopping experience across many other types of purchases.
Artificial intelligence is a major driver behind this, and JetBlue is taking the technology out to sea by updating its cruise booking platform with AI via a partnership with CruisingStore.
CruisingStore is a new cruise-specific online travel agency that aims to “transform the cruise industry” through its use of technology to personalize the self-service planning and booking process for travelers.
The AI system is designed to learn users’ preferences over time regarding destinations, budgets, cruise lines and more so it can suggest appropriate itineraries in the future.
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"AI is changing how we travel, and our goal is to be at the front of the curve,” says Marty St. George, JetBlue’s executive vice president of commercial and planning.
“We’ve already incorporated artificial intelligence into vacation planning, and now our partnership with CruisingStore means customers will quickly be able to find the cruise that’s right for them and book their flights all in one place."
Using the new system, travelers select their region of interest and either specific dates of travel or a trip length. Those results can then be filtered by price, cruise line, ports of call and more.
Users also have access to assistance via online chat, or they can call one of CruisingStore’s travel agents to handle more complex issues.
“We have worked hard to create a solution to the many long-standing and intractable execution challenges facing the cruise and airline industries, and with CruisingStore.com, we are pleased to have that solution now readily available,” says Dwain Wall, CEO of CruisingStore.
Once a cruise is booked, customers can link straight to options to book flights, hotels and car rentals.
In a statement JetBlue said the partnership is part of the carrier’s goal to create a “one-stop vacation shop and seamless travel journey.”