Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded their initial trial with Nintendo, bringing the Wii U gaming system to all Norwegian ships fleet-wide.
After deploying Nintendo's original Wii gaming system across their fleet in 2007, NCL has decided to expand the system to be the Wii U system, which delivers HD video gaming. The Wii U system is far more sophisticated, which allows for groups to get into multi-layer gaming - apparently very popular on cruise ships.
The Wii U is already a popular gaming system, as it evolved the traditional game controller to include the GamePad touch screen interface for players.
The additional screen is something that cruise lines have been experimenting with, especially as they try to broaden appeal across age groups. The updated console gives the kids something to do as the parents relax, while also offering up a fun gaming experience for social gaming adults.
Games will include: The Legend of Zelda™: The Wind Waker HD, Super Mario™ 3D World, the first multiplayer 3D Mario game for Wii U; New Super Luigi U™, and Pikmin™ 3.
NCL's VP of entertainment, Richard Ambrose, has been pleased with the popularity of the gaming consoles currently deployed on their fleet.
“The Wii consoles have always been extremely popular among our guests. The new Wii U systems are guaranteed to take gaming on board to the next level, and will surely be a hit.”
This latest partnership highlights just how much the major cruise lines have become floating entertainment palaces.
Beyond redesigns that bring multiple dining options and spectacular nighttime entertainment, cruise lines continue investing in the technologies that improve the guest experience while offering expanded entertainment options across all demographics and areas of the ship.