Second screen and the digital journey on board: from smartphone to cabin TV
Pairing: one QR code, zero friction
The passenger scans the QR code shown on the cabin TV with the on-board app. Within two seconds the phone becomes a remote control, keyboard and booking tool, and the TV displays their profile's content. Pairing expires automatically at disembarkation, with no staff involvement.
Continuity between the two screens
An excursion chosen in the app appears as a reminder on the cabin TV; a restaurant menu viewed on the TV opens on the phone to complete the booking. No duplicated content — a single catalogue served across two different surfaces.
Everything runs locally, no satellite required
On ships, satellite bandwidth is scarce and expensive. The app, VOD catalogue, daily programme and bookings all run on on-board servers via the internal Wi-Fi: the external connection is only needed for synchronisation and telemetry. Passengers notice no difference, and the line doesn't pay for bandwidth it doesn't need.
Digital daily programme
The paper 'daily' delivered to the cabin is expensive and already out of date by the time it arrives. The digital version on TV and app updates in real time: a show's time changes, bad weather, a shift in docking time. Printing drops to zero and information gets better.
Impact on on-board revenue
On documented projects, the pairing of cabin TV and on-board app generates an increase of up to +30% in on-board purchased services (excursions, spa, paid restaurants, internet and photo packages), largely because it cuts the time between desire and booking from minutes to seconds.
Accessibility and languages
The passenger chooses their language once: the TV interface, app and notifications all align. Subtitles, high contrast and enlarged text apply across both screens, a requirement increasingly demanded in European cruise line tenders.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need internet to use the on-board app with the TV?+
No. Pairing and services run on the ship's internal Wi-Fi network; the satellite link is only used for updates and synchronisation.
Does pairing stay active after disembarkation?+
No. Pairing is tied to the cabin and the stay: it automatically expires at disembarkation, and the session is deleted along with preferences and OTT logins.
Does it integrate with maritime PMS systems?+
Yes. Integration with the leading on-board PMS systems keeps cabin, charges and cruise categories aligned, so the offers shown are consistent with the package purchased.
What happens if the passenger doesn't have a smartphone?+
All functions remain available from the TV remote control. The second screen is an addition, never a prerequisite.