Communication connects - nicko cruises brings a diversity of languages to the water

Digital progress on the water continues to gather pace: nicko cruises, one of the most innovative providers of river and ocean cruises, is relying on AI-supported live translation for its shore excursions. The cloud-based solution elysium^® from BMS Audio is being integrated into the existing Sennheiser tour guide system on four river ships - for a new level of quality in multilingual guest communication. Understanding connects - and nicko cruises brings this linguistic diversity to the water.

Smart solution for discerning guests

nicko cruises has established itself as a host for an international audience. At the same time, language barriers and limited availability of suitable city guides make the excursion experience more difficult. This is precisely where the elysium^® solution comes in: By using artificial intelligence, it enables live translation in real time - in languages such as English, French, Spanish and Italian, among others.

Unlike conventional systems, the integration is seamless: guides speak as usual via their microphones, the voice data is transmitted to the elysium® app via a smartphone, where it is processed and automatically translated. A second smartphone transmits the translated speech directly to the existing Sennheiser system - without any additional effort for the crew or guests. Language diversity on the water thus becomes a reality with minimal effort.

Digital transformation in flow

What makes nicko cruises special is the deep integration of the solution into existing structures. While other providers have to implement new technology from scratch, nicko cruises deliberately uses the existing high-quality hardware - a prime example of smart digitalisation in tourism.

The current pilot phase is focussing on four river ships that are booked particularly frequently by international guests. The feedback is already very promising - not least because the solution can be used flexibly and works reliably even when changes are made at short notice.

For nicko cruises, the focus is on added value for guests: understanding creates connection. And this is exactly what digital live translation with elysium® makes possible. Because when guests can experience content in their native language, not only does understanding increase, but so does the emotional quality of the excursions.

From the trade fair to the river: a strong partnership

The success story began in 2023 with a spontaneous conversation at the CMT in Stuttgart. It quickly became clear that BMS Audio and nicko cruises were not only a perfect match geographically, but also strategically. The elysium® live translation was tested directly on board during two test trips and adapted to the requirements of the nicko cruises fleet.

The cooperation shows how digital innovations can be implemented in a practical way through regional partnerships and mutual trust - in the spirit of a barrier-free and international travel experience. Linguistic diversity that connects - on the water and beyond.

Conclusion: Technology meets travel culture

With the integration of elysium^®, nicko cruises has opted for an intelligent, flexible and sustainable solution for multilingual guest communication. The combination of existing tour guide hardware, AI-supported translation and close collaboration with a regional partner makes this project unique in the industry. Understanding connects - and nicko cruises lives up to this claim at all levels.

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