An event in Times Square in Manhattan announced the launch of Carnival Corporation’s PlayOcean, a collection of mobile games for iOS and Google Play, designed for the “vacation market.” The games are part of Carnival’s digital entertainment initiative to keep guests entertained aboard Carnival cruise ships and ashore. Carnival operates more than 100 cruise ships.
Miami-based PlayOcean offers two apps: PlayOcean Everywhere, played on land, features four free-to-play mobile games; PlayOcean Casino, played on a ship, offers social casino games and real-money games, since gambling is legal at sea. The PlayOcean Casino app will be available for game play later this year on Carnival’s Princess Cruises Medallion Class ships.
John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival, said, “The growing global demand for gaming across all audiences is undeniable, and the combination of social, competitive, chance and location-based games available within PlayOcean give us an opportunity to engage broader audiences in the unique experiences and fun associated with our cruise vacations. Most importantly, PlayOcean gives our guests the ultimate flexibility to engage in experiences when, where and how they choose, at home, on a plane, relaxing in their stateroom or poolside.”
PlayOcean games include Queen Sea Poker, Roulette on Deck and Bingo on Deck. Each offers an interactive element on board the cruise ship, such as using a mobile phone to play bingo with other passengers.
