Thomson Cruises uses Aurasma tech for augmented reality brochure

Augmented reality technology is being employed in Thomson Cruises’ newly-published winter 2014-15 brochure.

Augmented reality technology is being employed in Thomson Cruises’ newly-published winter 2014-15 brochure.

This allows some of the photographs seen on the pages to be brought to life with six films.

The films showcase entertainment, dining options, the Platinum offering on board Thomson Dream and Thomson Celebration, and an introduction to the programme from customer operations director Fraser Ellacott.

The line has embedding the technology within its traditional brochure pages in a bid to modernise the research experience for customers.

The company says 18% of customers book holidays using a tablet or smart phone, and many more are browsing using Android, iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices.

To access the hidden footage, all users need to download a free Aurasma app from the App Store and Google Play.

They then search for, select and follow Thomson Cruises. By holding the smart phone or tablet over selected images, recognisable by an icon in the brochure, the ships will come alive.

The programme, which goes on sale on December 12, includes four new itineraries and the introduction of Porto as a new port of call.

Thomson Dream will sail from Malaga from November 2014 and will visit Portugal’s second-largest city on an itinerary which also visits Lisbon, Cadiz, Tangier and Gibraltar.

Three other new itineraries have also been designed especially for winter 2014-15.

Thomson Majesty (pictured) will sail from Santa Cruz, Tenerife and call at Las Palmas, La Gomera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Madeira.

Thomson Spirit will sail from Limassol in Cyprus to Alanya and Marmaris in Turkey, Santorini and Ashdod in Israel for Jerusalem/Bethlehem.

Thomson Spirit will also depart from Cyprus to visit Kusadasi, Piraeus for Athens, Crete, Rhodes and Alanya.

Ellacott said: “The new technology that is being applied to our brochures this year really supports our strategy of modernising the holiday experience for our customers.

“Showcasing the true experience of life on a cruise ship will also go a long way in helping customers considering a cruise make their decision.

“The video footage will also give first time cruisers a real flavour of what to expect and I am confident they will like what they see.

“For winter 2014-15 short and mid-haul programme launch, we have yet again listened to feedback from our customers and designed itineraries that will suit new-to-cruise customers, families, couples and groups alike.”

Prices lead in at £749 per person for a seven-night Iberian Escapade cruise on Thomson Dream from Malaga on November 20, 2014, including flights from Luton.