Carnival Sets Sail on Virtual Cruises with Partners AT&T and Samsung

Posted February 19, 2016 by Dale Buss

You no longer have to simply dream about ocean breezes, sandy beaches, full buffet tables and the perks of a seagoing cruise: Now you can almost experience a Carnival vacation courtesy of a new VR initiative by the cruise line, AT&T and Samsung Electronics.

Launching in 133 AT&T stores this week across 37 states, customers can enjoy virtual Carnival cruises using the Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus. Put on the headset “and be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a warm and sunny cruise vacation,” according to apress release. There is also a sweepstakes to win an actual cruise on one of Carnival’s ships and, if a customer purchases one of several Samsung smartphones at an AT&T store during the promotion, they’ll be eligible for onboard credit for a future cruise.

To highlight the campaign, the companies will host a physical experience at the AT&T flagship store on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago on February 27. There will be a mocktail bar, hand massages, palm trees, a live DJ and a VR Lounge that simulates the deck of a cruise ship. The event will be preceded by a week of Chicagoans seeing a glass-bodied Carnival truck driving local streets, featuring models and brand ambassadors on a “traveling cruise ship deck” and sporting captain’s jackets and cruise attire.

“With most of the US dealing with winter weather,” Carnival CEO Arnold Donald said in the press release, “the timing for this launch is designed to give people a fully immersive look at why cruising is a great vacation.”