Regular readers will already know that Splendour of the Seas recently enjoyed a visit to a Spanish dry dock for a comprehensive overhaul. The 25th November, in fact, marks the day on which she emerges from this visit – virtually a new ship.

In another industry first Royal Caribbean International has announced that the ship will now have an iPad in every single stateroom. This touch-screen device will allow passengers to set up personal daily itineraries, access a daily schedule of activities and events on board the ship, order room service, scrutinise their onboard account, access the internet, view restaurant menus and watch movies.

Splendour of the Seas will only be the first Royal Caribbean Ship to get iPad in all cabins. This programme will be extended to all other Vision-class ships over the next 24 months.

Lisa Bauer, the Vice President of the cruise line, said “Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience.”

The iPads will have Portuguese and English menus. Guests will be able to use them not only in their cabins, but thanks to the onboard Wi-Fi access also anywhere on the ship where there is Wi-Fi internet reception.

One can only imagine how much fun passengers are going to have scrutinising the menus of all the new dining venues that will feature on board the ship when she emerges from the dry dock!