Trip.com has launched TripGenie, an enhanced version of its AI travel assistant previously known as TripGen, to create a more personal, intuitive and hassle-free travel planning experience.
TripGenie leverages on large language model technologies to cover all aspects of travel, from detailed itinerary crafting to immediate bookings. It responds to text and voice commands, and enhances the user experience by displaying images, links, while swiftly directing users to relevant app results.
“TripGenie has completely re-engineered how users interact with AI in travel planning and booking, creating a conversation flow that is human-like and intuitive,” said Amy Wei, senior product director at Trip.com and product owner of TripGenie.
Powered by large language model technology, TripGenie streamlines travel planning, offering personalised recommendations, comprehensive travel plans, and a consolidated booking service within the app. Queries such as “Can you suggest a cheap flight from Singapore to Bangkok?” instantly propels the user to the Flight Deals page, featuring the most cost-effective options. When requesting for hotels near Bangkok’s metro system, it will lead users directly to a curated list.
In itinerary planning, TripGenie is able to recommend tourist spots, shopping destinations, maps, as well as provide booking links and images. If the travel dates are not yet confirmed, TripGenie can save the interactive and structured itinerary in the My Itinerary section of the My Trip channel for later planning.
Furthermore, TripGenie integrates Trip.com’s travel ranking lists like Trip.Best, Trip.Deals and Trip.Trends for hotels, flights, and itineraries.
Transforming the way users interact with travel apps through the Language User Interface (LUI), TripGenie users can unveil a semi-transparent overlay to type or voice their queries, all without disrupting their browsing momentum. When inactive, TripGenie smartly tucks itself in the sidebar, maintaining a clean and uncluttered interface.
In addition, the data captured by the LUI blends into the existing user interface, auto-populates relevant fields, as well as offers contextual assistance throughout the journey. In the event of incomplete data, it will prompt follow-up questions to ensure all necessary details are collected.
TripGenie supports English voice and text input, as well as Japanese, Korean and traditional Chinese text input. Future TripGenie upgrades will include a virtual tour guide feature for an even more immersive travel experience.
Norwegian Joy will enter a three-week dry dock from January 22 next year to undergo enhancements that will gift it with new product offerings.
When the ship emerges on February 13, it will present a brand-new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites, and more.
The new Thermal Suite is said to be the largest of its kind on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus class ships, boasting a more centralised layout with an impressive arrival experience, a separate lounge area with the popular hot tile loungers, sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room, as well as innovative offerings such as the Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, an increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body.
The all-new Thermal Suite will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex.
To offer guests more accommodation options, the enhancements will include repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as recategorising 40 new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and the premiering Thermal Suite.
Additionally, as a result of unprecedented demand, Norwegian Joy’s The Haven by Norwegian Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony will be expanded to three-bedroom units. The two suites will also come with three and a half bathrooms; fully renovated living rooms, master bedrooms and outdoor balcony furniture, and a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge.
The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be expanded, taking over the existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20.
“Delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is what we strive to do,” said David J Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We have listened to our guests and have taken action. With this revitalisation, we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy.”