Roller coasters, bumper cars, musicals, or ziplines: Cruise ships offer plenty to entertain passengers. One cruise line is now testing the entertainment of the future–with robots on cruise ships. TRAVELBOOK reveals what’s behind it.
Have you ever wanted to dance with a robot or get up close to a robo-dog? What you usually see on social media is becoming a reality with MSC Cruises. In 2026, the company is taking new approaches to entertainment on its ships. Matteo Mancini, director of family entertainment development at MSC, explains in a press release that they are consistently looking to the future and investing specifically in the development of modern, digital, and immersive entertainment formats. This includes the use of AI robots on board.
AI-Controlled Dogs and Robot Parades
On selected ships, AI-controlled robot dogs and humanoid robots–designed to resemble humans–will soon be on board. An initial test will be conducted on the “MSC Bellissima.” But that’s not all. They will also be deployed during the world cruise on the MSC Magnifica.
Passengers can meet the robots, and there will be robot parades and interactive robotics workshops for children. Dance performances are also planned. Additionally, they will march in a grand parade and interact with guests, explains an MSC Cruises spokesperson to TRAVELBOOK.
Bartender “Rob” has been entertaining guests on the MSC Virtuosa for several years
“Rob” Entertains the Passengers
The cruise line is not testing robots on board for the first time. “Since 2021, we have had a bar on the ‘MSC Virtuosa’ with a robot bartender who serves and entertains guests in eight languages,” the spokesperson told TRAVELBOOK. The bartender robot “Rob” is part of a unique entertainment experience. Passengers find themselves in a bar inspired by a futuristic spaceship. There are 3D holograms, digital art walls, and interactive tables with touchscreens.
“Rob” not only mixes drinks but also chats with guests and displays various human-like facial expressions. According to the cruise line, he enjoys telling jokes, posing riddles, or dancing when he’s in the mood. However, the robot is not alone. Real staff is also present–and that will remain the case. Both at the bar and during workshops or dance performances. “None of the robots replace the crew; they primarily serve to entertain guests, especially children,” explains the MSC spokesperson.
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