Disney look to attract gamers with Star Wars cruises

A life-size Millennium Falcon cockpit, a chance to meet and greet some of the franchise's most iconic characters and an Xbox One gaming lounge for passengers to enjoy – Disney are really pushing the boat out with this one.

The cruise ship industry is worth around $30bn and with the record-breaking success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens this news should come as no surprise.

Disney has been revolutionising this industry for many years with their newest instalments seemingly targeting gamers, and obviously fans of the Star Wars films.

High speed Wi-Fi connection on-board will come hand-in-hand with the ship's Xbox One-stacked gaming suite, allowing passengers that are interested in gaming to play while on vacation.

Aside from gaming, Disney have added several Star Wars features to their Dream cruise fleet, including four different simulations for fans to steer the famous Millennium Falcon through. Alongside that there is an engine room available which features Star Wars video games with a Holochess table.

Staged shows will take place on board, giving children the chance to learn the ways of the force and do battle with Stormtroopers and Darth Vader himself.

According to Disney's Imagineering creative design lead, Danny Handke, this is the most complex attraction included on their cruise ships, featuring a Disney Infinity room which is quite child-orientated, including racing games with Mickey and Minnie using Xbox Kinect technology.

Children will also be able to hang onto their Oceaneer band and unlock additional content for their own consoles at home.

It would seem Disney are looking to expand Star Wars' reach on land and sea with these new cruise ships, and the announcement of their upcoming 'Star Wars land' theme park attractions – you can read more about that here.

[Fortune.com]