For many years now Panomax has been known to skiing enthusiasts and hikers all over Europe. The high quality, 360° webcam solution offers an array of functions to effectively market any destination. Unprecedented in quality and functionality the webcam network has grown to over 350 cameras and over 44 million users per year. After reinventing webcams on ski slopes Panomax has now set out to introduce their product to the cruise industry.

Currently all major cruise lines utilise webcams and make them available to the public. Though when looking at them you’d rather stay off board. Most of them are scratched, deliver awful image quality, face private areas like balconies or computer screens and have no interactivity at all. None of these webcams showcases the beautiful scenery these ships pass along their travels or encourage potential guests to book a trip. It is time the cruise industry starts taking advantage of these missed opportunities and provides their guests on an innovative, authentic and interactive platform.

But what is it that makes Panomax so special? First of all, it would be the experience. For many years Klaus Mairinger, the founder and CEO of Panomax, and his team have created camera solutions tailored to various industries from airports to logistics companies. Eight years ago Mairinger realised the huge niche market for high quality webcams. His success proves him right. Currently Panomax operates worldwide with cameras in Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

So why Panomax? Panomax offers the only webcam tailored to the cruise industry’s requirements. The hardware is saltwater proof, discreet in design and easy to install. But the real difference can be found in the software. Panomax is unique in the fact that the user interface showcases the stunning imagery and works as an informational tool at the same time.

From the moment of installation all images are stored within the Archive, which is available online 24/7. This allows guests to research their cruise prior to boarding or showcase their trip to friends and family upon their return home. Features like the Overview Map let viewers see the exact route a vessel is on and explore past trips when considering to book a cabin.

An impressive resolution of up to 470 megapixels per 360° image allows users to zoom and pan without limitations. Even the smallest details become visible and guests can explore a route prior to boarding. Due to an engineering background Mairinger was able to find a way of transmitting these enormous images live and without impacting the ship’s bandwidth.

The outstanding resolution offers an additional source of income for Panomax clients – the fully hosted Panomax Print Shop. All images taken can be printed in a size of up to 10m x 1,2m. As prints this size usually do not fit in the normal guest’s living room the Panomax Print Shop enables users to customise any available image to whichever size or viewing angle is desired.

Viking Cruises and Hapag Lloyd Cruises already utilise two Panomax cameras each to share their unique experiences with current and future guests. The feedback has been outstanding. According to Hapag Lloyd guests get addicted to the images and check in on ‘their’ ship’s location every day. The marketing value of interactions like that is priceless. Viking Cruises positioned the Panomax image very prominent on their website when introducing their ships as they have realised the value of these authentic images as well.

Panomax presents a way of creating a new and innovative experience all while providing images in unprecedented quality. It opens up a whole new platform of interaction with consumers and marketing possibilities at the click of a button. So there is really no excuse for cruise lines to continue with their current webcams.

To have a further look into Panomax go to www.panomax.com