Oasis of the Seas launches an innovative new program that uses Apple’s popular iPhone as the technology platform. The program, known as Royal Connect, allows guests to rent modified iPhones to stay connected while on board. The cost for unlimited usage, which includes phone and chat functions, is $17.50 per device for the duration of the voyage.

Royal Connect allows guests to stay connected and provides “peace of mind for parents” who can use the device to keep tabs on where their children are on the ship, says Rinat Glinert, Royal Caribbean’s manager of strategic projects and newbuilding.

A chip device in muster bands, which children are required to wear, connects electronically with what Royal refers to as the “communication device” (trademark issues prohibit the device being branded as an iPhone).

Royal Connect functions like a GPS, but with added features that allow guests to make and receive calls to any extension or Royal Connect device on the ship. Royal Connect also allows guests to chat, add friends and access the daily activity brochure, called Cruise Compass.