Want to live in a futuristic smart city today? Take a cruise

The cruise industry is rapidly evolving to integrate the Internet of Things -- with sensors, connected devices, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing -- into the experience passengers will have, both on and off the mammoth, state-of-the-art, billion-dollar ships. It's created a veritable wearable wars that spans companies like Carnival, MSC, and Royal Caribbean, which have all implemented new technology to change the way guests interact while onboard. The initial wave in this sea change of tech can actually be traced to the indoor water park company, Great Wolf Lodge, which debuted RFID-based smart wristbands that provide visitors electronic access control and cashless payments to its resort and waterpark guests, in 2005. The technology has made its way through various parts of hospitality and travel, from theme parks to hotels, and now, cruise companies see it as one key in offering personalized service to the thousands of passengers onboard and more efficient operations for their staff. But it was the land-locked city of Orlando, Florida, home to the Walt Disney World Resort, that's had the biggest impact on what's currently happening at sea.