Everyone loves posting a good vacation photo to Instagram--but what if each one could have its own unique soundtrack, too? Royal Caribbean is experimenting with that possibility, on Tuesday launching an online tool that turns user images into kaleidoscopic mini-videos, complete with original music inspired by the visuals -- and assembled by artificial intelligence (AI). A picture from a botanical garden, of red flowers and green leaves, generates two bars of smooth jazz. In a quick snap of the Bensonhurst Statue House, the cruise line's technology recognizes a dour likeness of a face peeking over a fence, and delivers a funky nu-disco snippet, with pumping guitars and horn swells. Titled SoundSeeker, the marketer's new website chops and swirls the three photos into one spinning abstract visual sequence -- weaving in ample shots of crystal blue waters -- and strings together the music, for a total of six bars at about 100 beats per minute.

Royal Caribbean International is introducing a new tool that will transform guest photos into musical videos. Designed and built in conjunction with the Berklee College of Music, the new SoundSeeker tool was a year in development. It uses artificial intelligence ("AI") to create an original, sharable soundtrack tailored to guest photos. Agents Both Hopeful and Reserved on RCCL's Silversea... Cruise Line & Cruise Ship "SoundSeeker is the latest proof point of Royal Caribbean innovation and how we focus it on delivering unexpected, memorable experiences; whether that is the SkyPad, which uniquely combines bungee jumping with virtual reality or live streaming your favorite shows from the middle of the ocean using VOOM, the fastest internet at sea," said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean International. "People of all ages crave new ways to share their best experiences on social media. This unprecedented tool allows you to put a completely unique, multisensory spin on sharing those memories. Now friends and followers can see and hear your life's adventures."

Utrip, a Seattle startup that uses machine learning to help travelers plan their trips, just closed a $4 million funding round. Investors in the Series A round include Plug and Play, Tiempo Capital, Acorn Ventures, and executives from companies such as Apple and Costco, participating as angel investors. The cash will go toward Utrip's machine learning and data science operations, which fuel the platform's recommendation engine. "One of the things that our travelers love about Utrip is the depth with which we curate destinations and go beyond those top 10 lists that are available everywhere to offer experiences that are really unique and local and authentic for that destination," said Utrip CEO Gilad Berenstein. "That's one big priority, continuing to build out our machine learning capabilities as well as our human expert network, our chefs, artists, historians, etcetera."

The Carnival Vista is the newest ship in the Carnival Corp. fleet and has the latest tech on board. Ocean cruises are no longer about going off the grid to enjoy leisurely days at sea and on-board entertainment. Cruise ships are installing better Wi-Fi, adding tech-enabled wristbands and luggage tags, and even having robots greet passengers as they board the ship, all in an attempt to create a tech-rich environment. As times have changed and tech becomes a part of everyone's daily lives, passengers have become increasingly interested in staying connected to the outside world and for their lives to continue unabated on the high seas. Passengers also expect more than just a second-run version of a Broadway show--they want the outside world and a lot more.

New ships, new destinations, unusual activities and some extraordinary bargains are part of the cruising buzz for summer and fall. New thrill attractions: Thrills have become a cruise ship staple, and on the world's newest, largest ship, Royal Caribbean's 5,500-passenger Harmony of the Seas, the rush comes courtesy of the Ultimate Abyss. Beginning later this month, daring riders can zoom on mats from the top of the ship to the Boardwalk neighborhood about 100 feet below. Posh gets posher: Regent Seven Seas Cruises is billing its 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, launching in July, as the "world's most luxurious cruise ship." The top digs are a 3,785-square-foot suite, with a first-at-sea private spa (serviced by the ship's Canyon Ranch SpaClub) and a price tag of 5,000 per person per night, based on double occupancy.