Royal Caribbean Introduces SoundSeeker Photo Tool

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.

SoundSeeker analyses photos (up to three at a time) by factors such as color, landscape, backdrop, emotion, body language and facial expression.

“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.”

Experts from Berklee and elsewhere used music theory to create a musical pairing with the photos.

“We were excited to work with Royal Caribbean International on this new technological innovation, and in the process, redefine what creative collaboration means," said Panos A. Panay, Berklee vice president for innovation and strategy and managing director of Berklee’s Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship. “By harnessing AI to develop customized soundtracks for treasured memories, together, we have created a new way for people to share their experiences with one another.”

The AI in SoundSeeker identifies objects, facial expressions and colors in each photo. It then finds corresponding musical elements and generates a distinct audio-visual photo album. The system can generate over one million unique tracks, taking inspiration from a variety of musical styles.

The line’s newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, debuted in March 2018.