Vodokhod using a mobile application increased the size of the average check by 15%

2024: Creating a Mobile App

On April 4, 2025, Delaweb informed TAdviser about the implementation of a project to develop a mobile application for Vodokhod.

The goal was to create a mobile app that would make travel even more comfortable for passengers. The application was supposed to become a link between the company and its customers, offering them convenient services right on board the ship. Among the key features were opportunities such as ordering food and drinks, booking excursions and buying souvenirs. It was also important to provide convenience for the company itself by automating processes and reducing the burden on personnel.

Project objectives

• Average check increase: Passengers should be able to order additional services directly in the app.
• Gathering analytics and feedback: Getting information from passengers to improve service.
• Customer loyalty: Attracting passengers to an active life on board, including participation in events and master classes.
• Service time optimization: Simplifying the process of communicating with the administration through a chat instead of going to the counter.
• Centralization of content: Management of all ships from one place, without the need to duplicate the work on each.

One of the main difficulties was the need to keep the application running in the absence of the Internet on board. After all, ships are often located in remote places where the network is inaccessible. Therefore, we have created a hybrid solution: an external server for global data synchronization and a local server on each ship to work offline.

Several technologies were used to implement this idea:

• Laravel and Node.js for backend development,
• PostgreSQL and Redis for data storage,
• Nginx and Docker for system stability and scalability.

The mobile application has become a real assistant for passengers. It allows:

• View restaurant and bar menus,
• Order food and drinks,
• Listen to audio guides and ship's radio,
• Track the route on the interactive map,
• Communicate with the administration via chat.

The application was also integrated with Hotel Management Systems (PMS) and Mindbox's loyalty program, which made it possible to provide personalized offers to each customer.

One of the most interesting calls was the task of user authorization. Since the application and site were on different servers, it was necessary to create an end-to-end authorization system. The solution was its own Captive Portal, customized specifically for the client's brand. It allowed users to quickly connect to Wi-Fi on board and immediately access all the functions of the application.

Another non-standard task was to ensure the availability of ship radio in the application. A way was found to digitize the analog signal and transmit it to mobile devices, despite the lack of Internet on the ship.

Results:

• The average check increased by 15%.
• The number of orders on board rose by 20%.
• Retention and reorder rates increased by 5%.
• Sales of cruises on board also increased by 5%.