Insight completes major digital overhaul for AROYA cruise ship

Insight Enterprises has completed a significant IT transformation project on the cruise ship Manara, which has now been rebranded as the AROYA.

The project, regarded by Insight as its most ambitious to date, involved a comprehensive overhaul of the ship's IT systems to improve passenger experiences and operational efficiency. The upgrades include the installation of guest service systems with mobile applications, self-service kiosks, and personalised digital tools intended to enhance interaction throughout the vessel.

The transformation forms part of wider efforts by Saudi Arabia to expand its economic activities beyond the petrochemical sector, emphasising tourism as a growth area. AROYA Cruises has been positioned to play a significant role within this context, serving as a flagship for tourism in the region.

New capabilities supported by Insight's systems on the AROYA include infrastructure for excursion bookings, destination planning, and advanced financial management. In addition, a new customer relationship management (CRM) system has been introduced to assist with customer retention and engagement.

Technical overhaul

Insight was tasked with the design and implementation of the ship's technology architecture. The solution incorporates Dell hyper converged infrastructure as well as Cisco core, spine, and leaf networking technologies to handle all significant guest-facing and operational applications. The infrastructure supports more than 650 workplace devices, tablets, and point-of-sale systems, all newly procured and configured to service both guests and crew.

The project also featured an update to the ship's foundational operational technology. This involved the deployment of Microsoft Active Directory, Intune device management, and Horizon virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platforms. These components work together to ensure consistent system performance and operational reliability at sea.

Execution and delivery

"This was a demanding project," said Insight's Global Account Manager, Jamie Turner, "The ship's IT infrastructure had to be completely gutted, and everything overhauled from scratch. We've installed top-of-the-range technology to ensure that cruise passengers are benefiting from first-class data services, even when at sea. The new modern infrastructure and networking was deployed within a record 11 months from initial contract to completion of both phases – a tight schedule but delivered on time. This project sets a new benchmark for innovation within the maritime industry, and we are thrilled to be driving this IT transformation."

The deployment timetable was described by Insight as tight yet achievable, with the project completed within 11 months from contract signing through to completion of both main phases.

Bilal Husain, Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation at Cruise Saudi, outlined the expected benefits of the work carried out.

"The AROYA's infrastructure and networking modernisation project represents a new frontier in cruise ship transformation. By deploying advanced technologies like hyper-converged infrastructure alongside VDI delivery, we have significantly enhanced guest experiences and optimised crew operations. With Insight's ability to deliver large complex change at scale, we were supported to realise this vision and set a new benchmark for innovation."

Guest-facing innovations such as mobile apps and self-serve kiosks are designed to streamline travel planning and enrich the passenger journey, while the underlying systems are intended to enable the crew to deliver services more efficiently and respond to passenger needs swiftly.

Tourism strategy

The modernisation of the AROYA's onboard systems forms part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabian authorities to stimulate tourism growth through more technologically equipped infrastructure. AROYA Cruises is expected to play a prominent role in these efforts by deploying advanced IT systems to enhance customer satisfaction and stimulate repeat visits.

With the completion of this project, Insight has delivered a digital transformation that supports both the business objectives of Cruise Saudi and the operational demands of a modern passenger cruise ship.