Insight Enterprises (NASDAQ: NSIT) has delivered its largest-ever IT transformation aboard Cruise Saudi’s flagship vessel, the AROYA (formerly Manara). The project modernised the ship’s infrastructure to enhance both passenger services and crew operations.
Cutting-Edge Guest Services
Under Insight’s architecture-led approach, the AROYA now features:
- Mobile guest service apps and self-service kiosks for personalised digital interactions
- Excursion booking and destination planning systems
- A new CRM platform and advanced financial systems to improve customer retention
These systems run atop a Dell Hyper-Converged Infrastructure and Cisco spine-and-leaf network, ensuring seamless performance even while at sea.
Modern Workplace for Crew
Insight also overhauled the vessel’s operational backbone by deploying:
- Microsoft Active Directory and Intune for device management
- Horizon VDI to virtualise over 650 workplace devices, tablets, and point-of-sale terminals
This unified environment supports both guest experiences and crew workflows with consistent, high-performance connectivity.
“This was a demanding project,” said Jamie Turner, Global Account Manager at Insight. “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 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.”
— Bilal Husain, Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation, Cruise Saudi
Completed in just 11 months from contract signing to full rollout, this transformation underscores Cruise Saudi’s diversification into tourism and positions the AROYA as a showcase for next-generation maritime technology.
To find out more about the project, see the video here.
For more on the project, see the video overview or contact Insight’s Maritime Services team at DG-EU-maritime@insight.com.
