CASE STUDY
AROYA Cruises is the latest example of Saudi Arabia’ s diversification into areas beyond the petrochemical industry. It is paying particular attention to tourism, and the AROYA will play a vital role in this enterprise. Among the offerings hosted on Insight’ s infrastructure will be excursion booking and destination planning systems. There will also be advanced financial systems and a new CRM system aimed at boosting customer retention.
Insight’ s role was to design bestin-class technology architecture and deliver the proposed solution within a tight timescale. The architecture utilises Dell Hyper Converged Infrastructure, Cisco Core, spine and leaf technologies, all of which will host critical guest experiences and crew operation applications.
The project also involved a comprehensive overhaul of the vessel’ s foundational infrastructure, featuring the deployment of Microsoft Active Directory, Intune management and Horizon VDI platforms. Such modernisation will ensure consistent performance across all 650-plus newly procured and configured modern workplace devices, tablets and point-of-sale systems that support guest experience and crew operations on the vessel.
AROYA is fundamentally different thanks to a fully integrated hyper-converged IT architecture strategically designed for guest, crew, staff and shore experiences.
were supported to realise this vision and set a new benchmark for innovation.”
We asked Bilal Husain, Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation at Cruise Saudi, further questions to find out more.
What were the main challenges in transforming the AROYA ' s IT, and how did you overcome them?
Transforming AROYA ' s IT involved transforming the onboard technology landscape in a tight timeframe, balancing innovation with reliability, and ensuring cybersecurity. We overcame these by leveraging hyper-converged infrastructure, adopting agile methodologies, and partnering with experienced vendors like Insight. Leveraging reference architectures and conducting rigorous testing helped minimise complexity and risk. Continuous stakeholder engagement and a clear change-management strategy ensured alignment, resilience, and a successful Digital Transformation journey for AROYA.
You called this project ' a new frontier '. What makes it different from traditional cruise IT systems?
“ 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.”
Bilal Husain, Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation at Cruise Saudi, said:“ 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
AROYA is fundamentally different thanks to a fully integrated hyper-converged IT architecture strategically designed for guest, crew, staff and shore experiences. Traditional cruise systems often rely on legacy, siloed platforms. In contrast, AROYA supports real-time analytics, advanced VDI and seamless guest connectivity. The ship ' s digital backbone enables hyperpersonalisation, smart automation and future scalability, setting a new benchmark for digital-first hospitality in the cruise industry and redefining passenger expectations at sea.
How do technologies like hyperconverged infrastructure and VDI improve the guest experience?
Hyper-converged infrastructure delivers resilient, high-speed computing, ensuring ship-wide reliability and service continuity. VDI allows guests to access personalised digital services and entertainment from any device, anywhere onboard. Together, these technologies power seamless check-ins, smart room controls and real-time concierge assistance, while
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