Insight Enterprise has successfully completed a major IT transformation of the cruise ship AROYA, enabling seamless guest experiences and optimised crew operations. Bilal Husain, Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitisation at Cruise Saudi, tells us how the integration of hyper-converged infrastructure and VDI has set a new benchmark for innovation in the cruise industry, enhancing both passenger and crew experiences.
Insight Enterprise has successfully completed its most ambitious project to date – the extensive and complex IT transformation of the cruise ship Manara, now rebranded as the AROYA.
Insight’s exemplary work on the AROYA demonstrates an architecture-led approach to implementing cutting-edge technology, redefining the cruise ship experience. Passengers can look forward to unparalleled advancements, including state-of-the-art guest service systems with mobile apps, self-service kiosks and personalised digital interactions—all seamlessly integrated through the IT modernisation programme delivered by Insight.
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 best-in-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.
“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 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?
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 hyper-personalisation, 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 hyper-converged 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 supporting robust security and privacy. This digital foundation fundamentally enhances every aspect of the guest journey, enabling consistent, tailored, and memorable experiences that rival leading land-based hospitality venues.
How did you and Insight complete the project on time despite the tight 11-month schedule?
Success depended on meticulous planning, early risk identification, and close collaboration with Insight. We deployed parallel onshore and offshore teams, used pre-configured systems, and embraced modular, automated deployments. Agile project management enabled rapid adjustments, while regular stakeholder engagement ensured alignment. Leveraging Insight’s maritime IT expertise and round-the-clock support, we maintained momentum, resolved challenges proactively, and delivered a fully operational, world-class IT environment within the demanding 11-month timeframe.
How will the AROYA support Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals, and what role does technology play?
AROYA directly advances Vision 2030 by positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier cruise destination. Technology is central—enabling seamless guest experiences, digital engagement and operational excellence. Sophisticated analytics inform service enhancements and marketing, while the IT platform supports localisation and cultural immersion. AROYA’s digital capabilities set new standards for luxury and efficiency, attracting international visitors and showcasing Saudi commitment to innovation, hospitality, and global tourism leadership on a floating, high-tech stage.
Do you plan to use this IT model on other ships or projects at Cruise Saudi?
Absolutely. AROYA’s IT architecture serves as a blueprint for future vessels and projects at Cruise Saudi. The model’s scalability and adaptability allow for rapid deployment across different ship classes and operational contexts. By standardising on this digital foundation, we streamline new rollouts, ensure consistent guest experiences and drive operational efficiencies. This approach positions Cruise Saudi as a technology leader in the region’s evolving and increasingly competitive cruise industry.
Jamie Turner, Global Account Director at Insight, provided us with more details.
What were the biggest technical hurdles your team faced during the AROYA’s IT overhaul?
The AROYA project faced significant challenges in modernising a legacy cruise vessel into a digital platform. Key hurdles included integrating advanced technologies in a complex maritime environment, deploying a Hyper Converged Infrastructure, 2,000 Network Access points and over 650 EUC devices, and completing the transformation within an aggressive 11-month timeline. The project required meticulous planning and co-ordination to ensure it’s seamless implementation across guest and crew services.
How did you ensure the ship’s new infrastructure was delivered on time and met Insight’s quality standards?
Insight ensured timely delivery and quality by adopting an architecture-led framework, comprehensive planning, close collaboration with Cruise Saudi’s IT leadership, and using proven enterprise technologies. This approach allowed for parallel workstreams across hardware deployment, software integration and user experience design. The project was delivered within the 11-month target, demonstrating Insight’s ability to manage complex transformations at an accelerated pace.
In what ways does this project set a new benchmark for IT innovation in the maritime industry?
The AROYA transformation sets a new benchmark in maritime IT innovation by digitising guest experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, deploying scalable infrastructure and supporting sustainability and future-readiness. The ship now features mobile apps, self-service kiosks and personalised digital interactions, all integrated into a unified platform. This transformation not only redefines the cruise experience but also positions AROYA as a model for digital excellence in the global maritime sector.
