ZinetroN/
Shutterstock.com
Shipbuilding, maintenance & repair Modernise, personalise
through connectivity and decarbonise
As digital transformation reshapes global travel, the cruise sector finds itself with an imperative to reimagine aspects of shipbuilding and upgrades. At the heart of this shift lies the Internet of Things (IoT) – a vast network of connected sensors, devices and platforms designed to monitor and respond to the environment, infrastructure and people in real time. GlobalData’s 2025 report, ‘The Internet of Things in Travel and Tourism’, offers a panoramic view of how IoT is transforming the sector.
T
he figures are striking. By 2028, the global IoT market is forecast to exceed $1.8trn. With nearly 25 billion IoT connections expected globally, the infrastructure for intelligent, real-time data exchange is becoming increasingly universal. For cruise lines – managing mobile ecosystems that blend hospitality, entertainment, logistics and marine engineering – IoT offers game-changing capabilities.
Cruise ships are, in essence, floating smart cities. They encompass accommodation, dining, healthcare, utilities and retail – all contained within a moving structure that must operate autonomously for days at a time. IoT can help operators manage this complexity more efficiently, safely and sustainably.
ESG at sea
One of the most compelling dimensions of IoT is its potential to address ESG (environmental, social and governance) challenges – critical for the future resilience and reputation of cruise lines. From emissions and waste to overtourism and energy consumption, the industry
World Cruise Industry Review /
www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com
faces intense scrutiny from regulators and the public alike. IoT can offer tangible progress. Smart HVAC systems can automatically optimise cabin conditions based on occupancy, leading to significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Smart lighting, water usage monitoring and waste management sensors on board further enhance operational sustainability without diminishing guest comfort. But IoT’s ESG benefits extend beyond the ship. GlobalData highlights the Isle of Lewis’ adoption of visitor-monitoring sensors – developed by CENSIS – to manage footfall at the ancient Calanais Stones. These tools allow tourism managers to understand peak times and reduce pressure on sensitive heritage sites. The same principle can be applied by cruise operators at popular ports of call: using real-time data to stagger disembarkation, optimise shore excursions and minimise the impact of cruise tourism on fragile environments. IoT can also integrate cruise ships into broader smart port initiatives. Connected systems can manage shore power usage, automate waste offloading and
5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23
