Shipbuilding, maintenance & repair Thematic investment matrix


Physical layer


Connectivity layer


Data layer App layer Service layer


Airlines Airports Lodging Cruises


Attraction operators


intermediaries


Source for above and right: ‘The Internet of Things in Travel and Tourism’.


schedule dockside services with minimal environmental impact. In the long term, synchronising on-board energy systems with green infrastructure in port cities could align cruising more closely with net-zero goals.


Cost control without compromise In the wake of pandemic recovery, soaring inflation and mounting labour costs, cruise lines face unprecedented financial pressure. The GlobalData report stresses IoT’s role in helping to control costs while enhancing efficiency. A primary area of impact is predictive maintenance. Cruise ships are complex environments where systems – from engines to kitchens – must run seamlessly. Sensors embedded in machinery can monitor vibration, temperature or usage patterns to predict failure before it occurs. This reduces unscheduled downtime and the need for expensive emergency repairs, improving safety and financial planning. The report cites Delta Air Lines’ success with RFID- enabled baggage tracking, which reduced lost luggage complaints by over half. For cruise ports – especially high-volume turnaround hubs – RFID and IoT can transform check-in, boarding and baggage logistics. Luggage can be tagged, tracked and delivered with minimal manual intervention, improving turnaround times and guest satisfaction.


IoT also optimises resources on board. From water conservation to kitchen inventory management, real-time monitoring ensures nothing is overused or understocked. Integrated with AI, cruise operators can simulate demand and adjust menus, heating or entertainment schedules in line with passenger behaviour or external factors like weather.


The connected cabin


Perhaps the most exciting application of IoT for cruise guests lies in personalisation. In an age where travellers


6


Early adopters set the course The report highlights companies across travel and


World Cruise Industry Review / www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com Travel


Invest Explore Ignore


expect intuitive, seamless digital experiences, the cruise industry must move beyond traditional service models. The report highlights how Hilton and Marriott are pioneering ‘smart rooms’ that respond to guest preferences – controlling lighting, temperature and media via apps or voice commands. Cruise operators could extend this concept fleetwide. Imagine a stateroom that recognises a returning guest and automatically sets lighting, playlists and temperature to their preference – or a voice assistant that books spa appointments or recommends activities based on previous voyages. Wearable devices, like Princess Cruises’ Ocean Medallion, are early examples of this shift. These devices can act as room keys, payment tools and real-time locators, allowing cruise staff to personalise service or respond quickly in emergencies. IoT can even enhance crowd flow and venue planning. By tracking anonymised movement data (with consent), cruise lines can reduce queuing at dining venues, improve safety during muster drills, and optimise traffic through public spaces. For luxury cruise operators, where attention to detail defines brand value, IoT enables a new level of guest- centric service. What used to be considered high-end “extras” may soon become baseline expectations.


An emerging risk


Despite its many benefits, IoT brings with it a major caveat: increased vulnerability to cyber threats. As the report notes, each connected device – from smart TVs to biometric locks – represents a potential entry point for malicious actors. Cruise ships are high-value targets. They host thousands of passengers’ personal and payment data, rely on digital navigation systems, and depend on uninterrupted service delivery. A successful cyberattack could disrupt operations, cause reputational damage, and even pose physical safety risks. Moreover, the cruise sector, like wider tourism, often comprises a fragmented technology ecosystem – with third-party vendors and disparate legacy systems creating security blind spots. To mitigate these risks, cruise lines must invest:


■ Device security and updates: Ensuring every IoT- enabled device is patched, encrypted and monitored throughout its life cycle.


■ Network segmentation: Separating guest networks from operational systems to prevent lateral movement in the event of a breach.


■ Employee training: Front-line staff must be aware of social engineering risks and security protocols.


■ Third-party audits: Vendors should be regularly assessed for compliance with international data protection laws such as GDPR.


Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office issue. It must be embedded into the design and deployment of every IoT project.


All chart sources © GlobalData


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