At HPE Discover 2025 we sat down with Carnival Cruise Line’s CIO Sean Kenny to explore the unique IT challenges of managing technology on floating cities. Each cruise ship operates as a complex digital ecosystem with demanding infrastructure requirements.
Cruise Ship IT Infrastructure
Each ship features two 30-rack data centers for complete redundancy, managing everything from onboard businesses including Guy Fieri’s restaurant and beer production facilities to crew management systems and medical records.
Connectivity Challenges and Solutions
Reliable connectivity is crucial for operations, leveraging multiple satellite providers including Starlink and Kuiper to overcome connectivity challenges in remote ocean areas. High-speed internet access in every cabin enhances the guest experience, enabling social media use and streaming services like Netflix.
Unique Maritime IT Challenges
Carnival Cruise Line’s biggest infrastructure challenge is saltwater corrosion, which necessitates complete IT infrastructure replacement during mandatory dry-dock periods every 3-5 years.
Future Technology Integration
Looking ahead, Kenny plans to integrate AI into Carnival Cruise Line’s IT infrastructure to improve guest services and enhance operational technology security – two primary goals the company aims to accomplish through strategic technology deployment.