Nytec, a top global integrated consulting firm, presented a special case study at the ongoing hospitality technology expo Hitec Dubai on the world’s largest deployed IoT-based guest experience platform created for Carnival Cruise Line.

Vincent Ball, vice president for Product Innovation at Nytec, stated: “We turned the cruise ship into a virtual ‘smart city’ at sea. It is the largest most extensive IOT deployment in the world and we are proud to be part of it. At the heart of this experience, is the Ocean Medallion. A wearable that is waterproof, with no buttons and it does some amazing things.”

The goal for Nytec was to enhance the overall Carnival cruise experience and profitability by developing a portfolio of attractive and desirable accessories that will hold the cruise Medallion, while serving as a form of personal expression for each passenger both on ship and post cruise.  

“It was an extensive platform where we touched every part of the customer journey and operations making it a frictionless experience for guests,” Ball said.

“We installed over 7000 sensors on the ship, designed and engineered the hotel room door access with Assa Abloy, and the Medallion a wearable that enables secure transitions and personalized experiences for each guest.  Added to that were 700,000 feet of cables, 1000 readers and 3000 touch displays.”

“A great example of how we transformed not only the guest experience, but operations too are photos. Before we got involved, Carnival printed every picture on the ship. Now it’s tied to each guest, visible on 82-inch touch displays, and the guest can access and purchase these well beyond the vacation,” Ball explained.

“This transformed not only how guest access their photos but the operations too.  There is no more printing required so there is no need to have paper or colour printers and ink on the ship which has reduced considerable weight.”

Endorsed by Dubai Tourism and co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, Hitec Dubai brought together top industry experts to present ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and game-changing technology demonstrations.

The two-day expo is being held at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai from 5-6 December with an aim to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking and deal flow amongst hoteliers and hospitality technology providers. – TradeArabia News Service