Combining intelligence with the luxuries of life onboard ultra-modern cruise ships, we’re delivering unprecedented levels of style and comfort.


Exploring what is inside a gigantic ocean liner that floats across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean is an adventure in itself, but with MSC Cruises, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Taking bespoke travel a notch higher, MSC Cruises in partnership with HARMAN is offering travelers opulent cruise experiences accentuated with conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI). 


From getting the WIFI password and journey updates to answering questions and playing music, guests will be able to interact with digital assistants and enjoy onboard amenities tailored to their needs. The artificial intelligence-powered assistant will debut on MSC Bellissima, a ship currently under construction at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as part of the cruise line’s digital innovation program.


Artificial Intelligence Uncaged


Setting the new normal in taking a cruise, HARMAN is helping guests to stay better connected while at sea. Using hands-free voice commands, the guests can easily receive updates about the happenings on the cruise, right from the comfort of their cabins.


Our team has designed a customized ‘ship-based solution,’ unlike any other conventional digital home assistant that rely on cloud-based programs. The AI-powered personal assistant is capable of learning users’ preferences and meeting the needs of a truly modern consumer. It can communicate, order room service, offer quick answers, and act as a 24/7 virtual butler.


“This is an example of how we are continuously innovating to better serve the needs of our guests, not only for the cruise guests of today but those of the future as we shape the future of the cruise holiday,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “It is through our cruise expertise, the skill of our shipyard partners and our unique collaborations with world-leading digital and technology experts such as Samsung and now HARMAN, that we are able to introduce ground-breaking technology to provide our guests with a connected experience that enhances their cruise from beginning to end.”


The voice-based assistant is engineered to communicate in seven different languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, and Mandarin. By employing state-of-the-art technology and allowing guests to be connected with the right information in the right place, we are enhancing ship intimacy and making sailing a less cumbersome experience.




Driving the Future of the Customer Interactions


“Digital Assistants and voice recognition technologies are transforming the way we communicate and get our work done today. With this outstanding solution, MSC Cruises will completely transform its guest experience onboard. HARMAN is excited to bring this innovation to MSC Cruises,” said Sanjay Dhawan, President Harman Connected Services and CTO, Harman.


Backed by extensive knowledge of connected technologies, we are proud to be the frontrunner in facilitating AI opportunities in the travel industry and beyond. Through our strategic partnerships with companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, HARMAN is helping enterprises introduce AI-powered digital assistants to a diverse range of audiences. 


Integrating exclusive human expertise with machine intelligence, we are delivering personalized experiences, that simplifies and enhances user experience. However, this new, progressive service is a mere drop in the ocean when it comes to the infinite number of ways that AI stands to revolutionize the hospitality industry.


We at HARMAN are empowering businesses to deliver lifelike interactions and revolutionize business offerings with machine learning and AI. Harnessing the potential of such advanced technologies could help businesses gain a distinct advantage over their competitors. 


If you would like to explore these opportunities and our comprehensive engineering solution for machine learning and AI adoption, please drop us a line here or on LinkedIn/Twitter.