Overview
Skills
Job Details
Industry: Hospitality, Maritime, Technology
Job Summary:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Artificial Intelligence with proven experience in project management and end-to end AI deployments within complex, distributed environments. This role will drive the architecture, implementation, and rollout of AI-based technologies across Royal
Caribbean s global cruise fleet, with an emphasis on enhancing guest experiences, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics.
The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of AI/ML technologies, IoT integration, and edge computing in maritime settings, and can manage complex technical projects from concept to execution.
Key Responsibilities: AI Project Leadership:
Lead the planning, design, and deployment of AI/ML initiatives onboard cruise ships and in support systems.
Serve as the principal liaison between technical teams, vendors, shipboard operations, and executive stakeholders.
Develop and manage end-to-end project roadmaps for AI initiatives across multiple ship classes and regions.
Define project scope, objectives, milestones, timelines, and success criteria for AI rollouts.
Architecture & Solution Design:
Design and oversee deployment of AI system architecture compatible with maritime networking, shipboard data systems, and cloud-edge hybrid environments.
Collaborate with enterprise architects and system engineers to integrate AI with onboard operational systems (e.g., HVAC, navigation, guest services).
Guide development and implementation of AI tools such as:
Computer Vision (e.g., facial recognition, crowd analytics) Natural Language Processing (NLP) (e.g., voice assistants, multilingual guest support)
Predictive Maintenance Models (e.g., engine, HVAC, equipment monitoring) Personalized Recommendation Engines (e.g., dining, entertainment, excursions) AI-powered chatbots and virtual concierge services
Deployment & Operationalization:
Coordinate shipboard installation, testing, and commissioning of AI systems.
Lead training and change management efforts to onboard ship staff and corporate users to new AI technologies.
Establish and monitor KPIs and operational analytics to ensure continuous optimization.
Create scalable rollout frameworks for multi-ship and multi-region deployment.
Compliance & Risk Management:
Ensure AI implementations meet regulatory and data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR, maritime cybersecurity standards).
Identify and mitigate project risks, including those specific to maritime environments such as satellite bandwidth constraints and latency.
Qualifications:
Bachelor s or Master s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or PMP certification is a plus.
8+ years of project management experience, including managing enterprise-level technology implementations.
5+ years of hands-on AI/ML solution development or deployment experience, preferably in hospitality, travel, maritime, or smart city environments.
Prior experience with AI implementation in maritime or cruise line environments is strongly preferred.
Proven experience in edge computing, IoT integration, and remote systems management.
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and AI/ML MLOps lifecycle tools.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to travel internationally and onboard cruise ships as needed.
Preferred Skills:
Experience deploying AI-based facial recognition systems for port embarkation and security.
Knowledge of onboard guest experience platforms and loyalty systems.
Understanding of maritime safety, regulatory, and communication protocols.
Exposure to robotics and automation technologies in service environments.