Case Study: Navigating IT Excellence: How one cruise line is leveraging ACI Learning for team training
Background
Princess Cruise Lines — a global leader in the cruise industry — operates a fleet of technologically advanced ships that function like floating smart cities. Behind the scenes, a specialized IT team keeps the technology running smoothly, supporting everything from passenger experiences to shipboard safety.
At the helm of these efforts is Robert Kraemer, Corporate IT Officer, Shipboard Operations. With more than 20 years of IT leadership experience, Rob oversees the technology infrastructure across the fleet, ensuring systems stay reliable in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
How the IT Team Operates
Operating IT in the middle of the ocean is unlike any land-based role. The Princess Cruise Lines IT team is small but highly skilled, each member wearing many hats to keep ship systems connected and secure.
| Area of Responsibility | What It Means Onboard |
|---|---|
| Network & Infrastructure | Managing servers, data centers, and laying fiber optic cables during ship construction. |
| Proprietary Technology | Supporting the MedallionClass® experience, which powers personalized guest services. |
| Cybersecurity & Safety | Running Coast Guard drills, maintaining secure shipboard networks. |
| Hands-On Build Work | Installing network lockers and physical infrastructure across the vessel. |
| Talent Development | Training and mentoring new IT recruits for life at sea. |
Life and Challenges of IT at Sea
Working on a cruise ship brings a unique mix of technical and personal challenges:
- Remote operations: The team can’t simply call in a technician — they must solve problems on board.
- High-stakes emergencies: They run Coast Guard safety drills and troubleshoot critical issues under pressure.
- Extended time away: Months at sea require resilience and adaptability.
“You have to be ready for anything. We’re not just IT support — we’re the first and last line of defense when something breaks.”
— Robert Kraemer, Corporate IT Officer
Investing in Training and Development
To stay ahead of rapidly evolving technology and the specialized needs of maritime IT, Princess Cruise Lines partnered with ACI Learning to build a culture of ongoing development.
Team members train for — and earn — industry-recognized certifications that help them stay current and confident while working in remote environments.
Key certifications pursued include:
- CompTIA A+ — Core IT support skills.
- CompTIA Network+ — Network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Cisco CCNA — Advanced networking and infrastructure expertise.
ACI Learning’s structured, on-demand training allows crew members to study even while at sea, keeping skills fresh and certifications up to date.
Incentives That Drive Growth
To reward professional development, Princess Cruise Lines offers a certification bonus program:
- $100 per month for completing one certification.
- Up to $300 per month for earning multiple certifications.
“The incentive program keeps our team motivated and helps us attract top IT talent who want to grow.”
— Robert Kraemer, Corporate IT Officer
Support and Mentorship Onboard
Professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Senior leaders like Rob guide new recruits through:
- Study strategies to master technical content.
- Confidence-building to overcome exam anxiety.
- Career development coaching to encourage ongoing growth.
This mentoring culture helps maintain high certification success rates and builds strong loyalty within the team.
The Impact of Partnering with ACI Learning
Highlight: Certifications Earned
96 certifications completed in just six months
Highlight: Increased Autonomy
The IT team now performs complex VLAN changes independently — no longer reliant on shore-based engineers.
Highlight: Operational Efficiency
Improved agility and faster problem-solving across the entire fleet.
“With ACI Learning, we’ve grown our capabilities to the point where we can handle more onboard without delay. It’s a game changer.”
— Robert Kraemer, Corporate IT Officer
Key Takeaways
- Maritime IT requires versatility and resilience.
- Continuous certification keeps teams confident and capable, even in remote environments.
- Combining financial incentives with ACI Learning training helps retain top talent.
- Certified teams can solve complex issues onboard, saving time and improving passenger experience.
Ready to Strengthen Your IT Team?
ACI Learning helps organizations like Princess Cruise Lines train, certify, and retain top-tier IT talent — anywhere in the world.
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