This global cruise company planned to make a major investment in the upgrade and/or replacement of its shipboard guest/property management systems across its large and growing fleet of passenger cruise ships. Two different guest/property management systems, both aging functionally and approaching technical obsolescence, were implemented across the company's brands. Three solution approaches had been identified - migration of the existing system to a new platform, in-house build, or the purchase and extension of a commercially available third party developed software package.

Mornington Consulting Partners, in association with Metro Information Services, managed the project, conducted the process analysis, performed the software functional and technical evaluation, and provided detailed recommendations and executive summary and presentation materials. Mornington initiated change management efforts across the shoreside and shipboard user base.

We assessed guest and property management processes and supporting technology on ship and in supporting shoreside functions; and provided independent corroboration of previously prepared in-house estimates for the development option. We also conducted an in-depth evaluation and gap analysis of the leading third party provider, with a focus on developing specifications and costs for identified extensions to be developed.

The project was completed successfully: the business opportunities were identified, the project plan was established, and the priorities and capital cost was defined. The support strategy was outlined and the training model upgraded. An overall IT architecture review was directed for all systems, including SAP, which will reduce IT cost by several million dollars over the next 3 years.