Carnival Cruise Line embraces tech modernization through strategic partnership with DXC Technology
- Carnival Cruise Line has formed a multi-year strategic partnership with DXC Technology to manage and modernize its IT infrastructure.
- This partnership promotes a modern approach characterized by co-investment and mutual accountability rather than traditional outsourcing.
- Carnival's collaboration with DXC serves as a model for other enterprises looking to enhance operational effectiveness and customer experience.
In 2025, Carnival Cruise Line entered into a strategic partnership with DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 Global Systems Integrator, aiming to modernize its IT infrastructure. This collaborative effort is designed to enhance Carnival’s operational resilience and customer experience by fully managing core IT functions across its global fleet, which includes 29 ships. DXC Technology’s role encompasses several critical areas like IT service management, workplace support, cybersecurity, and infrastructure operations. The partnership signifies a shift from traditional outsourcing models to co-innovation, where both parties share accountability for results and invest in developing a modernization roadmap. Carnival is moving away from rigid service agreements that typically characterize vendor relationships, instead opting for a more flexible approach that allows for innovation and adaptability in an evolving digital landscape. Carnival’s decision is indicative of a broader trend among large enterprises that recognize the importance of integrating advanced IT systems into their operations. With the travel and logistics sectors facing increasing challenges, particularly those related to customer expectations and operational efficiency, the partnership is a strategic maneuver to stay competitive. As Chris Drumgoole, President of DXC Global Infrastructure Solutions, noted, the firm specializes in managing mission-critical environments where failure is not an option. This focus on reliability is central to Carnival's objectives. The collaborative alliance between Carnival and DXC provides a practical framework for other businesses looking to undertake similar digital transformation initiatives. By aligning operational goals and technology modernization efforts, Carnival illustrates how strategic partnerships can drive significant advantages in customer engagement and business continuity, setting a precedent for future endeavors within experience-driven industries.