Anastasiia Rusakova
In the world of maritime travel, where luxury meets logistics, the demand for reliable, high-performance audiovisual (AV) systems has never been greater. In 2025, cruise ships and transatlantic vessels are pushing the boundaries of onboard technology - not only to entertain passengers, but to support smooth operations, improve safety, and deliver consistently unforgettable experiences.
Designing and integrating AV systems for marine environments is a unique challenge. Installations must not only meet high technical standards but also survive the corrosive effects of saltwater, constant vibration, and a constantly shifting environment.
Let’s explore the AV technologies best suited for marine environments and how they enhance the customer experience at sea.
Marine-Grade LED Displays for Cruise Ships
Large-format LED Displays have become a cornerstone of visual engagement on modern cruise ships. Whether used on pool decks, in performance theaters, or throughout public spaces, these screens must go above and beyond typical land-based applications.
Outdoor LED displays, in particular, must deliver exceptional brightness to remain visible in full sunlight. They are also engineered with marine-grade, weather-resistant enclosures that can withstand salt, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Look for IP65 (or higher) ratings, anti-corrosion coatings, and automatic brightness adjustment as standard specs.
To ensure consistency and longevity, these screens often include self-diagnostic systems that flag potential issues before they disrupt service. In an environment where downtime is costly, remote monitoring and maintenance tools are essential to keeping content live and crisp.
The Backbone of Smart Ship Communication
As ships become smarter and more connected, Audio Video over IP (AVoIP) is transforming how AV content is distributed onboard. AVoIP allows AV signals to travel over the ship’s network infrastructure, enabling centralized control, seamless switching, and scalable integration across hundreds of zones.
From streaming high-definition video in cabins to managing synchronized music and messaging across decks, AVoIP provides the flexibility and efficiency maritime operators need. Technologies like Dante, AES67 (for audio), and SDVoE or NDI (for video) ensure professional-grade quality without latency or signal loss.
Network design is crucial here. AV systems must be segmented into dedicated VLANs, protected by redundancy protocols, and optimized for real-time traffic. For AV integrators, that means working hand-in-hand with IT teams to ensure resilience and avoid interference with other shipboard systems.
AV Hardware for Marine Environments
Standard commercial AV hardware isn’t cut out for life at sea. Marine-specific AV components are designed with ruggedization in mind - using rust-proof materials, sealed enclosures, and anti-vibration mounting to resist the ocean’s harsh elements.
Marine speakers and microphones, for example, must deliver high-quality performance while complying with safety certifications like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) or DNV (Det Norske Veritas). These devices support everything from entertainment to emergency broadcasting, making their reliability mission-critical.
Cable management also gets a nautical upgrade. Wiring must be secured against friction and motion using conduits, specialized ties, and flexible mounts. The goal? Long-term performance with minimal need for invasive maintenance.
Immersive Tech Onboard: Digital Canvas
Modern cruise lines are turning to experiential AV technologies to elevate guest engagement. Videri Digital Canvas offers a sleek, cloud-connected solution that transforms everyday spaces into branded, interactive environments.
Perfect for the marine setting, these screens are ADA-compliant, energy-efficient, and built to withstand salt, humidity, and movement, without compromising visual impact. Plus, their cloud-based CMS gives operators total control, allowing them to update content, schedule media, and monitor performance across multiple ships in real time. It’s a smarter, greener, and more flexible way to engage guests anywhere onboard.
3D Holographic technology: Avatars
Hypervsn 3D holographic technology is setting a new standard for visual engagement on cruise ships. These eye-catching, free-floating visuals bring a futuristic wow factor to the guest experience - turning heads and capturing attention in a way that traditional displays simply can’t.
Cruise operators are using 3D digital avatars in a variety of ways: as virtual concierges offering multilingual assistance, for interactive wayfinding in high-traffic zones, or as entertainment elements in retail and lounge areas that spark curiosity and delight. Beyond their visual appeal, these avatars offer real functional value. They can be programmed to display dynamic, rotating content, respond to motion or voice triggers, and deliver important messages or promotions in a highly memorable format.
By combining advanced technology with intentional storytelling, AV solutions help cruise lines deliver immersive, brand-enhancing experiences at sea.
AV Planning: Success Starts with Smart Design
Planning an AV system for a cruise ship is more than a technical exercise - it’s a strategic collaboration involving AV engineers, shipbuilders, architects, and hospitality teams. Every ship presents a unique ecosystem of overlapping systems, so early integration planning is key.
Designs must consider spatial constraints, future scalability, and system interoperability with lighting, HVAC, and security platforms. With refits becoming increasingly common, modularity and upgrade paths are crucial. Today’s installations should support tomorrow’s technologies, such as 8K video, HDR content, and immersive spatial audio.
As technology evolves, the cruise industry continues to invest in resilient, intelligent, and scalable AV solutions that meet the sea's unique demands. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing ship or designing a new fleet, now’s the time to reimagine what’s possible with marine AV.
Whether you're aiming to elevate guest experiences with immersive digital displays, enhance onboard entertainment with premium audio systems, or implement reliable, ship-wide technology integrations, our team at OnSite Media is here to help.