Navigating the Seas of Leadership: Insights from a Cruise Ship Executive

A well-known personality in the cruise ship business, Patrick Manuel is Vice President of Shipboard IT and Newbuild at Royal Caribbean Group. He is well-known for his initiatives to promote technology in leadership domains. Manuel highlights the importance of socializing and interaction in establishing a successful career in leadership by providing insights into how to become a powerful corporate leader through his shared experiences. His advice and ideas are a priceless resource for anyone hoping to rise to the top of the fast-paced world of cruise ship management.Here’s more about Patrick ManuelPatrick Manuel is a seasoned IT professional in the Hospitality and Cruising industry. He has been a loyal employee of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) for 25 years, starting as an entry level developer. Patrick has supported almost every area of the business and been very close to the exponential growth of the company. After spending time as a developer, Patrick moved into the Shipboard IT Operations, being responsible for the daily operations and support of all onboard IT systems globally. When RCCL decided to start a joint venture with First Choice Holidays in UK, Patrick was tapped to start up the operation as Director of IT reporting directly to the president, responsible for all areas of technology ship and shore. In 2006, RCCL was designing the largest cruise ship that would change the industry, Oasis of the Seas. Patrick was selected to lead the technology strategy for this innovative new ship. As part of the corporation’s aggressive global expansion, Patrick led the International IT organization to open offices in China, Brazil, Mexico, France, Barcelona, Sydney, Manilla, Hong Kong and Frankfurt. Patrick was then appointed as the IT Brand Executive reporting both directly to the CIO and President in charge of Celebrity brand IT strategy growing on this same role for the Royal brand, the largest cruise brand in the world. Coming full circle, Patrick came back to his onboard roots taking on added responsibility of overseeing all Shipboard IT including Newbuilding, all technical product development, onboard support, private destinations, terminals, and strategy for all brands in the company.