CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has taken a significant step toward smarter culinary operations through a collaboration with Orbisk, introducing real-time kitchen intelligence aboard its fleet for the first time. The system, designed specifically to perform reliably at sea, provides data-driven insights that enhance operational accuracy and reduce waste.
In the first 6 months of deployment, Carnival reported a 17% improvement in aligning meal preparation with per-person demand, supported by the integration of Orbisk’s technology and complementary onboard measures. This represents a major stride in the line’s ongoing “Less Left Over” initiative, which aims to reduce food waste by half by 2030.
At the core of the system is Orbisk’s fully automated platform, which employs advanced image recognition to record prepared and served items without manual input. The data is processed and presented through a dashboard that allows chefs and galley managers to make real-time adjustments to menu planning, production levels, and inventory management.
According to Carnival’s food operations leadership, the new technology provides an additional layer of operational intelligence, enhancing coordination while maintaining service quality. The system’s ability to function effectively within the motion constraints of a shipboard environment marks a notable engineering achievement for Orbisk. The company developed a motion-resistant AI model capable of estimating weight without the need for traditional scales, ensuring accuracy even in variable sea conditions.
The partnership has also resulted in the creation of a new Action Center, now operational aboard Carnival Firenze. Powered by Orbisk’s AI engine, it analyzes kitchen trends and automatically generates tailored recommendations for the culinary team. These insights allow chefs to fine-tune preparation in real time, optimizing efficiency and consistency across large-scale meal service.