Case Study: MSC Cruises achieves improved guest internet experience and enhanced network security with Palo Alto Networks

Cruise Liner Enables Smooth Sailing for Network

MSC Cruises, a privately owned operator with 12 ships carrying roughly 1.5–1.7 million passengers annually and operations in 45 countries, needed to improve onboard internet for guests and consolidate a cumbersome, manually managed IT stack. The company faced inconsistent satellite bandwidth, high latency, limited visibility into applications and threats, and a need to prioritize traffic while strengthening security from ship to shore.

MSC deployed the Palo Alto Networks enterprise security platform—including next‑generation firewalls (PA‑500, PA‑3020), an M‑100 appliance running Panorama, and Threat Prevention subscriptions—installed and configured by partners Digitaria and NGS. The solution centralized management, delivered layer‑7 visibility and control, optimized and prioritized bandwidth, and reduced administrative effort, resulting in better guest connectivity, improved network reliability and responsiveness, and stronger security across the fleet.

MSC Cruises

Gennaro Russo

Manager, Communications Department