How Prototyping Helped Traveltek Build an AI Cruise Search in 2 Weeks

1. About the Client 

Traveltek has been a leader in travel technology for more than 25 years. They’ve consistently focused on solutions that make life easier for travel businesses, better operations, smoother customer journeys, and software tools that genuinely support growth. 

2. The Challenge 

Over the years, Traveltek has built an enormous cache of cruise information that powers its booking engine. Their website search worked well enough, but it relied on users entering very specific criteria, destination, dates, direction, and that kind of structured search isn’t always intuitive. Unless an agent knows exactly what they’re looking for, conversion rates tend to slip. There was a clear sense that AI could help bridge the gap, make the search feel more natural and open the door to better customer engagement. 

3. How We Helped 

We worked with them to prototype an AI-driven search of their cruise cache, one that understands natural language instead of rigid inputs. Using a mix of best-of-breed AI tools, we got the concept working in just two weeks. From there, Traveltek took the model we’d built and carried it through to a production-ready solution. In doing so, they created the first AI-driven search experience in the cruise industry, a meaningful step forward for both their business and the sector. 

4. What We Achieved Together 

By starting with a working prototype, Traveltek avoided a long period of trial-and-error development. They were able to leap straight into something that worked, cutting both cost and time while gaining clarity on the right approach. The partnership allowed them to move much faster and more confidently than if they had been experimenting alone. 

5. In Their Words 

“AI is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and Traveltek, together with our AI partner Traverse, is shaping how it is applied in cruise technology," said Mal Barritt, CEO of Traveltek. "The launch of AIVA next month is just the beginning. We have dozens of AI-driven initiatives in motion to unlock more value from our core iSell platform, delivering real service gains and a stronger competitive edge for our customers.” 

6. What This Means Going Forward 

Modern businesses thrive when they stay focused on what they do best. Sometimes that means partnering with specialists for areas you could tackle yourself, but you’d get to your end goal faster if you didn’t.  

AI can look simple on the surface, and many teams have experimented with it, but using it in a way that genuinely optimises your resources is what determines whether the investment pays off. Working together allowed Traveltek to move quickly to an optimal solution and keep their attention on the core parts of the business where they excel.