Cruise Industry News and Trends

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the cruise sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on cruise operators, ships and their use of technology.

The cruise industry is navigating a new era defined by technological innovation, evolving traveler expectations, and global sustainability demands. At PhocusWire, we cover the latest cruise industry news and trends—tracking how cruise lines are modernizing operations, enhancing guest experiences, and leveraging digital tools to reshape maritime tourism.

Cruise line updates, maritime tourism trends, and industry analysis

Stay current with fleet announcements, itinerary strategies, and onboard technology transformations. From AI-driven personalization to frictionless boarding and next-generation entertainment, cruise companies are investing heavily in digital and operational enhancements to meet changing customer demands. Our coverage also explores how the cruise sector is aligning with broader travel trends, including sustainability and wellness.

Headed for a comeback - a promising outlook for the cruise industry
News / Online
Headed for a comeback - a promising outlook for the cruise industry
By Google | December 17, 2021
There's never been a better time for cruise operators to refine or even disrupt their marketing strategies. Here's what you need to know. Read More
wit-experience-21-royal-caribbean
News / Distribution
Royal Caribbean tells travel agents: "Don't be afraid of digital"
By Ian Jarrett - Travel Weekly Asia | November 3, 2021
Travel partners who are digitally selling cruises have been able to recover business and grow their cruise business faster than others who have not yet gotten into that game successfully. Read More
Online cruise bookings leave many travel advisors behind
News / Online
Online cruise bookings leave many travel advisors behind
By Johanna Jainchill - Travel Weekly | October 27, 2021
In a video message to travel advisors, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain says the surge in bookings is mostly coming from the internet and not from travel agencies. Read More
VIDEO: Embracing the travel rebound
From Our Partners / Online
VIDEO: Embracing the travel rebound
By PhocusWire | October 25, 2021
Brands are evaluating how best to service their existing customers pre-pandemic and establishing ways of attracting new travelers to their services. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Ultimate Travel Club offers subscriptions for discounts
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Ultimate Travel Club offers subscriptions for discounts
By Linda Fox | October 20, 2021
For a monthly fee, travelers get access to lower prices for hotels, holiday rentals, flights, car hire, cruises and other leisure options such as theme parks, cinema and restaurants. Read More
jetblue-launches-cruise-flights-3
News / Online
JetBlue Vacations adds flight and cruise packages
By Jill Menze | October 19, 2021
As part of its ambitions to become a broader travel company, JetBlue is the first domestic U.S. airline to offer flight, cruise and hotel bookings in one place. Read More
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
Opinion / Technology
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
By Scott Davidson - Accenture | October 19, 2021
The disruptive potential of urban air mobility is such that no travel company can afford to wait before thinking through the implications. Read More
Princess Cruises president John Padgett on driving brand, tech innovation
News / Technology
Princess Cruises president John Padgett on driving brand, tech innovation
By Johanna Jainchill - Travel Weekly | October 19, 2021
The line's new president talks about how innovation adds value to vacations. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - a renaissance is here
News / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - a renaissance is here
By PhocusWire | October 18, 2021
Business leaders now have some choices to make - decisions and shifts in strategy that will help shape travel for the years ahead in both positive and fundamental ways. Read More
ibm-environmental-suite
News / Technology
IBM launches climate impact tools for airlines, other companies
By Mitra Sorrells | October 12, 2021
The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite combines weather data, carbon accounting capabilities, artificial intelligence and more. Read More
Plusgrade gets boost from private equity to scale ancillary revenue solutions
News / Technology
Plusgrade gets boost from private equity to scale ancillary revenue solutions
By Jill Menze | September 21, 2021
Plusgrade helps airlines, cruise lines and rail operators manage and optimize revenue generated from seat upgrades and other premium services. Read More
Travel innovation "faceoff" brands unveiled for Business Travel Show
News / Technology
Travel innovation "faceoff" brands unveiled for Business Travel Show
By PhocusWire | September 13, 2021
The companies will present their services in series of head-to-head battles at the in person event, which takes place later this month. Read More
VIDEO: Travel marketing under threat from Big Tech data changes
News / Technology
VIDEO: Travel marketing under threat from Big Tech data changes
By PhocusWire | September 7, 2021
Location marketing has become a useful tool for travel brands to understand where their customers are and what their purchase intent might be. But big changes are coming. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Progress In Travel Payments
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: Progress In Travel Payments
By PhocusWire | July 29, 2021
We look at issues and trends ranging from delayed payment programs, fintech divisions in major travel brands, credit cards, customer trust and much more. Read More
mmgy-reid-opinion-return-trends
Opinion / Online
Yes, there's crazy travel demand today. But what's next?
By Clayton Reid - MMGY | July 20, 2021
MMGY CEO Clayton Reid outlines the short- and long-term market conditions impacting the travel industry’s recovery. Read More
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