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.

Bookaway catches $35M round, creates group of ground transport platforms
News / Online
Bookaway catches $35M round, creates group of ground transport platforms
By Kevin May | July 13, 2021
Israel-based Bookaway has secured the Series B and formed what is expected to be a portfolio of businesses focusing on ground and sea transportation booking services. Read More
Traveltek adds £1.3M to coffers for packaging technology development
News / Technology
Traveltek adds £1.3M to coffers for packaging technology development
By Linda Fox | June 23, 2021
Traveltek's latest investment comes from YFM who invested £5.3m in the company in 2016. Read More
Sounding Off: Cruise can take some tentative steps into a digital world
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Cruise can take some tentative steps into a digital world
By PhocusWire | June 18, 2021
For the sector to appeal to younger, digital-savvy generations, cruise will certainly have to evolve to reach them in the channels that they use and methods that they as consumers deploy for everything... Read More
expedia-cruises-event
News / Technology
Expedia Cruises looks to tech in push to be top agency in the sector
By Mitra Sorrells | June 16, 2021
In the coming months, Expedia Cruises will roll out a new “info site” intended to give cruise shoppers information about what is on board the ships, what is included in the cost and the types of... Read More
telesat-op-ed
Opinion / Technology
It's time to future-proof in-flight and at-sea connectivity
By Manik Vinnakota - Telesat | June 10, 2021
New Low Earth Orbit satellite networks can enable air and cruise companies to offer travelers faster and more reliable connectivity.   Read More
netomi-customer-service-opinion
Opinion / Online
Hello? Is anybody there? Travel companies are often ignoring customers
By Can Ozdoruk - Netomi | June 2, 2021
A new report from Netomi finds travel companies are failing to meet the demands of the modern traveler and are at risk of losing revenue and loyalty as a result.  Read More
In The Big Chair - Roberto Martinoli of Silversea Cruises
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Roberto Martinoli of Silversea Cruises
By Mitra Sorrells | May 4, 2021
Founded in 1994 and now part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is an ultra-luxury cruise line with itineraries covering all seven continents and more than 900 destinations. Read More
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
News / Online
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
By PhocusWire | May 3, 2021
Speaking at PhocusWire Pulse: A New Age For Social Media, TikTok brand partnerships lead for travel Hannah Bennett explains why TikTok is an ecosystem ripe for marketers to exploit. Read More
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
News / Online
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | April 27, 2021
More than 600 leaders from travel, tourism, government and the private sector are gathered for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in Cancun, the organization's first in-person event... Read More
What are travelers on Google searching for?
News / Online
What are travelers on Google searching for?
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
According to TripsToDiscover, searches are up dramatically for travel products since January 1, 2021. Read More
trip-joins-common-trust-network
News / Technology
Trip.com Group joins Common Trust Network to develop COVID compliance technology
By Mitra Sorrells | April 19, 2021
The Common Trust Network is an effort of public and private partners from travel, health and technology to develop solutions that help restart travel. Read More
Sounding Off: Remote working on a cruise will require more than curiosity
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Remote working on a cruise will require more than curiosity
By PhocusWire | April 16, 2021
It will take more than just a steady set of sea legs and desire to hang out with thousands of cruise passengers for a remote-working-on-a-cruise initiative to get much traction.  Read More
princess-cruise-wifi-remote-workers
News / Technology
Princess Cruises wants remote workers to live on its tech-enabled ships
By Mitra Sorrells | April 14, 2021
Now with its entire fleet equipped with its MedallionNet Wi-Fi system, Princess Cruises says it wants remote workers to come live and work on its ships. Read More
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
By PhocusWire | April 9, 2021
The best hope that anyone can have right now is that people will actually come through on the industry's desire to capitalize on pent-up demand AND do so in a way that at least illustrates signs of a... Read More
Hornblower Group rebrands experiences portfolio, acquires tour operator Walks
News / Online
Hornblower Group rebrands experiences portfolio, acquires tour operator Walks
By Jill Menze | April 6, 2021
Hornblower Group is rebranding its water- and land-based portfolio as City Experiences and growing its offerings through the acquisition of tours and activities operator Walks. Read More
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