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.

startup-stage-ticknovate
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Ticknovate is a new ticketing solution for attractions and ferries
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2021
 Founded in March 2019, Ticknovate is a ticketing solution to handle complex inventories and is built for upselling and cross-selling. Read More
terry-jones-pulse
News / Technology
VIDEO: Terry Jones on health passports, standards and restoring consumer confidence
By Mitra Sorrells | March 2, 2021
Travel industry veteran Terry Jones discusses the need for collaboration and communication as the industry rolls out digital health passports and other solutions to restart travel. Read More
VIDEO: Safer and seamless travel - a medical perspective
News / Technology
VIDEO: Safer and seamless travel - a medical perspective
By PhocusWire | March 1, 2021
In the interview we discuss vaccines, antibody testing and, crucially for the travel industry, the challenges and process that different segments are having to consider as they bring back travelers to... Read More
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
News / Technology
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
By Kevin May | February 22, 2021
We list some of the trends noted by a recent CBInsights report and how they might strike a chord with the industry's strategies to move forward in 2021. Read More
anand krishnan-ibs-software
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Anand Krishnan of IBS Software
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
In 2018, Anand Krishnan was brought on as CEO of IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider managing mission-critical operations for airlines, airports, hotels and cruise companies. Read More
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
News / Online
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells / Linda Fox | January 20, 2021
As we mark the one-year milestone of COVID's first impact on the travel industry, we review how key sectors have fared and what is one the horizon. Read More
VIDEO: Using tech to go from overtourism to sustainable tourism
News / Technology
VIDEO: Using tech to go from overtourism to sustainable tourism
By PhocusWire | January 13, 2021
Now is the time for destinations to build strategies to manage the recovery and avoid some of the problems that developed as a result of too many tourists flooding popular areas. Read More
Uplift adds $68M credit line for travel payments service
News / Startups
Uplift adds $68M credit line for travel payments service
By Linda Fox | January 11, 2021
Uplift sees pent-up demand for travel later in 2021 and is also looking to expand to other sectors. Read More
Here's what happened in 2020, now be prepared for 2021
News / Online
Here's what happened in 2020, now be prepared for 2021
By PhocusWire | January 8, 2021
While many are eager to banish 2020 to a tightly sealed box, how the industry considers its options for the year ahead is based almost exclusively on what has come before. Read More
VIDEO: How the cruise industry can get back to sailing
News / Distribution
VIDEO: How the cruise industry can get back to sailing
By Linda Fox | January 4, 2021
The Healthy Sail Panel brings together many voices from across the cruise industry to ensure a safe return to sailing. Read More
wttc-biometric-identity-report
News / Technology
WTTC proposes best practices for biometric digital identities to speed recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | December 11, 2020
The report provides detailed steps to create and implement biometric-enabled digital identities that could be used to secure and expedite travel around the world. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
By PhocusWire | December 9, 2020
An agile, integrated and empathetic approach across journey touchpoints is critical to instill a sense of confidence within the stakeholder community, both internal and external.  Read More
dataart-online-conference
News / Technology
Opportunities and challenges for travel brands using AI
By Mitra Sorrells | December 4, 2020
In an online event hosted by DataArt, panelists from Sabre, BD4Travel, IDeaS, Mobi Systems, Norwegian Cruise Line, AirHelp and more discussed the outlook for AI in travel. Read More
travel-experience-economy-oaky
From Our Partners / Technology
Thriving in an experience economy
By Erik Tengen - Oaky | November 26, 2020
We look at how emotion affects memory, what types of experiences are most effective in inciting emotion, and the role of hotels in the system of experiences we know as tourism – a vital part of the... Read More
VIDEO: Diversity and inclusion in travel is about more than recruitment - is your organization ready?
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Diversity and inclusion in travel is about more than recruitment - is your organization ready?
By Linda Fox | November 19, 2020
A session at The Phocuswright Conference 2020 says travel companies need to create a welcoming environment to attract and retain diverse talent. Read More
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