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.

revisiting-hot-25-2020
News / Startups
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Startups for 2020
By Mitra Sorrells | November 6, 2020
Find out how these startups have shifted priorities, created new partnerships and adjusted their products to meet the challenges created by COVID-19. Read More
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: Travelers should finally get the attention they deserve
News / Online
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: Travelers should finally get the attention they deserve
By Kevin May | November 3, 2020
Brands, industry associations and government have a unique opportunity to do the right thing and put customers in the middle of their strategic prism. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Learn how travel businesses are realizing the benefits of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with the unique value only humans can deliver. Read More
phocuswright-covid-survey-us-europe
News / Online
VIDEO: Travelers fear catching virus, losing money amid COVID pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | October 13, 2020
At least two-thirds of respondents say they worry they may contract COVID-19 during travel or while in a destination. Read More
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
News / Online
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebinTravel | October 12, 2020
Travel industry executives give their views on recovery in the travel industry at WebInTravel's TravelZero.0 event. Read More
healthy-sail-panel-report
News / Online
Healthy Sail Panel recommends 74 steps to reduce COVID-19 risk on cruise ships
By Mitra Sorrells | September 22, 2020
Specialists say a focus on testing, the use of face coverings, enhanced sanitation and other measures can mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 on cruise ships. Read More
InPhocus, episode 23 - Time spent with Katz is never wasted
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 23 - Time spent with Katz is never wasted
By PhocusWire | September 18, 2020
Jeff Katz has plenty to say about his new comrade Cory Garner but, as many will know, the Orbitz founder and former-airline exec always has a range of views on many other aspects of the industry. Read More
contactless-tech-cruise
News / Technology
Touchless tech: Cruise lines adapt to prepare for a healthy return to sailing
By Mitra Sorrells | September 17, 2020
While cruising remains on hold for many lines, companies are finding news ways to add contactless solutions into the guest experience to minimize risk in the future. Read More
VIDEO: HalalBooking - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2020
Interview / Online
VIDEO: HalalBooking - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2020
By PhocusWire | September 4, 2020
Millions of halal-conscious families search hotels by halal food, no alcohol, as well as pool, beach or spa for ladies' or family use. Read More
carnival-ransomware-attack
News / Online
Carnival is latest travel brand hit with ransomware attack
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2020
The world's largest cruise operator is investigating an attack that accessed both guest and employee data.   Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Rohit Talwar of Fast Future
News / Technology
VIDEO: New Reality With... Rohit Talwar of Fast Future
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Rohit Talwar, CEO at Fast Future, one of the world's leading organizations looking at the fields of futures and foresight. Read More
Virtual connections: Building relationships with travelers to generate future demand
Opinion / Online
Virtual connections: Building relationships with travelers to generate future demand
By Chris Blaine - Sojern | August 6, 2020
In a COVID-19 world, social media is not only an inexpensive way to reach large numbers of people, but a powerful opportunity to engage with potential customers and influence them to choose your... Read More
travel-to-nowhare-cruise-air
News / Online
Will “trips to nowhere” become a short-term solution for travel-hungry consumers?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 6, 2020
Several airlines in Asia and cruise lines in Europe are offering trips that start and end from the same point, with no stops in between. Read More
REPORT: How data partnerships can speed up recovery
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: How data partnerships can speed up recovery
By Marisa Garcia | August 3, 2020
As travelers begin to once again pack their bags, it's not only necessary to keep them informed an safe, but also to know more about them and to keep them engaged through relevance and personalization... Read More
InPhocus, episode 17 - Destinations, it's over to you now
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 17 - Destinations, it's over to you now
By PhocusWire | July 10, 2020
With the Destination X series now paused as the industry attempts to get back on its feet (AKA "recovery mode"), we wanted to reflect with its producer Doug Lansky on how the series had been received... Read More
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