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.

Amid sustainability concerns, cruise industry urged to wake up
News / Online
Amid sustainability concerns, cruise industry urged to wake up
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WIT  | January 15, 2020
Just as the word “sustainability” has taken the aviation world by storm, with flight shaming impacting air travel, cruise companies are also bracing themselves for potential backlash against their... Read More
The digital travel revolution, next-gen consumers and the role of insurance
From Our Partners / Technology
The digital travel revolution, next-gen consumers and the role of insurance
By PhocusWire | January 6, 2020
Over the course of two interviews, PhocusWire spoke to Beth Godlin, president at the Aon Travel Practice, about a wide range of issues in the travel industry. Read More
Day trip like a local - Cunard boosts shore excursions via Cool Cousin deal
News / Online
Day trip like a local - Cunard boosts shore excursions via Cool Cousin deal
By Mitra Sorrells | December 24, 2019
Cunard is partnering with travel tech startup Cool Cousin to offer curated destination guides for each of its ports. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Cruisewatch
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Cruisewatch
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Cruisewatch scans more than 25,000 cruise sailings for good bargains, maintains a price history for five years, reads through 250,000 cruise reviews and alerts users when the price drops. Read More
startup-stage-cruise-director
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CruiseDirector creates new online platform for booking no-fee luxury cruises
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2019
CruiseDirector is an online platform for travelers to book luxury ocean, river, yacht and expedition cruises with no booking fees and a best price guarantee.  Read More
uplift-carnival-cruise-partnership
News / Online
Uplift adds Carnival Cruise Line to growing list of payment option partners
By Mitra Sorrells | November 12, 2019
Carnival Cruise Line is the newest travel brand to offer financing through Uplift. Read More
Despegar reports growth in bookings and revenue, optimism from recent partner agreements
News / Distribution
Despegar reports growth in bookings and revenue, optimism from recent partner agreements
By Mitra Sorrells | November 7, 2019
Argentina-based Despegar reports gross bookings up 26% and revenue up 19% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period a year earlier.    Read More
Why zero‐friction is the future of the travel industry
From Our Partners / Online
Why zero‐friction is the future of the travel industry
By Facebook Business | October 24, 2019
The modern traveler expects nothing less than a frictionless experience and the travel companies that deliver this have the best chance of thriving in the future. Read More
The influencer marketing metrics travel brands are missing
Opinion / Online
The influencer marketing metrics travel brands are missing
By Rachel Jean-Firchau - Nativo | October 4, 2019
Influencers aren’t publishers, they’re people. While they might have incredible reach, most are focused on awareness and storytelling, not on driving bookings or conversions. Read More
REPORT: Building lifetime value in travel through travel recommendations
From Our Partners / Online
REPORT: Building lifetime value in travel through travel recommendations
By Marisa Garcia - PhocusWire | October 3, 2019
We explore the power of personal recommendations in the travel sector, as well as the best way to convert travelers to brand advocates and how to best use tools like NPS to drive new customer... Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further. Read More
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
News / Online
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
By Kevin May | August 8, 2019
Revenue increased from $376 million to $422 million over the course of the first and second quarters of 2019 but year-over-year the business is down 3% in the comparable three-month periods. Read More
Cruise line apps are igniting early onboard spending
News / Online
Cruise line apps are igniting early onboard spending
By Tom Stieghorst - Travel Weekly | July 24, 2019
Cruise lines are expanding and refining their mobile device apps, and one result is a growing stream of onboard revenue as more people book activities through the app before boarding. Read More
In The Big Chair LIVE - Gloria Guevara of WTTC
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair LIVE - Gloria Guevara of WTTC
By Mitra Sorrells | July 5, 2019
The former-Sabre executive and minister of tourism in Mexico has been president and CEO of the WTTC since 2017. Read More
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
News / Technology
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
By Kevin May | June 17, 2019
A mid-range, double-digit millions figure is believed to have been paid for 24/7 social media monitoring, reputation management, analytics and content marketing business. Read More
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