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.

VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 31, 2019
Cruisewatch is transforming the way people find and book cruises through 360-degree online cruise advice and predictive analytics. Read More
VIDEO: Zizoo - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Distribution
VIDEO: Zizoo - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 24, 2019
A leading global boat holiday platform wants to change the entire travel space with a first-ever GDS. Read More
VIDEO: How a cruise line embarks on digital transformation
News / Technology
VIDEO: How a cruise line embarks on digital transformation
By Kevin May | May 23, 2019
Complicated products, expensive and considered purchases by consumers - just some of the elements in the cruise sector that are hard to shift to a digital-led future. Read More
CEO interview Almundo Juan Pablo Lafosse
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Juan Pablo Lafosse of Almundo
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2019
The Almundo CEO talks the power of offline, the company's strategy compared to Expedia and Booking and much more. Read More
Expedia Q1 earnings 2019
News / Online
Q1 growth slows for vacation rentals as Expedia Group realigns business for long-term
By Mitra Sorrells | May 2, 2019
Expedia Group bookings were up 8% in the first quarter of 2019, but only 5% in its vacation rental businesses, now consolidated under the Vrbo brand. Read More
TripAdvisor new cruise review price comparison site2
News / Online
TripAdvisor launches new cruise vertical
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2019
TripAdvisor is expanding its platform to include cruise content, reviews and price comparison. Read More
Startup Stage Miles
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Miles is a universal transportation rewards program
By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2019
Miles is a loyalty platform that automatically rewards consumers for their daily movement, such as walking, biking, riding in a car or traveling by plane. Users can redeem rewards with Miles’ more than... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Norbert Stiekema
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Norbert Stiekema
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Costa Crociere chief strategy and digital... Read More
WeChat 2018 rankings Dragon Trail Interactive
News / Online
Airlines, cruise lines see big gains in WeChat engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2019
According to a report from Dragon Trail Interactive, the top 10 airlines and cruise lines saw significant increases in WeChat activity in 2018. Read More
Expedia earnings full year 2018
News / Online
Expedia reports double-digit growth in key metrics in 2018, continues international push
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2019
Expedia Group turned in strong figures for 2018 as it looks to continuing strengthening its product in new international markets. Read More
MMGY cruise industry marketing data
News / Online
Shifts in demographics, desired features drive cruise marketing strategies
By Mitra Sorrells | January 31, 2019
Data from MMGY Global points to growing interest in cruising among younger travelers and also a shift in features that influence purchase decisions. Read More
Busting a billion-dollar digital myth for cruise lines
From Our Partners / Technology
Busting a billion-dollar digital myth for cruise lines
By Apurva Chamaria - RateGain | January 28, 2019
Major cruise lines are undergoing unprecedented digital transformation, committing billions of dollars to the process. The same rules do not apply to every digital journey, so how can cruise lines win... Read More
Cruise series part 4 digital marketing NCL
News / Online
Inside cruise, part 4: The marketing mix
By Mitra Sorrells | January 28, 2019
Norwegian Cruise Line chief marketing officer Meg Lee shares her thoughts on social media, paid search, content curation and how emerging technologies can be used in cruise marketing. Read More
Cruise series part 3 technology
News / Technology
Inside cruise, part 3: The technical transformation
By Mitra Sorrells | January 22, 2019
For the third in our series on cruise, we explore how cruise lines are using technology to improve the customer experience. Read More
CEO interview Dreamlines Felix Schneider
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Felix Schneider of Dreamlines
By Mitra Sorrells | January 16, 2019
Dreamlines, with €107 million in funding over seven rounds, is the largest online travel agency for cruises that is based outside North America.  Read More
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