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.

Offline part 2 agency technology
News / Technology
Back in the offline world, part 2: Travel agency technology
By Mitra Sorrells | September 10, 2018
For part two in this month’s series on the offline travel market, we look at the technology that is supporting the work of traditional agents and how it has evolved over the years.   Read More
quote of the week 37
News / Distribution
QOTW: Something about an agent's endurance
By PhocusWire | September 7, 2018
Quote from Tom Wolber, CEO of Crystal Cruises, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More
In The Big Chair - Tom Wolber of Crystal Cruises
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Tom Wolber of Crystal Cruises
By Mitra Sorrells | September 6, 2018
Founded in 1989, Crystal Cruises is a luxury line that has been owned by Genting Hong Kong since 2015. It’s current fleet includes two ocean ships, five river ships and one yacht, with three new vessels... Read More
Offline part 1 agencies
News / Distribution
Back in the offline world, part 1: Travel agency endurance
By Mitra Sorrells | September 4, 2018
First up in this month’s series on the offline travel market, we look at the traditional agency model to understand the audience it still serves and how it has continued to stay relevant. Read More
virtual-reality-tours
News / Technology
Virtual reality is still finding its space at the customer experience table
By Linda Fox | July 25, 2018
Virtual reality hasn't gone mainstream, but barriers to content creation are coming down so it could still build momentum in travel. Read More
Bing travel search report
News / Online
Summer months, sporting events drive travel search traffic
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2018
Travel industry marketers looking to capitalize on periods of high travel search traffic have the best shot during summer months and around large sporting events, according to a report from Bing... Read More
VIDEO: Under the hood of cruise
News / Online
VIDEO: Under the hood of cruise
By PhocusWire | July 9, 2018
The cruise industry is arguably the last bastion of what some consider the "old model" of travel distribution. Read More
CellPoint Mobile launches new engine to increase direct bookings, reach mobile customers
News / Technology
CellPoint Mobile launches new engine to increase direct bookings, reach mobile customers
By Jill Menze | June 28, 2018
CellPoint Mobile has unveiled a new product to address two travel provider pain points: securing direct bookings and reaching a mobile-first audience. Read More
The fragmented landscape of travel brands in Google’s organic search
News / Online
The fragmented landscape of travel brands in Google’s organic search
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2018
The usual suspects in travel and hospitality are the most successful at leading the Google search game, but more than half of the total market share is still up for grabs.   Read More
VIDEO: How to succeed in Europe's online travel agency landscape
News / Online
VIDEO: How to succeed in Europe's online travel agency landscape
By PhocusWire | June 8, 2018
Europe's online travel agencies are not just about the two names that appear to capture the lion's share of attention: Expedia and Booking.com. Read More
Digital marketing series part 1 SEO
News / Online
Modern travel marketing, part 1: SEO strategy
By Mitra Sorrells | June 4, 2018
Throughout June, we're looking at a variety of topics under the umbrella of digital marketing. We start with an analysis of the current state of search engine optimization, which today could be renamed... Read More
Dreamlines sails home with €45 million to expand cruise platform
News / Online
Dreamlines sails home with €45 million to expand cruise platform
By Kevin May | May 8, 2018
Cruise booking platform Dreamlines has brought its total funding to over the €100 million mark with a new €45 million capital raise. Read More
Hotelbeds offloads destinations services to TUI for €110M
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds offloads destinations services to TUI for €110M
By Kevin May | March 28, 2018
Hotelbeds has ended its interest in providing incoming services to travel agencies by selling its Destination Management division to TUI for €110 million. Read More
MSC Cruises voice assistants
News / Technology
MSC Cruises puts voice-enabled assistants in every cabin of new ship
By Mitra Sorrells | March 26, 2018
MSC Cruises has created what it says is the cruise industry’s first voice-enabled smart speaker. Read More
research spotlight cruise packaged travel
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: How can cruise and packaged travel work together?
By Jill Menze | March 19, 2018
The cruise and packaged travel segments have key similarities that separate them from other areas of the industry. Read More
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