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.

Iglu sells minority stake for c£60m
News / Distribution
Iglu sells minority stake for c£60m
By Martin Cowen | June 12, 2015
Online cruise and ski specialist Iglu.com has sold "a significant minority stake" to LDC, the investment arm of Lloyds Banking Group. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, although it is under Read More
ProPublica launches US cruise ship safety database for consumers
News / Online
ProPublica launches US cruise ship safety database for consumers
By Sean O'Neil | May 21, 2015
Cruise lines say they take all proper precautions for the critical task of ensuring the safety of their passengers, but a ProPublica investigation has dug up examples of industry slip-ups. To vet Read More
Logitravel turns over half a billion euros, carries 2.5m pax
News / Distribution
Logitravel turns over half a billion euros, carries 2.5m pax
By Martin Cowen | February 20, 2015
Majorca-based OTA Logitravel Group is confident that it can become a leading international player, with plans to expand its UK business and launch into Mexico this year. In 2014 it turned over €514 Read More
Dreamlines cruise site buys scale in Australia
News / Distribution
Dreamlines cruise site buys scale in Australia
By Martin Cowen | October 22, 2014
Dreamlines, an online cruise portal with global ambitions, has bought two Australian cruise sites for an undisclosed sum. Its purchase of Cruisecentre and Cruiseaway gives the Hamburg, Germany-base Read More
Mario and Nintendo's cast of characters expands again across Norwegian's full fleet
News / Online
Mario and Nintendo's cast of characters expands again across Norwegian's full fleet
By Nick Vivion | November 12, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded their initial trial with Nintendo, bringing the Wii U gaming system to all Norwegian ships fleet-wide. After deploying Nintendo's original Wii gaming system acros Read More
Celebrity taps TripLingo to enhance the linguistic capabilities of guests
News / Online
Celebrity taps TripLingo to enhance the linguistic capabilities of guests
By Nick Vivion | August 5, 2013
TripLingo today has announced a significant partnership with Celebrity Cruises, bringing the native fluency app to the high seas. Read More
TripAdvisor acquisition roadshow continues - snaps up technology and team from CruiseWise
News / Online
TripAdvisor acquisition roadshow continues - snaps up technology and team from CruiseWise
By Kevin May | May 2, 2013
Three acquisitions in as many months for Tripadvisor - this time performing an acqui and tech-hire for CruiseWise, the online travel agency startup targeting fans of cruise trips. Read More
2012 was the year cruise lines' branded sites overtook the OTAs
News / Online
2012 was the year cruise lines' branded sites overtook the OTAs
By Sean O'Neil | April 2, 2013
Data from PhoCusWright reveals the tipping point for branded cruise sites. Read More
Cruise lines sailing away from Twitter
News / Online
Cruise lines sailing away from Twitter
By Viewpoints | March 29, 2013
After seeing solid use of Facebook by cruise lines for communicating with customers, more evidence emerging that the sector is less keen on the other major social network, Twitter. Read More
Interactive cross-platform technology sets sail - will it sink or swim?
News / Online
Interactive cross-platform technology sets sail - will it sink or swim?
By Nick Vivion | March 15, 2013
Cruise technology integration specialist HMS Group and cross-device platform provider UIEvolution have announced a new venue for their guest-centric technology Guest Evolution: cruise ships. Read More
Onboard, owned by LVMH, aims to make online travel chic, at least for cruises
News / Online
Onboard, owned by LVMH, aims to make online travel chic, at least for cruises
By Sean O'Neil | March 13, 2013
Onboard, a website that's all about cruise travel, aims to directly challenge Cruise Critic and Cruisemates with a posh take on online travel communities. Think Nowness + Quora. Read More
Cruisers: Book a trip online but ditch the technology on-board
News / Online
Cruisers: Book a trip online but ditch the technology on-board
By Kevin May | January 3, 2013
Some time away from the lure of every-day technology appears to be a motivating factor for cruise trippers, with a total digital "detox" a popular choice for many in a recent survey. Read More
Turning tides: Travel agents losing steam as a cruise distribution channel
News / Online
Turning tides: Travel agents losing steam as a cruise distribution channel
By Nick Vivion | December 12, 2012
One area were travel agents were traditionally strong in spite of the emergence of online travel, was in cruise bookings. Yet, a recent report suggests that travel agents are losing the battle on the... Read More
Embark acquired by student experiences marketplace JusCollege
News / Online
Embark acquired by student experiences marketplace JusCollege
By Kevin May | December 2, 2012
Facebook-like in origin and growing up, experiences marketplace JusCollege has bought fellow travel brand Embark.at for an undisclosed fee. Read More
Expedia tries to sell a $250M-per-night cruise trip [IMAGE]
News / Online
Expedia tries to sell a $250M-per-night cruise trip [IMAGE]
By Kevin May | October 12, 2012
No offence to Celebrity Cruises, but if a cruise trip was going to almost $250 million a night presumably passengers would want more than, well, a cabin on the Celebrity Constellation. Read More
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