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.

Throw online gaming at a cruise trip? There is a hack for that
News / Online
Throw online gaming at a cruise trip? There is a hack for that
By Kevin May | October 5, 2012
Online gaming and cruise trips - you couldn't make it up?! Well, a team at Embark.at did for its entry in the recent THack @ SFO in San Francisco. Read More
Cruise lines prefer Facebook to Twitter for customer engagement, few dabble in other networks
News / Online
Cruise lines prefer Facebook to Twitter for customer engagement, few dabble in other networks
By Viewpoints | August 22, 2012
A new survey of 50 cruise companies has indicated an overwhelming preference for using Facebook Fan pages over Twitter profiles. Read More
Rough guide to understanding consumer generated media in travel
News / Online
Rough guide to understanding consumer generated media in travel
By Viewpoints | August 21, 2012
Marketing a company image and building a brand name's popularity used to be largely in the hands of the company itself. Read More
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
News / Online
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
By Kevin May | July 10, 2012
It's been over 18 months since there was any official action on the Apple iTravel front - but perhaps things will stir once again after the regulators approved a number of important patents. Read More
Cunard admits data security failure, 1,000+ passenger details emailed out to other guests
News / Online
Cunard admits data security failure, 1,000+ passenger details emailed out to other guests
By Kevin May | June 25, 2012
Cruise giant Cunard is trying to allay concerns amongst customers after an email was sent containing confidential details of some 1,200 passengers. Read More
iCloud Photo Stream exposes Disney Cruise crew member in missing iPhone caper
News / Online
iCloud Photo Stream exposes Disney Cruise crew member in missing iPhone caper
By Dennis Schaal | May 29, 2012
There is, pardon the expression, a "takeaway" if you are snapping photos with a stolen iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or even Apple TV -- iCloud Photo Stream may sync you in the end. Read More
StartUP Chile pioneer releases cruise planning guide
News / Online
StartUP Chile pioneer releases cruise planning guide
By Dennis Schaal | May 18, 2012
CruiseWise, which was the first participant in a Chilean-government program for early-stage startups, released a downloadable cruise travel guide for trip-planning and in-destination purposes. Read More
Cheapflights bans clumsy mobile handoffs
News / Online
Cheapflights bans clumsy mobile handoffs
By Dennis Schaal | May 11, 2012
Airline-deal publisher Cheapflights has laid down the law for its mobile websites in the US and UK -- there will be no flights shown from intermediaries or suppliers unless they have quality mobile... Read More
CruiseWise hopes to sail into the busy and growing online cruise booking sector
News / Online
CruiseWise hopes to sail into the busy and growing online cruise booking sector
By Kevin May | February 19, 2012
TLabs Showcase on travel startups featuring US-based CruiseWise, a new, content-led and map-based online travel agency focusing on cruise trips. Read More
Saddest but probably one of the most popular webcams on the planet right now
News / Online
Saddest but probably one of the most popular webcams on the planet right now
By Kevin May | February 3, 2012
Such as been the worldwide focus on the Costa Concordia incident off the coast of Italy in January that one unlikely beneficiary has been a local news service on the island of Giglio. Read More
How the cruise sector can use technology to help enhance the departure point experience
News / Online
How the cruise sector can use technology to help enhance the departure point experience
By Viewpoints | February 3, 2012
Despite some very high profile and recent setbacks, generally the cruise sector is growing - 16 million passengers cruised in 2011, a 7% increase over 2010. Read More
Travelzoo stats show cruise consumers taking to online
News / Online
Travelzoo stats show cruise consumers taking to online
By Linda Fox | January 4, 2012
Cruise holidays are increasingly booked online according to the latest research from Travelzoo demonstrating a shift in consumer behaviour Read More
Why mobile roaming charges are killing innovation in the cruise industry
News / Online
Why mobile roaming charges are killing innovation in the cruise industry
By Viewpoints | November 17, 2011
Every time there’s a major leap forward in communications, the travel industry has been there to embrace it. Read More
CruiseCompare taps Cheapflights for flash sale test
News / Online
CruiseCompare taps Cheapflights for flash sale test
By Kevin May | October 24, 2011
Looks like no area of the industry is safe from those wanting to try the flash sale concept - this time its the cruise sector with UK metasearch site CruiseCompare having a go. Read More
Ensemble agents will be cruising with Passport Online booking engine
News / Online
Ensemble agents will be cruising with Passport Online booking engine
By Dennis Schaal | October 20, 2011
Will cruise agents put down the phone and turn to the Web for cruise shopping and booking? Read More