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.

Q&A: Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy
News / Online
Q&A: Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy
By Mitra Sorrells | February 2, 2024
Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy explains how the company is using facial recognition and generative AI technology and also the strategy behind its marketing efforts – including a widely... Read More
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
News / Online
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
By Morgan Hines | February 1, 2024
Windstar Cruises is the latest company to bolster its influencer marketing strategy, recently announcing a partnership with Jerne, which helps to facilitate connections with influencers. Read More
Tripadvisor's Goldberg talks strategy, AI potential and digital marketing
News / Online
Tripadvisor's Goldberg talks strategy, AI potential and digital marketing
By Linda Fox | January 10, 2024
At The Phocuswright Conference 2023, Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg discussed the importance of the brands working together and how its generative AI initiatives are developing. Read More
What travel companies should consider for their generative AI strategy
From Our Partners / Online
What travel companies should consider for their generative AI strategy
By PhocusWire | January 9, 2024
Oliver Wyman advises travel companies to analyze their data, listen to customers and interact with them early on in the travel planning stages as part of their generative AI strategy. Read More
Mobi - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Technology
Mobi - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
January 2, 2024
Mobi founder and CEO Anna Jaffe explained the company's agent-facing collaborative artificial intelligence platform during the Launch competition at the Phocuswright Conference. Read More
How hotels can use ancillaries to drive personalization and loyalty
From Our Partners / Online
How hotels can use ancillaries to drive personalization and loyalty
By PhocusWire | December 18, 2023
Plusgrade’s Paul Rantilla discusses the company’s recent acquisitions of Upstay and Points, and how it is now accelerating efforts to help hospitality companies drive revenue through ancillaries. Read More
AON Affinity Travel Practice on the role of a travel insurance broker
From Our Partners / Online
AON Affinity Travel Practice on the role of a travel insurance broker
By PhocusWire | December 18, 2023
AON Affinity Travel Practice president Beth Godlin explains how the company serves as a consultant to its clients to help them design and administer travel protection plans. Read More
Weeva - Launch Pitch at the Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
Weeva - Launch Pitch at the Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | December 14, 2023
Weeva, one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024, is a holistic business sustainability management company. Read More
TUI plans global booking platform rollout in 2024
News / Technology
TUI plans global booking platform rollout in 2024
By Linda Fox | December 6, 2023
TUI Group is developing a single global sourcing and booking platform that has been launched in Belgium and will be extended to more markets in 2024. Read More
Expedia has given $1.5M in grants to nonprofits as part of new fund
News / Online
Expedia has given $1.5M in grants to nonprofits as part of new fund
By Morgan Hines | November 28, 2023
Expedia is looking to bolster efforts to remove barriers to travel with its new funding initiative. Read More
Princess Cruises' John Padgett talks technology and creating value
News / Technology
Princess Cruises' John Padgett talks technology and creating value
By Arnie Weissmann - Travel Weekly | November 21, 2023
John Padgett led development of the MagicBand for Disney and the Ocean Medallion for Princess Cruises, where he is now president. Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: SquadTrip
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: SquadTrip
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
SquadTrip’s B2B software-as-a-service helps travel agents save time managing group with an all-in-one marketing, booking and payment platform. Read More
More than one-third of leisure travelers have used GenAI tools, report says
News / Technology
More than one-third of leisure travelers have used GenAI tools, report says
By Morgan Hines | November 10, 2023
More than half of leisure travelers who have used generative artificial intelligence planning tools booked most or all of the recommendations provided by the chatbot. Read More
How influencer content is reaping rewards for travel companies
News / Online
How influencer content is reaping rewards for travel companies
By Linda Fox | November 10, 2023
A study from Jerne, a platform connecting creators with experience providers, shows the results of a hosted influencer visit in terms of post engagement from fans and followers. Read More
Booking.com adds cruise content in partnership with World Travel Holdings
News / Distribution
Booking.com adds cruise content in partnership with World Travel Holdings
By Mitra Sorrells | November 10, 2023
U.S. consumers can now access more than 10,000 sailings on more than 30 cruise lines from 55 departure points around the world.     Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026