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.

Amadeus shares optimistic outlook, reports positive earnings
News / Online
Amadeus shares optimistic outlook, reports positive earnings
By Morgan Hines | November 7, 2023
Amadeus’ total revenue was up more than 14% in the quarter, with the biggest jump coming from its air distribution and air IT solutions segments. Read More
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
News / Online
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
By Morgan Hines | October 19, 2023
Mondee is combining AI with human support to help anyone sell travel - and the newly-public company has big plans for growth.  Read More
Cruising on the data wave: How technology shapes personalized experiences at sea
From Our Partners / Technology
Cruising on the data wave: How technology shapes personalized experiences at sea
By Jeff Zotara - Arrivia | September 26, 2023
As cruise lines sail into the future, the proliferation of technological innovations has reshaped the accessibility of passenger data and, with it, the ability to tailor the passenger experience.  Read More
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
News / Online
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2023
Make plans to attend The Phocuswright Conference in November for Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young Leaders and... Read More
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
News / Distribution
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2023
Skypass is the fourth acquisition for Texas-based Mondee this year, as the company looks to expand both geographically and into new content and distribution channels. Read More
Earnings roundup: Amex GBT, Sonder, Vacasa and TUI Group
News / Online
Earnings roundup: Amex GBT, Sonder, Vacasa and TUI Group
By Mitra Sorrells | August 11, 2023
As publicly traded travel companies continue to report their earnings for the three months ending in June, we round up the latest reports.   Read More
EaseMyTrip expands through three acquisitions in India
News / Online
EaseMyTrip expands through three acquisitions in India
By Linda Fox | August 3, 2023
The acquisitions, which will be paid for by equity shares, are Guideline Travels Holidays, TripShope Travel Technologies and Dook Travels and are part of EaseMyTrip's growth strategy. Read More
Buy now, pay later travel solution Uplift acquired for $100M
News / Online
Buy now, pay later travel solution Uplift acquired for $100M
By Mitra Sorrells | July 27, 2023
Upgrade, which offers banking, credit and payment products directly to consumers, has acquired Uplift, which provides solutions used by more than 300 airlines, cruise lines and hotel chains in the U.S.... Read More
Carnival hits facial recognition tech milestone
News / Technology
Carnival hits facial recognition tech milestone
By Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | July 21, 2023
Carnival is expanding its use of facial recognition technology, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to speed-up disembarkation. Read More
Aeronology launches new global marketplace for ticket services
News
Aeronology launches new global marketplace for ticket services
By Mitra Sorrells | July 20, 2023
Australia-based Aeronology, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2023, has launched AeroTickets, which it says is the world’s first “global ticket center solution.” Read More
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from startups on what they look for in investors. Read More
Direct Ferries brings new investor on board
News / Online
Direct Ferries brings new investor on board
June 14, 2023
ICG, Livingbridge, the founding Davies family and management all contributed to the undisclosed round. Read More
Top investors in travel tech 2023
News / Startups
Top investors in travel tech 2023
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 12, 2023
This new annual feature is based on data from Phocuswright to identify travel tech investors that have participated in at least four non-debt funding rounds or at least three rounds of at least $10... Read More
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2023
News / Startups
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2023
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 12, 2023
This new annual feature is based on data from Phocuswright to identify travel tech investors that have participated in at least four non-debt funding rounds or at least three rounds of at least $10... Read More
Influencers v. advertisers - why travel marketing is transforming
Opinion / Online
Influencers v. advertisers - why travel marketing is transforming
By Noa Greenfield - Travelier | June 5, 2023
Today’s travelers are turning to social media to inspire their next trip; travel markets should adapt accordingly. Read More
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