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.

Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
News / Online
Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
By PhocusWire | June 2, 2023
Known as Phocal Point, the platform makes it easy for users to create custom interactive charts and interpret travel data by segment, channel, device, region and country.   Read More
Is pent-up travel demand at an end? It depends
News / Online
Is pent-up travel demand at an end? It depends
By Johanna Jainchill – Travel Weekly | May 24, 2023
Analyses from Mastercard and Bank of America found the answer varies by travel segment and could depend on the labor market and other factors.   Read More
Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options
News / Online
Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options
By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023
The ride-hailing company’s third annual Go-GET product event announced a couple of travel-focused updates, including concierge service at partner hotels and boat reservations on a Greek island. Read More
Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
News / Technology
Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
By Derek Catron | May 16, 2023
The private equity giant invested $170 million for a minority stake in IBS Software in 2015. It’s agreed to sell its interests to Apax Partners for about $450 million.   Read More
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
News / Online
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
By Kathryn Walson | May 12, 2023
The new rewards currency is intended to target the 83% of consumers who travel too infrequently to earn status or meaningful rewards. Read More
Travel agents' growing cruise sales may reverse trend to direct
News / Online
Travel agents' growing cruise sales may reverse trend to direct
By Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | April 25, 2023
Travel agents have seen their share of cruise bookings plummet during the pandemic as direct sales soared, but the dominance of the advisor channel is predicted to snap back by 2025.   Read More
Travelport tech chief talks moving the needle on NDC
News / Distribution
Travelport tech chief talks moving the needle on NDC
By Linda Fox | April 19, 2023
Tom Kershaw, chief product and technology officer at Travelport, talks about the current state of NDC, real progress in 2023 and moving the needle on adoption. Read More
InteleTravel acquisition
News / Online
InteleTravel acquisition links leisure and business travel
By Kathryn Walson | April 12, 2023
InteleTravel and Hickory Global Partners said that by merging resources they can better cater to the blended travel market. Read More
travel-talk-industry-do-better
News / Online
Travel Talk: Where can the industry do better?
By PhocusWire | April 3, 2023
Northstar Travel Group's editorial leaders discuss sustainability, DEI and other areas where there is room for future improvement.   Read More
travel-talk-travel-fully-back
News / Online
Travel Talk: Is travel fully back?
By PhocusWire | March 20, 2023
While most industry sectors have been rebounding, travel experts suggest areas where caution may be merited.     Read More
Jerne Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jerne connects travel companies with social media creators
By Kathryn Walson | March 20, 2023
Jerne is an SaaS platform for creators and experience providers to manage their relationships, navigate commercial agreements and track affiliate sales and marketing ROI. Read More
Expedia, Microsoft and travel experts on ChatGPT
News / Technology
Expedia, Microsoft and travel experts on ChatGPT
By Mitra Sorrells | February 27, 2023
Listen to PhocusWire's first LinkedIn Audio event, with executives from Expedia and Microsoft and Kayak co-founder Paul English discussing the potential use of ChatGPT in travel.     Read More
linkedin-audio-chatgpt
News / Technology
How ChatGPT will transform the travel industry - a PhocusWire LinkedIn Audio event
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2023
Join us for PhocusWire's debut LinkedIn Audio Event as we discuss this topic with Microsoft's Shane O'Flaherty, Expedia Group's Rajesh Naidu and Kayak co-founder Paul English. Read More
session-replay-lawsuits
News / Online
Wave of class action lawsuits provide warning for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | February 2, 2023
Spirit and Jetblue airlines and Carnival Corporation are among the brands hit recently with class action lawsuits related to their use of session replay software. Read More
cruisebound-launch-10m
News / Startups
New online cruise booking site launches with $10M from prominent investors
By Mitra Sorrells | January 18, 2023
After a year of beta testing, Cruisebound is launching with backing from former Priceline CEO Jeff Boyd, Tripadvisor founder Steve Kaufer, Madrona Ventures managing director Steve Singh and others. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026