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.

What will ChatGPT mean for the travel industry?
News / Technology
What will ChatGPT mean for the travel industry?
By Mitra Sorrells | January 12, 2023
Industry leaders from Booking.com, Expedia Group, Hopper and more weigh in on the topic of what ChatGPT might mean for their internal operations and for travelers. Read More
VIDEO: Mobi - Phocuswright Conference launch innovator
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Mobi - Phocuswright Conference launch innovator
By PhocusWire | December 20, 2022
Mobi is a B2B trip planning technology company offering two products - Agent for travel suppliers and Agent for Agents for travel agents. Read More
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Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: StatusMatch
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2022
StatusMatch is a service that enables major airline and hotel brands to acquire new high-value customers through a structured, co-branded platform. Read More
My Method... How a CRM system helped Panache Cruises launch
News / Technology
My Method... How a CRM system helped Panache Cruises launch
By James Cole - Panache Cruises | October 27, 2022
Panache Cruises adopted a CRM system from TProfile that helped it launch on time with a slick and appealing customer service provision. Read More
In The Big Chair - Graham Turner of Flight Centre Travel Group
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Graham Turner of Flight Centre Travel Group
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2022
Graham Turner is CEO of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers, with company-owned leisure and corporate travel business in 23... Read More
travel-weekly-cruise-direct-bookings
News / Distribution
Cruise lines' direct sales keep rising, but travel advisors are unfazed
By Jamie Biesiada - Travel Weekly | October 26, 2022
Cruise lines such as Norwegian say they are investing in their online direct business because the channel is both "attractive" and "low-cost."   Read More
accessible travel main
News / Online
State of accessible travel - part two
By Jamie Biesiada, Nicole Edenedo, Johanna Jainchill and Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | October 6, 2022
How destinations, tours and cruise lines confront limitations while trying to accommodate all travelers. Read More
codegen-generations-travelers-2
From Our Partners / Technology
Balancing brand engagement for Gen Z, millennial and Gen X travelers
By Alison Winch - CodeGen | October 3, 2022
Travel companies should prepare for the post-digital era and develop creative strategies to engage customers across generations.  Read More
borrow-a-boat-kelly-acquisition
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat targets U.S. growth with latest acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2022
Borrow A Boat's acquisition of KellyBoat is its third this year and first in the United States. Read More
future-call-centers-cruisewatch-oped
Opinion / Technology
Voicing optimism about the future of travel call centers
By Markus Stumpe - Cruisewatch | September 16, 2022
Travel brands can benefit from a hybrid model where data forms a bridge between human agents and technology. Read More
royal-caribbean-starlink-internet-connectivity
News / Technology
Royal Caribbean begins rollout of Starlink internet service
By Linda Fox | September 1, 2022
The broadband internet service from the Elon Musk-founded company is to be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships. Read More
Travel brands expand TikTok presence to reach new audiences
News / Online
Travel brands expand TikTok presence to reach new audiences
By Kathryn Walson | July 21, 2022
Travel providers including Booking.com, Kayak and Carnival Cruise Line outline their TikTok strategies. Read More
Plusgrade acquires Points to boost revenue for partners
News / Online
Plusgrade acquires Points to boost revenue for partners
By Kathryn Walson | July 5, 2022
Plusgrade says the combined entity will generate more than $3.5 billion in new revenue opportunities this year for 140 airline, hospitality, cruise, rail and financial services partners across 60... Read More
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News / Online
Snapchat unveils dynamic ads service for travel advertisers
By Linda Fox | June 1, 2022
The social media platform says it will serve the most relevant ads to Snapchatters interested in travel. Read More
borrow-a-boat-crowdfunding
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat beats target, raises £1M in 24 hours
By Linda Fox | May 31, 2022
The U.K-based company has raised funding through crowd campaigns in the past landing more than £1 million late last year.   Read More
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