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.

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
snapchat-dynamic-ads
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
Inside Expedia Group's new unified loyalty program
News / Online
Inside Expedia Group's new unified loyalty program
By Jill Menze | May 9, 2022
Called One Key, the program will allow loyalty members to earn and burn points across all of Expedia Group’s brands. Read More
ALERTS: New deals, products, partnerships and hires in digital travel
News / Technology
ALERTS: New deals, products, partnerships and hires in digital travel
By PhocusWire | May 6, 2022
The backbone of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry is powered by technology and digital services. Here we capture new deals and partnerships, product launches and important hires all in one... Read More
movable-ink-funding
News / Technology
Movable Ink bags $55M for personalization tech push
By Linda Fox | May 2, 2022
Movable Ink works with a number of travel companies on content personalization including Delta Air Lines, MGM Resorts, Princess Cruises and Uber. Read More
P&O Cruises gives shore excursion retail to Musement
News / Online
P&O Cruises gives shore excursion retail to Musement
By Kevin May | April 25, 2022
TUI-owned Musement will run the shore excursion ticketing for P&O Cruises and Cunard, following a trial with passengers on trips taken on the Azura ship. Read More
wttc-cyber-security
News / Online
WTTC highlights need to prioritize cyber security
By Linda Fox | April 25, 2022
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Codes To Resilience Report, launched in partnership with Microsoft, focuses on cyber crime protection and best practices. Read More
similarweb-april-2022
News / Distribution
Online activity shows growing recovery for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | April 12, 2022
An analysis by Similarweb shows visits to airline and hospitality websites are up as consumers act on their desire to travel.   Read More
Holland America uses facial-recognition tech for passenger check-in
News / Technology
Holland America uses facial-recognition tech for passenger check-in
By Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | March 23, 2022
The optional mBark program requires guests to upload a photo and pretravel information to Holland America Line's website before embarkation. Read More
Priceline creates hotel booking engine for Royal Caribbean
News / Online
Priceline creates hotel booking engine for Royal Caribbean
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | March 18, 2022
Intended to provide travelers and travel advisors an easier way to book pre- or post-cruise lodging, the platform promises exclusive rates at hotels located near Royal Caribbean departure and arrival... Read More
cruise-direct-booking-travel agents
News / Distribution
Direct bookings rise, but cruise execs still want travel advisors' business
By Johanna Jainchill - Travel Weekly | March 14, 2022
The shift is due to passengers becoming more comfortable booking digitally with cruise lines and because some travel agencies didn't survive the last two years. Read More
Cruisewatch sets sail with €1M round to expand tech tools
News / Online
Cruisewatch sets sail with €1M round to expand tech tools
By Kevin May | March 4, 2022
Cruisewatch says it will use the new round to develop its AI-backed text and speech recognition tools and automation services for third-party agencies. Read More