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.

wttc-biometric-identity-report
News / Technology
WTTC proposes best practices for biometric digital identities to speed recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | December 11, 2020
The report provides detailed steps to create and implement biometric-enabled digital identities that could be used to secure and expedite travel around the world. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
By PhocusWire | December 9, 2020
An agile, integrated and empathetic approach across journey touchpoints is critical to instill a sense of confidence within the stakeholder community, both internal and external.  Read More
dataart-online-conference
News / Technology
Opportunities and challenges for travel brands using AI
By Mitra Sorrells | December 4, 2020
In an online event hosted by DataArt, panelists from Sabre, BD4Travel, IDeaS, Mobi Systems, Norwegian Cruise Line, AirHelp and more discussed the outlook for AI in travel. Read More
travel-experience-economy-oaky
From Our Partners / Technology
Thriving in an experience economy
By Erik Tengen - Oaky | November 26, 2020
We look at how emotion affects memory, what types of experiences are most effective in inciting emotion, and the role of hotels in the system of experiences we know as tourism – a vital part of the... Read More
VIDEO: Diversity and inclusion in travel is about more than recruitment - is your organization ready?
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Diversity and inclusion in travel is about more than recruitment - is your organization ready?
By Linda Fox | November 19, 2020
A session at The Phocuswright Conference 2020 says travel companies need to create a welcoming environment to attract and retain diverse talent. Read More
revisiting-hot-25-2020
News / Startups
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Startups for 2020
By Mitra Sorrells | November 6, 2020
Find out how these startups have shifted priorities, created new partnerships and adjusted their products to meet the challenges created by COVID-19. Read More
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: Travelers should finally get the attention they deserve
News / Online
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: Travelers should finally get the attention they deserve
By Kevin May | November 3, 2020
Brands, industry associations and government have a unique opportunity to do the right thing and put customers in the middle of their strategic prism. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Learn how travel businesses are realizing the benefits of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with the unique value only humans can deliver. Read More
phocuswright-covid-survey-us-europe
News / Online
VIDEO: Travelers fear catching virus, losing money amid COVID pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | October 13, 2020
At least two-thirds of respondents say they worry they may contract COVID-19 during travel or while in a destination. Read More
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
News / Online
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebinTravel | October 12, 2020
Travel industry executives give their views on recovery in the travel industry at WebInTravel's TravelZero.0 event. Read More
healthy-sail-panel-report
News / Online
Healthy Sail Panel recommends 74 steps to reduce COVID-19 risk on cruise ships
By Mitra Sorrells | September 22, 2020
Specialists say a focus on testing, the use of face coverings, enhanced sanitation and other measures can mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 on cruise ships. Read More
InPhocus, episode 23 - Time spent with Katz is never wasted
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 23 - Time spent with Katz is never wasted
By PhocusWire | September 18, 2020
Jeff Katz has plenty to say about his new comrade Cory Garner but, as many will know, the Orbitz founder and former-airline exec always has a range of views on many other aspects of the industry. Read More
contactless-tech-cruise
News / Technology
Touchless tech: Cruise lines adapt to prepare for a healthy return to sailing
By Mitra Sorrells | September 17, 2020
While cruising remains on hold for many lines, companies are finding news ways to add contactless solutions into the guest experience to minimize risk in the future. Read More
VIDEO: HalalBooking - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2020
Interview / Online
VIDEO: HalalBooking - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2020
By PhocusWire | September 4, 2020
Millions of halal-conscious families search hotels by halal food, no alcohol, as well as pool, beach or spa for ladies' or family use. Read More
carnival-ransomware-attack
News / Online
Carnival is latest travel brand hit with ransomware attack
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2020
The world's largest cruise operator is investigating an attack that accessed both guest and employee data.   Read More