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.

TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further. Read More
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
News / Online
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
By Kevin May | August 8, 2019
Revenue increased from $376 million to $422 million over the course of the first and second quarters of 2019 but year-over-year the business is down 3% in the comparable three-month periods. Read More
Cruise line apps are igniting early onboard spending
News / Online
Cruise line apps are igniting early onboard spending
By Tom Stieghorst - Travel Weekly | July 24, 2019
Cruise lines are expanding and refining their mobile device apps, and one result is a growing stream of onboard revenue as more people book activities through the app before boarding. Read More
In The Big Chair LIVE - Gloria Guevara of WTTC
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair LIVE - Gloria Guevara of WTTC
By Mitra Sorrells | July 5, 2019
The former-Sabre executive and minister of tourism in Mexico has been president and CEO of the WTTC since 2017. Read More
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
News / Technology
RateGain acquires social and guest engagement platform BCV
By Kevin May | June 17, 2019
A mid-range, double-digit millions figure is believed to have been paid for 24/7 social media monitoring, reputation management, analytics and content marketing business. Read More
VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 31, 2019
Cruisewatch is transforming the way people find and book cruises through 360-degree online cruise advice and predictive analytics. Read More
VIDEO: Zizoo - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Distribution
VIDEO: Zizoo - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 24, 2019
A leading global boat holiday platform wants to change the entire travel space with a first-ever GDS. Read More
VIDEO: How a cruise line embarks on digital transformation
News / Technology
VIDEO: How a cruise line embarks on digital transformation
By Kevin May | May 23, 2019
Complicated products, expensive and considered purchases by consumers - just some of the elements in the cruise sector that are hard to shift to a digital-led future. Read More
CEO interview Almundo Juan Pablo Lafosse
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Juan Pablo Lafosse of Almundo
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2019
The Almundo CEO talks the power of offline, the company's strategy compared to Expedia and Booking and much more. Read More
Expedia Q1 earnings 2019
News / Online
Q1 growth slows for vacation rentals as Expedia Group realigns business for long-term
By Mitra Sorrells | May 2, 2019
Expedia Group bookings were up 8% in the first quarter of 2019, but only 5% in its vacation rental businesses, now consolidated under the Vrbo brand. Read More
TripAdvisor new cruise review price comparison site2
News / Online
TripAdvisor launches new cruise vertical
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2019
TripAdvisor is expanding its platform to include cruise content, reviews and price comparison. Read More
Startup Stage Miles
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Miles is a universal transportation rewards program
By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2019
Miles is a loyalty platform that automatically rewards consumers for their daily movement, such as walking, biking, riding in a car or traveling by plane. Users can redeem rewards with Miles’ more than... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Norbert Stiekema
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Norbert Stiekema
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Costa Crociere chief strategy and digital... Read More
WeChat 2018 rankings Dragon Trail Interactive
News / Online
Airlines, cruise lines see big gains in WeChat engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2019
According to a report from Dragon Trail Interactive, the top 10 airlines and cruise lines saw significant increases in WeChat activity in 2018. Read More
Expedia earnings full year 2018
News / Online
Expedia reports double-digit growth in key metrics in 2018, continues international push
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2019
Expedia Group turned in strong figures for 2018 as it looks to continuing strengthening its product in new international markets. Read More