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.

MMGY cruise industry marketing data
News / Online
Shifts in demographics, desired features drive cruise marketing strategies
By Mitra Sorrells | January 31, 2019
Data from MMGY Global points to growing interest in cruising among younger travelers and also a shift in features that influence purchase decisions. Read More
Busting a billion-dollar digital myth for cruise lines
From Our Partners / Technology
Busting a billion-dollar digital myth for cruise lines
By Apurva Chamaria - RateGain | January 28, 2019
Major cruise lines are undergoing unprecedented digital transformation, committing billions of dollars to the process. The same rules do not apply to every digital journey, so how can cruise lines win... Read More
Cruise series part 4 digital marketing NCL
News / Online
Inside cruise, part 4: The marketing mix
By Mitra Sorrells | January 28, 2019
Norwegian Cruise Line chief marketing officer Meg Lee shares her thoughts on social media, paid search, content curation and how emerging technologies can be used in cruise marketing. Read More
Cruise series part 3 technology
News / Technology
Inside cruise, part 3: The technical transformation
By Mitra Sorrells | January 22, 2019
For the third in our series on cruise, we explore how cruise lines are using technology to improve the customer experience. Read More
CEO interview Dreamlines Felix Schneider
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Felix Schneider of Dreamlines
By Mitra Sorrells | January 16, 2019
Dreamlines, with €107 million in funding over seven rounds, is the largest online travel agency for cruises that is based outside North America.  Read More
Inside cruise, part 2: Digging into distribution
News / Distribution
Inside cruise, part 2: Digging into distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | January 14, 2019
In the second part of our series on cruise, we analyze the sector's distribution model and future outlook. Read More
QOTW: Something about being safe from disruption
News / Technology
QOTW: Something about being safe from disruption
By PhocusWire | January 11, 2019
Arnold Donald of Carnival Corporation oversees a model that has worked for decades - yet it is not immune from the technology revolution that has impacted every other corner of the industry. Read More
CES 2019: Carnival's innovation chief on overused words and realistic goals in digital
News / Technology
CES 2019: Carnival's innovation chief on overused words and realistic goals in digital
By Linda Fox | January 11, 2019
A snapshot of views on innovation and disruption from Carnival Corporation's chief experience and innovation officer. Read More
CEO interview Carnival Arnold Donald
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Arnold Donald of Carnival Corporation
By Mitra Sorrells | January 9, 2019
Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, shares his thoughts on the cruise distribution landscape, how technology is improving the guest experience and advice on what makes a good leader. Read More
Inside cruise, part 1: Keys to the sector’s smooth sailing in the future
News / Technology
Inside cruise, part 1: Keys to the sector’s smooth sailing in the future
By Mitra Sorrells | January 7, 2019
In many ways, cruise is the outlier of the travel industry. While more travelers are turning to digital sources to book their travel – Phocuswright’s U.S. Online Travel Overview 2018 predicts online... Read More
How are companies really facing personalization in the travel industry?
From Our Partners / Online
How are companies really facing personalization in the travel industry?
By Íñigo Valenzuela - Smartvel | January 6, 2019
The discussions revolving around the future of the travel industry are endless. Every article, podcast and webinar out there try to unravel the best strategies and trends companies must follow in order... Read More
VIDEO: Odysseus Solutions - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Odysseus Solutions - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 3, 2019
A mobile-ready booking engine to dynamically build cruise packages using individual flight schedules, transfer times and cruise departures. Read More
Increased ship production, environmentally friendly practices to shape cruise industry in 2019
News / Distribution
Increased ship production, environmentally friendly practices to shape cruise industry in 2019
By Tom Stieghorst - Travel Weekly | January 2, 2019
In 2019, nearly two dozen ships are scheduled to be delivered. Two types are more popular than others. Read More
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
Opinion / Online
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
By Jon Reay - RewriteDigital | December 21, 2018
Digital will continue to transform travel in 2019. You may still be selling holidays, flights or accommodation but the way you do so has significantly shifted and will keep doing so. Read More
VIDEO: Regulations and sustainability - an awkward paradox for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Regulations and sustainability - an awkward paradox for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | December 6, 2018
Tourism drives economic growth for destinations, but it can also cause issues such as overcrowding and regulatory challenges. Read More