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.

Digital marketing series part 1 SEO
News / Online
Modern travel marketing, part 1: SEO strategy
By Mitra Sorrells | June 4, 2018
Throughout June, we're looking at a variety of topics under the umbrella of digital marketing. We start with an analysis of the current state of search engine optimization, which today could be renamed... Read More
Dreamlines sails home with €45 million to expand cruise platform
News / Online
Dreamlines sails home with €45 million to expand cruise platform
By Kevin May | May 8, 2018
Cruise booking platform Dreamlines has brought its total funding to over the €100 million mark with a new €45 million capital raise. Read More
Hotelbeds offloads destinations services to TUI for €110M
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds offloads destinations services to TUI for €110M
By Kevin May | March 28, 2018
Hotelbeds has ended its interest in providing incoming services to travel agencies by selling its Destination Management division to TUI for €110 million. Read More
MSC Cruises voice assistants
News / Technology
MSC Cruises puts voice-enabled assistants in every cabin of new ship
By Mitra Sorrells | March 26, 2018
MSC Cruises has created what it says is the cruise industry’s first voice-enabled smart speaker. Read More
research spotlight cruise packaged travel
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: How can cruise and packaged travel work together?
By Jill Menze | March 19, 2018
The cruise and packaged travel segments have key similarities that separate them from other areas of the industry. Read More
Europe online shopping abandonment
News / Online
Why website abandonment rates are so high for European travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2018
European travelers appear to be more commitment-phobic lately when it comes to booking accommodations, travel and experiences.    Read More
WeChat usage by travel brands
News / Technology
How travel brands are using WeChat to reach Chinese consumers
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2018
With more than 963 million active users each month, WeChat is the leading social media app in China.   Read More
TUI Group blockchain development 2
News / Technology
Q&A: Trust, truth and transparency at the heart of TUI Group’s blockchain work
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2018
TUI Group was one of the first travel brands to make headlines for its adoption of blockchain.   Read More
Travel ledger blockchain billing
News / Startups
Travel tech entrepreneur launches blockchain system for non-airline services
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2018
A new blockchain-based travel billing and settlement platform is in the works.    Read More
Criteo study mobile and booking apps
News / Distribution
Mobile travel bookings jump, especially for online agencies
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2018
Travelers are increasingly turning to their phones – and away from desktops and tablets – to book trips and experiences.   Read More
JetBlue AI CruisingStore
News / Technology
JetBlue modernizes cruise booking platform with AI
By Mitra Sorrells | January 25, 2018
Personalization has become the holy grail for travel companies looking to meet the needs of their customers – in part because consumers have been accustomed to a customized shopping experience across... Read More
Solo travel search tool
News / Online
New search tool curates packages, pricing for solo travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | January 19, 2018
 Aiming to eliminate the aggravation of too many search results, a new patent-pending software is designed to help solo travelers find what they are looking for quickly and easily.   Read More
High seas high tech: How the cruise industry is innovating
News / Technology
High seas high tech: How the cruise industry is innovating
By PhocusWire | January 5, 2018
In the old days, high tech and a cruise didn’t go together. Cruises were a throwback to a time past, with formal dining and postcards rather than smartphones and video games. No longer. The cruise i Read More
Booking.com adds packages, rail and cruises
News / Online
Booking.com adds packages, rail and cruises
By Kevin May | December 22, 2017
Booking.com has quietly started testing partnerships for other travel products, including package trips via a deal with Lastminute.com. Read More
PhocusWire Forecast 2018: Call Centers and Mobile AR
News / Technology
PhocusWire Forecast 2018: Call Centers and Mobile AR
By PhocusWire | December 20, 2017
Technologies at the opposite end of the spectrum - but important considerations for any travel brand as they embark on the next 12 months. Read More