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.

PhocusWire Forecast 2018: Our view on Startups
Opinion / Startups
PhocusWire Forecast 2018: Our view on Startups
By PhocusWire | December 18, 2017
The notion that business-to-business travel startups have a far higher chance of succeeding than consumer-facing businesses is nothing new. Read More
royal-caribbean-night
News / Technology
Royal Caribbean eyes new technology, virtual and real
By Johanna Jainchill - Travel Weekly | November 15, 2017
On the cruise of the future, check-in counters, guest services desks and in-room phones will be relics, replaced by facial recognition, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Read More
Carnival to bring MagicBand-like, wearable medallions to cruise passengers
News / Technology
Carnival to bring MagicBand-like, wearable medallions to cruise passengers
By Sean O'Neil | January 5, 2017
Much-hyped concepts "wearable tech" and "internet of things" may soon become practical realities for tens of thousands of travelers, as the cruise industry makes a massive investment in sensor-based t Read More
Dreamlines earmarks latest raise for global growth and new markets
News / Distribution
Dreamlines earmarks latest raise for global growth and new markets
By Martin Cowen | August 16, 2016
Dreamlines, the German business which claims to be the largest online cruise booking site in Europe, has pocketed a further Euro 14 million from its existing investors. Its last reported raise was Read More
China's tech-savvy millennials cruise into the spotlight
News / Technology
China's tech-savvy millennials cruise into the spotlight
By Martin Cowen | July 20, 2015
Hotels.com has released its annual Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM), which identifies millennials as the key emerging trend. The importance of millennials, or Generation Y, or those aged Read More
Iglu sells minority stake for c£60m
News / Distribution
Iglu sells minority stake for c£60m
By Martin Cowen | June 12, 2015
Online cruise and ski specialist Iglu.com has sold "a significant minority stake" to LDC, the investment arm of Lloyds Banking Group. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, although it is under Read More
ProPublica launches US cruise ship safety database for consumers
News / Online
ProPublica launches US cruise ship safety database for consumers
By Sean O'Neil | May 21, 2015
Cruise lines say they take all proper precautions for the critical task of ensuring the safety of their passengers, but a ProPublica investigation has dug up examples of industry slip-ups. To vet Read More
Logitravel turns over half a billion euros, carries 2.5m pax
News / Distribution
Logitravel turns over half a billion euros, carries 2.5m pax
By Martin Cowen | February 20, 2015
Majorca-based OTA Logitravel Group is confident that it can become a leading international player, with plans to expand its UK business and launch into Mexico this year. In 2014 it turned over €514 Read More
Dreamlines cruise site buys scale in Australia
News / Distribution
Dreamlines cruise site buys scale in Australia
By Martin Cowen | October 22, 2014
Dreamlines, an online cruise portal with global ambitions, has bought two Australian cruise sites for an undisclosed sum. Its purchase of Cruisecentre and Cruiseaway gives the Hamburg, Germany-base Read More
Mario and Nintendo's cast of characters expands again across Norwegian's full fleet
News / Online
Mario and Nintendo's cast of characters expands again across Norwegian's full fleet
By Nick Vivion | November 12, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded their initial trial with Nintendo, bringing the Wii U gaming system to all Norwegian ships fleet-wide. After deploying Nintendo's original Wii gaming system acros Read More
Celebrity taps TripLingo to enhance the linguistic capabilities of guests
News / Online
Celebrity taps TripLingo to enhance the linguistic capabilities of guests
By Nick Vivion | August 5, 2013
TripLingo today has announced a significant partnership with Celebrity Cruises, bringing the native fluency app to the high seas. Read More
TripAdvisor acquisition roadshow continues - snaps up technology and team from CruiseWise
News / Online
TripAdvisor acquisition roadshow continues - snaps up technology and team from CruiseWise
By Kevin May | May 2, 2013
Three acquisitions in as many months for Tripadvisor - this time performing an acqui and tech-hire for CruiseWise, the online travel agency startup targeting fans of cruise trips. Read More
2012 was the year cruise lines' branded sites overtook the OTAs
News / Online
2012 was the year cruise lines' branded sites overtook the OTAs
By Sean O'Neil | April 2, 2013
Data from PhoCusWright reveals the tipping point for branded cruise sites. Read More
Cruise lines sailing away from Twitter
News / Online
Cruise lines sailing away from Twitter
By Viewpoints | March 29, 2013
After seeing solid use of Facebook by cruise lines for communicating with customers, more evidence emerging that the sector is less keen on the other major social network, Twitter. Read More
Interactive cross-platform technology sets sail - will it sink or swim?
News / Online
Interactive cross-platform technology sets sail - will it sink or swim?
By Nick Vivion | March 15, 2013
Cruise technology integration specialist HMS Group and cross-device platform provider UIEvolution have announced a new venue for their guest-centric technology Guest Evolution: cruise ships. Read More