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.

Onboard, owned by LVMH, aims to make online travel chic, at least for cruises
News / Online
Onboard, owned by LVMH, aims to make online travel chic, at least for cruises
By Sean O'Neil | March 13, 2013
Onboard, a website that's all about cruise travel, aims to directly challenge Cruise Critic and Cruisemates with a posh take on online travel communities. Think Nowness + Quora. Read More
Cruisers: Book a trip online but ditch the technology on-board
News / Online
Cruisers: Book a trip online but ditch the technology on-board
By Kevin May | January 3, 2013
Some time away from the lure of every-day technology appears to be a motivating factor for cruise trippers, with a total digital "detox" a popular choice for many in a recent survey. Read More
Turning tides: Travel agents losing steam as a cruise distribution channel
News / Online
Turning tides: Travel agents losing steam as a cruise distribution channel
By Nick Vivion | December 12, 2012
One area were travel agents were traditionally strong in spite of the emergence of online travel, was in cruise bookings. Yet, a recent report suggests that travel agents are losing the battle on the... Read More
Embark acquired by student experiences marketplace JusCollege
News / Online
Embark acquired by student experiences marketplace JusCollege
By Kevin May | December 2, 2012
Facebook-like in origin and growing up, experiences marketplace JusCollege has bought fellow travel brand Embark.at for an undisclosed fee. Read More
Expedia tries to sell a $250M-per-night cruise trip [IMAGE]
News / Online
Expedia tries to sell a $250M-per-night cruise trip [IMAGE]
By Kevin May | October 12, 2012
No offence to Celebrity Cruises, but if a cruise trip was going to almost $250 million a night presumably passengers would want more than, well, a cabin on the Celebrity Constellation. Read More
Throw online gaming at a cruise trip? There is a hack for that
News / Online
Throw online gaming at a cruise trip? There is a hack for that
By Kevin May | October 5, 2012
Online gaming and cruise trips - you couldn't make it up?! Well, a team at Embark.at did for its entry in the recent THack @ SFO in San Francisco. Read More
Cruise lines prefer Facebook to Twitter for customer engagement, few dabble in other networks
News / Online
Cruise lines prefer Facebook to Twitter for customer engagement, few dabble in other networks
By Viewpoints | August 22, 2012
A new survey of 50 cruise companies has indicated an overwhelming preference for using Facebook Fan pages over Twitter profiles. Read More
Rough guide to understanding consumer generated media in travel
News / Online
Rough guide to understanding consumer generated media in travel
By Viewpoints | August 21, 2012
Marketing a company image and building a brand name's popularity used to be largely in the hands of the company itself. Read More
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
News / Online
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
By Kevin May | July 10, 2012
It's been over 18 months since there was any official action on the Apple iTravel front - but perhaps things will stir once again after the regulators approved a number of important patents. Read More
Cunard admits data security failure, 1,000+ passenger details emailed out to other guests
News / Online
Cunard admits data security failure, 1,000+ passenger details emailed out to other guests
By Kevin May | June 25, 2012
Cruise giant Cunard is trying to allay concerns amongst customers after an email was sent containing confidential details of some 1,200 passengers. Read More
iCloud Photo Stream exposes Disney Cruise crew member in missing iPhone caper
News / Online
iCloud Photo Stream exposes Disney Cruise crew member in missing iPhone caper
By Dennis Schaal | May 29, 2012
There is, pardon the expression, a "takeaway" if you are snapping photos with a stolen iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or even Apple TV -- iCloud Photo Stream may sync you in the end. Read More
StartUP Chile pioneer releases cruise planning guide
News / Online
StartUP Chile pioneer releases cruise planning guide
By Dennis Schaal | May 18, 2012
CruiseWise, which was the first participant in a Chilean-government program for early-stage startups, released a downloadable cruise travel guide for trip-planning and in-destination purposes. Read More
Cheapflights bans clumsy mobile handoffs
News / Online
Cheapflights bans clumsy mobile handoffs
By Dennis Schaal | May 11, 2012
Airline-deal publisher Cheapflights has laid down the law for its mobile websites in the US and UK -- there will be no flights shown from intermediaries or suppliers unless they have quality mobile... Read More
CruiseWise hopes to sail into the busy and growing online cruise booking sector
News / Online
CruiseWise hopes to sail into the busy and growing online cruise booking sector
By Kevin May | February 19, 2012
TLabs Showcase on travel startups featuring US-based CruiseWise, a new, content-led and map-based online travel agency focusing on cruise trips. Read More
Saddest but probably one of the most popular webcams on the planet right now
News / Online
Saddest but probably one of the most popular webcams on the planet right now
By Kevin May | February 3, 2012
Such as been the worldwide focus on the Costa Concordia incident off the coast of Italy in January that one unlikely beneficiary has been a local news service on the island of Giglio. Read More