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.

How the cruise sector can use technology to help enhance the departure point experience
News / Online
How the cruise sector can use technology to help enhance the departure point experience
By Viewpoints | February 3, 2012
Despite some very high profile and recent setbacks, generally the cruise sector is growing - 16 million passengers cruised in 2011, a 7% increase over 2010. Read More
Travelzoo stats show cruise consumers taking to online
News / Online
Travelzoo stats show cruise consumers taking to online
By Linda Fox | January 4, 2012
Cruise holidays are increasingly booked online according to the latest research from Travelzoo demonstrating a shift in consumer behaviour Read More
Why mobile roaming charges are killing innovation in the cruise industry
News / Online
Why mobile roaming charges are killing innovation in the cruise industry
By Viewpoints | November 17, 2011
Every time there’s a major leap forward in communications, the travel industry has been there to embrace it. Read More
CruiseCompare taps Cheapflights for flash sale test
News / Online
CruiseCompare taps Cheapflights for flash sale test
By Kevin May | October 24, 2011
Looks like no area of the industry is safe from those wanting to try the flash sale concept - this time its the cruise sector with UK metasearch site CruiseCompare having a go. Read More
Ensemble agents will be cruising with Passport Online booking engine
News / Online
Ensemble agents will be cruising with Passport Online booking engine
By Dennis Schaal | October 20, 2011
Will cruise agents put down the phone and turn to the Web for cruise shopping and booking? Read More
CruiseEdge brings lead-generation system to travel agents for cruises
News / Online
CruiseEdge brings lead-generation system to travel agents for cruises
By Kevin May | September 20, 2011
TLabs Showcase on travel startups featuring US-based CruiseEdge, a travel agent lead generation platform for cruise trips. Read More
Cruise Critic seals first deal to give user reviews to external agent site
News / Online
Cruise Critic seals first deal to give user reviews to external agent site
By Kevin May | September 19, 2011
Perhaps learning from the mothership, TripAdvisor-owned Cruise Critic has signed its first agreement to supply user reviews to a third party agent site, Virgin Holidays Cruises. Read More
Ship Mate brings cruise planning, port content and a social network to mobile
News / Online
Ship Mate brings cruise planning, port content and a social network to mobile
By Kevin May | September 12, 2011
TLabs Showcase on travel startups featuring US-based Ship Mate, a mobile application for leisure cruise passengers. Read More
Travel agent accuses cruise lines of stealing data, adds people to Facebook group without permission
News / Online
Travel agent accuses cruise lines of stealing data, adds people to Facebook group without permission
By Kevin May | August 31, 2011
Curious little tale kicking about for almost a week, after a UK-based travel agency boss created a Facebook group to start a campaign against cruise operators. Read More
TLabs Reprise - CruiseLabs 12 months on
News / Online
TLabs Reprise - CruiseLabs 12 months on
By Kevin May | August 19, 2011
CruiseLabs is a US-based cruise booking and technology company, which first featured on Tnooz in May 2010. So what happened in the intervening 12 months? Read More
Online agency sets sail with cruise spin-off BonVoyage
News / Online
Online agency sets sail with cruise spin-off BonVoyage
By Kevin May | August 17, 2011
Sunshine.co.uk has finally unveiled its major push to take on the cruise sector with the launch of BonVoyage today. Read More
TLabs Reprise - MeetOnCruise 12 months on
News / Online
TLabs Reprise - MeetOnCruise 12 months on
By Kevin May | August 2, 2011
MeetOnCruise is a US-based cruise trip social network, which first featured on Tnooz in June 2010. So what happened in the intervening 12 months? Read More
Carnival celebrates one million Facebook fans
News / Online
Carnival celebrates one million Facebook fans
By Kevin May | July 4, 2011
Doubles all round in the marketing department for Carnival Cruise Lines after passing the one million fan mark for its Facebook page. Read More
Do cruise lines lack the online gene?
By Dennis Schaal | April 28, 2011
A new study on the digital competence of 89 travel brands found many cruise lines adrift and all of them missing from the Top 10. Read More
Passengers want technology as well as cabaret on cruise ships
News / Online
Passengers want technology as well as cabaret on cruise ships
By Kevin May | April 25, 2011
Gone are the days when cruise passengers would sit idly on deckchairs during the day and endure the on-board cabaret by night - tech is taking over. Read More