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.

Amazon expands travel partners for Cyber Week deals
News / Online
Amazon expands travel partners for Cyber Week deals
By Morgan Hines | November 12, 2024
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines,Viator, Princess Cruises, Visit Florida, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and many other travel suppliers are partnering with the online retail giant. Read More
Traveltek latest to be acquired by Juniper Group
News / Technology
Traveltek latest to be acquired by Juniper Group
By Linda Fox | October 30, 2024
Juniper Group, part of Vela Software and Constellation Software, continues its acquisition spree with cruise and dynamic packaging tech specialist Traveltek. Read More
Cruisebound brings travel industry veterans on board with $13M investment
News / Startups
Cruisebound brings travel industry veterans on board with $13M investment
By Mileva Sapic | October 29, 2024
Cruisebound said it has been hitting growth milestones over the past two years, including securing triple-digit annual revenue growth. It has also unveiled an AI chatbot and flexible payment options. Read More
How Goldjoy Travel found its sweet spot in the online cruise market
News / Technology
How Goldjoy Travel found its sweet spot in the online cruise market
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | October 11, 2024
A panel discussion at Cruise World Asia tackled “how to bulletproof your travel agency business with technology” with speakers from Goldjoy Travel and GlobalTix. Read More
How digitalization and consolidation will fuel growth in global cruise distribution
From Our Partners / Distribution
How digitalization and consolidation will fuel growth in global cruise distribution
By E-hoi | September 24, 2024
Online cruise distribution remains one of the remaining untapped vanguards amongst all online travel. Read More
Phocuswire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amadeus, Thayer Ventures, Sabre, Cloudbeds and more
News / Distribution
Phocuswire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amadeus, Thayer Ventures, Sabre, Cloudbeds and more
By PhocusWire | September 20, 2024
Keep up with all the latest people, product and partner news from around the global travel industry in PhocusWire's weekly roundup. Read More
Marriott CEO on shifting loyalty from transactional to emotional
News / Online
Marriott CEO on shifting loyalty from transactional to emotional
By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2024
Hotel loyalty programs have traditionally been focused on room nights as the primary redemption offering, but Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano believes Bonvoy can go far beyond traditional expectations. Read More
IDeaS partners with Virgin Voyages for cruise revenue management
News / Technology
IDeaS partners with Virgin Voyages for cruise revenue management
By Morgan Hines | September 12, 2024
The two companies are developing a solution that will provide demand forecasting, inventory management and pricing automation.     Read More
Report: The power of affiliate marketing to drive customer acquisition for travel brands
From Our Partners / Online
Report: The power of affiliate marketing to drive customer acquisition for travel brands
By Diane Merlino | August 27, 2024
Affiliate marketing has long been associated with end-of-the-funnel conversion, but with the proliferation of digital partners available for campaigns, that is no longer the case. Read More
Earnings roundup: TUI Group, TBO Tek, Yatra, Mondee
News / Online
Earnings roundup: TUI Group, TBO Tek, Yatra, Mondee
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2024
As publicly traded travel companies continue to report their earnings quarter that ended June 30, we round up the latest reports. Read More
Could Amazon become a major player in travel?
News / Online
Could Amazon become a major player in travel?
By Morgan Hines | July 19, 2024
There has been speculation for years about how and when Amazon might enter the travel sphere - and if it would be successful in that kind of venture. Amazon's Prime Day travel deals beg the question... Read More
Apollo Funds to acquire the Travel Corporation
News / Online
Apollo Funds to acquire the Travel Corporation
By Morgan Hines | July 16, 2024
The group that includes 18 brands such as Contiki, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar will be acquired after more than a century under the ownership and operation of the Tollman family. Read More
Carnival, Southwest, Viator to sell travel deals on Amazon Prime Day
News / Online
Carnival, Southwest, Viator to sell travel deals on Amazon Prime Day
By Morgan Hines | July 11, 2024
The opportunity to sell with Amazon is appealing, according to the brands included in Amazon's Prime Day travel deals that seek to meet travelers where they are shopping. Read More
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
News / Technology
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
By Morgan Hines | June 6, 2024
Expedia Group, Airbnb, Mindtrip and many other companies are looking to simplify group travel planning. Read More
How brands are using interactive video to sell travel seamlessly
News / Technology
How brands are using interactive video to sell travel seamlessly
By Morgan Hines | May 29, 2024
With interactive video, technology brands are taking the capability further - making booking more seamless for travelers - and marketing more effective for brands. Read More