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.

Princess Cruises' John Padgett talks technology and creating value
News / Technology
Princess Cruises' John Padgett talks technology and creating value
By Arnie Weissmann - Travel Weekly | November 21, 2023
John Padgett led development of the MagicBand for Disney and the Ocean Medallion for Princess Cruises, where he is now president. Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: SquadTrip
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: SquadTrip
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
SquadTrip’s B2B software-as-a-service helps travel agents save time managing group with an all-in-one marketing, booking and payment platform. Read More
More than one-third of leisure travelers have used GenAI tools, report says
News / Technology
More than one-third of leisure travelers have used GenAI tools, report says
By Morgan Hines | November 10, 2023
More than half of leisure travelers who have used generative artificial intelligence planning tools booked most or all of the recommendations provided by the chatbot. Read More
How influencer content is reaping rewards for travel companies
News / Online
How influencer content is reaping rewards for travel companies
By Linda Fox | November 10, 2023
A study from Jerne, a platform connecting creators with experience providers, shows the results of a hosted influencer visit in terms of post engagement from fans and followers. Read More
Booking.com adds cruise content in partnership with World Travel Holdings
News / Distribution
Booking.com adds cruise content in partnership with World Travel Holdings
By Mitra Sorrells | November 10, 2023
U.S. consumers can now access more than 10,000 sailings on more than 30 cruise lines from 55 departure points around the world.     Read More
Amadeus shares optimistic outlook, reports positive earnings
News / Online
Amadeus shares optimistic outlook, reports positive earnings
By Morgan Hines | November 7, 2023
Amadeus’ total revenue was up more than 14% in the quarter, with the biggest jump coming from its air distribution and air IT solutions segments. Read More
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
News / Online
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
By Morgan Hines | October 19, 2023
Mondee is combining AI with human support to help anyone sell travel - and the newly-public company has big plans for growth.  Read More
Cruising on the data wave: How technology shapes personalized experiences at sea
From Our Partners / Technology
Cruising on the data wave: How technology shapes personalized experiences at sea
By Jeff Zotara - Arrivia | September 26, 2023
As cruise lines sail into the future, the proliferation of technological innovations has reshaped the accessibility of passenger data and, with it, the ability to tailor the passenger experience.  Read More
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
News / Online
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2023
Make plans to attend The Phocuswright Conference in November for Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young Leaders and... Read More
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
News / Distribution
Travel tech platform Mondee acquires Skypass, reports Q2 net revenue of $57M
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2023
Skypass is the fourth acquisition for Texas-based Mondee this year, as the company looks to expand both geographically and into new content and distribution channels. Read More
Earnings roundup: Amex GBT, Sonder, Vacasa and TUI Group
News / Online
Earnings roundup: Amex GBT, Sonder, Vacasa and TUI Group
By Mitra Sorrells | August 11, 2023
As publicly traded travel companies continue to report their earnings for the three months ending in June, we round up the latest reports.   Read More
EaseMyTrip expands through three acquisitions in India
News / Online
EaseMyTrip expands through three acquisitions in India
By Linda Fox | August 3, 2023
The acquisitions, which will be paid for by equity shares, are Guideline Travels Holidays, TripShope Travel Technologies and Dook Travels and are part of EaseMyTrip's growth strategy. Read More
Buy now, pay later travel solution Uplift acquired for $100M
News / Online
Buy now, pay later travel solution Uplift acquired for $100M
By Mitra Sorrells | July 27, 2023
Upgrade, which offers banking, credit and payment products directly to consumers, has acquired Uplift, which provides solutions used by more than 300 airlines, cruise lines and hotel chains in the U.S.... Read More
Carnival hits facial recognition tech milestone
News / Technology
Carnival hits facial recognition tech milestone
By Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | July 21, 2023
Carnival is expanding its use of facial recognition technology, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to speed-up disembarkation. Read More
Aeronology launches new global marketplace for ticket services
News
Aeronology launches new global marketplace for ticket services
By Mitra Sorrells | July 20, 2023
Australia-based Aeronology, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2023, has launched AeroTickets, which it says is the world’s first “global ticket center solution.” Read More