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.

Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from startups on what they look for in investors. Read More
Direct Ferries brings new investor on board
News / Online
Direct Ferries brings new investor on board
June 14, 2023
ICG, Livingbridge, the founding Davies family and management all contributed to the undisclosed round. Read More
Top investors in travel tech 2023
News / Startups
Top investors in travel tech 2023
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 12, 2023
This new annual feature is based on data from Phocuswright to identify travel tech investors that have participated in at least four non-debt funding rounds or at least three rounds of at least $10... Read More
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2023
News / Startups
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2023
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 12, 2023
This new annual feature is based on data from Phocuswright to identify travel tech investors that have participated in at least four non-debt funding rounds or at least three rounds of at least $10... Read More
Influencers v. advertisers - why travel marketing is transforming
Opinion / Online
Influencers v. advertisers - why travel marketing is transforming
By Noa Greenfield - Travelier | June 5, 2023
Today’s travelers are turning to social media to inspire their next trip; travel markets should adapt accordingly. Read More
Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
News / Online
Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
By PhocusWire | June 2, 2023
Known as Phocal Point, the platform makes it easy for users to create custom interactive charts and interpret travel data by segment, channel, device, region and country.   Read More
Is pent-up travel demand at an end? It depends
News / Online
Is pent-up travel demand at an end? It depends
By Johanna Jainchill – Travel Weekly | May 24, 2023
Analyses from Mastercard and Bank of America found the answer varies by travel segment and could depend on the labor market and other factors.   Read More
Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options
News / Online
Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options
By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023
The ride-hailing company’s third annual Go-GET product event announced a couple of travel-focused updates, including concierge service at partner hotels and boat reservations on a Greek island. Read More
Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
News / Technology
Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software
By Derek Catron | May 16, 2023
The private equity giant invested $170 million for a minority stake in IBS Software in 2015. It’s agreed to sell its interests to Apax Partners for about $450 million.   Read More
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
News / Online
Expedia Group launches OneKeyCash for partners
By Kathryn Walson | May 12, 2023
The new rewards currency is intended to target the 83% of consumers who travel too infrequently to earn status or meaningful rewards. Read More
Travel agents' growing cruise sales may reverse trend to direct
News / Online
Travel agents' growing cruise sales may reverse trend to direct
By Andrea Zelinski - Travel Weekly | April 25, 2023
Travel agents have seen their share of cruise bookings plummet during the pandemic as direct sales soared, but the dominance of the advisor channel is predicted to snap back by 2025.   Read More
Travelport tech chief talks moving the needle on NDC
News / Distribution
Travelport tech chief talks moving the needle on NDC
By Linda Fox | April 19, 2023
Tom Kershaw, chief product and technology officer at Travelport, talks about the current state of NDC, real progress in 2023 and moving the needle on adoption. Read More
InteleTravel acquisition
News / Online
InteleTravel acquisition links leisure and business travel
By Kathryn Walson | April 12, 2023
InteleTravel and Hickory Global Partners said that by merging resources they can better cater to the blended travel market. Read More
travel-talk-industry-do-better
News / Online
Travel Talk: Where can the industry do better?
By PhocusWire | April 3, 2023
Northstar Travel Group's editorial leaders discuss sustainability, DEI and other areas where there is room for future improvement.   Read More
travel-talk-travel-fully-back
News / Online
Travel Talk: Is travel fully back?
By PhocusWire | March 20, 2023
While most industry sectors have been rebounding, travel experts suggest areas where caution may be merited.     Read More