Cruise Line Industry & Business News by Skift

Lindblad CEO Wants Expedition Travel to Stay Niche

Hannah Sampson, Skift

More people are visiting hard-to-reach destinations, and the travel companies that take them there are reckoning with the impact of the higher volume of tourists. How much growth is too much? We'll probably find out in the coming years.

6 days ago

3 Big Challenges Cruise Lines Still Have to Overcome in China

Hannah Sampson, Skift

China has been full of ups and downs as the cruise industry has grown its presence in the market. Identifying the cause of the downs — and taking steps to manage the factors that can be controlled — should help operators find stability.

3 weeks ago

Carnival Sees a ‘Hurricane Hangover’ in Parts of the Caribbean

Hannah Sampson, Skift

Travelers held off on booking cruises to the Caribbean in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes. One big question is how many of them will want to risk sailing during this year's hurricane season — and at what prices.

1 month ago

TUI Group Is Quietly Joining the Cruise Heavyweights

Patrick Whyte, Skift

TUI Group is slowly building up quite a formidable cruise operation. How long before it starts to consider buying out joint venture partner Royal Caribbean?

1 month ago

Royal Caribbean Ends Its Joint Venture With Ctrip in China

Hannah Sampson, Skift

Cruise lines had a lot of big plans for China a few years ago, but as the market has cooled, those plans are changing. SkySea Cruises shows that winning Chinese travelers isn't as easy as taking an old ship and tailoring it to local preferences.

1 month ago

Expedition Cruise CEOs Expect Prices to Fall as Sector Booms

Hannah Sampson, Skift

Expedition cruising doesn't get as much attention as mass-market operators that boast of multiple restaurants and flashy water slides. But the sector is growing, and that presents opportunities as well as challenges in catering to travelers who are seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

1 month ago

Royal Caribbean Is Making a Billion-Dollar Push for New Cruisers

Hannah Sampson, Skift

Cruise industry players talk constantly about attracting first-timers. Royal Caribbean International is putting some serious cash behind that talk with its new investments into private destinations and ship upgrades.

1 month ago

River Cruise Line Uniworld Gives Up on Millennial-Only Rule for New Brand

Hannah Sampson, Skift

One thing we know about millennials is they don't like to be pigeonholed. Was a millennial-focused cruise line something they really wanted? It looks like the answer is no. Joon, of Air France notoriety, take note.

2 months ago

Virgin Voyages Is Counting on Its Brand to Win Over Cruise Skeptics

Hannah Sampson , Skift

Virgin Voyages is emphatic about being a different kind of cruise player while planning to sail from the world's busiest cruise port to the most popular destination. The difference will be in the details, and we're still waiting for most of those.

2 months ago

Cruise CEOs Want to Ease Overtourism Without Taking Blame

Hannah Sampson, Skift

As much as cruise lines don't want to take responsibility for contributing to overtourism, there's no denying that they flood destinations with thousands of visitors in a short time. The fact that they are discussing ways to do that more thoughtfully is a good step.

2 months ago

Ritz-Carlton Is Trying to Bring a Yacht Experience to Cruising

Sara Clemence, Bloomberg

Ritz-Carlton isn't the first cruise line that's drawn inspiration from yachts — Carnival Corporation's luxury Seabourn used to be called the Yachts of Seabourn, after all. But the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have the fresh benefit of loyal hotel guests and a well-known brand as it launches the line.

2 months ago

Royal Caribbean Is Convinced It Has the Smarts to Woo Millennials

Hannah Sampson, Skift

The CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises knows millennials are in the market to create memories — and with the largest cruise ships in the world, he is well-positioned to deliver what those passengers want.

2 months ago