Travel and Cruise

River cruises are currently a hot trend, experiencing unprecedented growth fueled by a growing number of vacationers preferring smaller ships with fewer people onboard. The flexibility to deboard more often is another highly valued characteristic. However, river cruises contain complex itineraries with multiple ports, more destination or land-based programs and must cater to varied first- and last-mile needs of its niche clientele. So, are river cruise lines leveraging the latest technology to reach a wider demographic and enticing river cruise enthusiasts and first-timers alike, with a differ...

One of the biggest advantages of cruise travel is the inherent value it offers. The combination of accommodation, sightseeing, opulent dining options, and endless entertainment offer great value for money compared to other alternatives. Yet, as the travel industry shifts from a product-centric to a guest-centric model, new complexities and opportunities arise. But cruise lines have a tremendous advantage. The first element travelers book for a cruise vacation is the cruise itself. This gives cruise lines first insights into a guest's plans, well ahead of other potential service providers. Conv...

With sailing beginning to pick up in many parts of the world, people are increasingly flocking to cruise lines for a much-needed vacation. Typically, people choose a cruise holiday because they want an immersive experience that will completely unplug them from their day-to-day lives. To meet these customer expectations, cruise lines scrutinize every detail to ensure premium guest experiences. Point of Sale (PoS) technology is an area that still warrants a revamp for many cruise lines. As guests visit bars, restaurants, shops, or other onboard amenities, PoS systems are critical enablers of a s...

Preserving cash and reducing costs is critical for cruise lines as they've seen their revenues dwindle to practically zero during the ongoing pandemic. Part of their strategy to preserve liquidity as voyages get canceled is using wallet technology to offer their guests "future cruise credits" (FCCs), instead of cash refunds. Typically, reimbursements via FCCs were offered when sporadic or localized service disruptions occurred. However, with the unprecedented nature of the current crisis and continued uncertainty around the industry´s recovery, cruise lines had to improvise. In a bid to retain...

In its steady evolution as a mainstream vacation alternative, the cruise industry has gone through several perspective shifts. Per CLIA's latest state of the cruise industry report, guests are increasingly expecting cruise lines to provide transformational experiences. By providing a ken of experiences from cultural immersion and "volun-tourism" to extreme adventures, those returning from a cruise are expecting a shift in perspective and a profound sense of accomplishment. In an earnest bid to help guests push the envelope on their vacations and to create unique encounters to take back ho...