Cruise Industry Research Articles

Innovative Research on Talent Cultivation Models for the International Cruise Ship Management Major

This study aims to explore innovations in the talent cultivation model for the international cruise ship management major. By analyzing the current development status of the international cruise industry and the challenges faced by talent cultivation, this study proposes a brand-new talent cultivation model. This model combines theory and practice, focusing on innovations in curriculum design and teaching content, reforming practical teaching and internship models, and strengthening the construction of the teaching faculty. Through empirical analysis and case studies, the effectiveness and feasibility of this innovative model are verified, providing new ideas and methods for cultivating talents in international cruise management.

Exploration on the Training Methods of English Listening and Speaking Skills for Cruise Major

This article explores training methods for listening and speaking skills in cruise professional English, aiming to improve students' English proficiency to meet the demands of the cruise industry. The paper first analyzes the current status and existing problems of cruise professional English teaching, then emphasizes the importance of listening and speaking skills in cruise work. Subsequently, this article proposes a series of innovative training methods for listening and speaking skills, including practical simulations, role-playing, and the utilization of multimedia and online resources. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified through empirical research, and corresponding teaching suggestions are provided.

Research on A Task-Based Teaching Model for Cruise Ship Professional English

This paper aims to explore a task-based teaching model for cruise professional English. By analyzing the development of the cruise industry and the current status of cruise professional English teaching, it reveals the existing problems and challenges in teaching. Based on this, a task-based teaching model is constructed, and the theoretical basis, task analysis and design, and specific implementation steps of the model are elaborated. The effectiveness of the teaching model is verified through empirical research, and targeted teaching suggestions are proposed. This study aims to provide new ideas and methods for cruise professional English teaching to improve teaching quality and effectiveness.

Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024.

Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. During November 2022-June 2024, CDC was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires disease among travelers on two cruise ships; eight on cruise ship A and four on cruise ship B. CDC, in collaboration with the cruise lines, initiated investigations to ascertain the potential sources of on-board exposure after notification of the second potentially associated case for each ship. Epidemiologic data collected from patient interviews and environmental assessment and sampling results identified private hot tubs on selected cabin balconies as the most likely exposure source. To minimize Legionella growth, both cruise lines modified the operation and maintenance of these devices by removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning. Hot tubs offer favorable conditions for Legionella growth and transmission when maintained and operated inadequately, regardless of location. Private hot tubs on cruise ships are not subject to the same maintenance requirements as are public hot tubs in common areas. Given the range of hot tub-type devices offered as amenities across the cruise industry, to reduce risk for Legionella growth and transmission, it is important for cruise ship water management program staff members to inventory and assess private balcony hot tubs and adapt public hot tub maintenance and operations protocols for use on private outdoor hot tubs.

The impact of onboarding practices on employee retention in the cruise industry

ABSTRACT This study investigates effective onboarding practices in the cruise industry, examining the interplay between onboarding, hospitality and seafaring occupations due to limited existing research. Using an exploratory mixed-method approach, the researchers employed insider and outsider perspectives to critically analyse employee challenges and company onboarding practices. The research, conducted through qualitative surveys and semi-structured interviews with purposive sampling, reveals that while companies generally provide a welcoming environment, there is a need for improvement in meeting expectations and providing detailed, structured information. The findings emphasise the importance of enhancing these areas to boost new crew members’ preparedness, confidence and satisfaction. Additionally, data highlights the critical role of managing expectations and satisfaction during preboarding, underlining the significant impact of effective communication on employee retention in this unique industry.

Forecasts for the Development of the Cruise Industry: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

The article is devoted to the analysis of current trends affecting the global cruise tourism market. The paper examines the key growth factors of the industry, including technological innovations, changes in consumer preferences and the impact of environmental regulations. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the challenges faced by cruise line operators, such as global economic fluctuations, pandemic threats and increased competition. Potential opportunities for sustainable growth are also being discussed, including the development of new routes, infrastructure improvements and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. In conclusion, conclusions are drawn about the prospects of the cruise industry in a rapidly changing global landscape and recommendations are offered for stakeholders to adapt to future changes and optimize development strategies.

Power Generation Optimization for Next-Generation Cruise Ships with MVDC Architecture: A Dynamic Modeling and Simulation Approach

The cruise industry is obliged by economic and environmental initiatives to pursue fuel-efficient solutions and lower ship exhaust emissions. The medium voltage DC (MVDC) distribution with intelligent power management has become a concept for next-generation onboard power systems as its energy-saving feature is to eliminate the frequency constraint and simultaneously optimize engine loads and speed in response to load variations. The incentive for this transition lies on one hand in the fuel efficiency consideration and the reduction of power losses from serial conversion stages. On the other hand, the DC-based technology has been conceived as high-power density design, thus significantly increasing the payload. This study investigates such potential benefits focusing exclusively on large cruise vessels. A highly representative model of the integrated power platform that incorporates all dynamic interactions from the ship hull and essential machinery typically installed on board cruise ships is proposed. The power management strategy also takes account of actual sea conditions and real-time operation requirements. The simulation results demonstrate that the optimization-based MVDC system is able to maximize the opportunity of search agents in finding optimum fuel efficiency areas throughout the scenario time. An analysis of the system structure weight and space reduction of the MVDC architecture is also performed through the utilization of more compact electrical distribution devices and very high power-dense combustion turbines.

Seasonality in the cruise industry: Activity, prices and regionality

Seasonality in the cruise industry: Activity, prices and regionality

Do Underlying Physical Specifications of a Servicescape Matter? The Case of the Cruise Industry

Understanding customer satisfaction in the cruise industry has mainly focused on intangible attributes like dining and spa experiences. This study explores the impact of cruise-ship servicescape, shaped by physical characteristics such as size and width. Our research confirms the impact of servicescape on passenger satisfaction within the cruise industry. Specifically, passengers typically prefer newer, stable, and less crowded ships. We advocate for greater attention to servicescape design for a distinct, sustainable competitive advantage. Recognizing its significance can enhance customer experiences and market positioning. In addition to contributing to the research on the cruise industry and servicescape literature, this study provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders to enhance their understanding and management of customer satisfaction.

A Comparative Analysis of Pricing Approaches in the Cruise Industry in Response to Dynamic Pricing Factors

This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of various pricing strategies used in the cruise industry, emphasizing dynamic pricing. It examines the strengths and considerations of five key pricing strategies and their responsiveness to real - time market changes. The paper highlights the importance of aligning pricing strategies with business goals and market conditions, specifically focusing on the cruise industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. This article is significant as it provides a detailed comparison of various pricing strategies in the cruise industry, offering insights into how dynamic market factors influence pricing decisions. Such analysis is crucial for businesses seeking competitive advantages in this industry.

Study on the Financial Performance of the Cruise Industry Based on Entropy TOPSIS Method

Study on the Financial Performance of the Cruise Industry Based on Entropy TOPSIS Method

Layout Characteristics and Design Principles of Atrium Integrated Space

With the development of China's cruise tourism industry, it is necessary to study the design and construction of cruise ships, especially the central atrium, which is an important part of public area design and represents the quality and characteristics of the entire ship's design. However, compared with Europe, China's research foundation for large-scale cruise ship design is still lacking. Therefore, studying the spatial layout characteristics of the central atrium is of great significance for improving China's cruise industry. This article focuses on the design principles and characteristics of integrated space layout in the central atrium of cruise ships. By applying basic theories from architecture, shipbuilding engineering, aesthetics, international maritime safety conventions and technology to analyzing representative central atria from 25 typical domestic and foreign cruise brands through data collection and research methods including mathematical statistics methodology, clustering methodology and cases research methodology. Through comparison and generalization of the cases, the study eventually summarizes six overall principles and four structural principles for designing integrated space in the central atrium of a cruise ship. The six overall principles include safety, rationality, applicability, artistry, coordination and technique-economics. The four structural principles include clear space circulation, natural spatial connection, theme coordination & unification and prominent key levels. This study provides insights into designing integrated space in the central atriums of cruise ships that hopefully can be applied in improving China's cruise design work while also supporting guidance for future related fields. Keywords: central atrium of cruise ship, integrated space, design principles, functional layout, decoration style

Biodiversity disclosure in the cruise industry: empirical research challenges

ABSTRACT This study aims to discover the sustainable initiatives and practices adopted on-board cruise ships to protect and preserve marine biodiversity. Specifically, it focuses on waste issues to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 of the UN 2030 Agenda for mitigating marine biodiversity loss. Using a single-case study methodology, Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability behaviour has been investigated through both automated and manual content analysis of its sustainability reports (2020–2021–2022) and website. The results outline the waste management systems (SDG12) adopted on-board cruise ships to overcome marine biodiversity loss. At the same time, the extent of the benefits of these systems on marine biodiversity remains unquantified in the biodiversity disclosure within the Carnival Corporation Plc’s sustainability reporting according to international environmental standards. This study contributes to the cruise tourism literature focusing on the under-investigated positive impact of waste management systems on biodiversity.

Cultural globalization at sea: the rise of the modern Caribbean cruise industry

ABSTRACT Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian—the largest cruise lines today—emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, advertising their packaged vacations to a growing audience of middle-class Americans interested in encountering cultural difference. This article argues that, beginning in the late 1970s and continuing into the following decade, the cultural representations that these mass-market companies leveraged drew on Eurocentric understandings of Caribbean societies, homogenizing those countries despite attempts to showcase difference. These companies also reimagined global cultures Eurocentrically in onboard themed experiences. As both a product and agent of globalization, the mass-market cruise industry selectively deployed referents in ways that increased the appeal of cruising as escapism while reducing the likelihood of cultural confusion and reassuring passengers of their comfort. Through these processes, companies produced cruise ships as metaspaces while simultaneously expanding the construction of metaspaces to ports as they gained economic and political power in the Caribbean. This process resulted in the erasure of cultural difference.

Which trust layer better counterbalances the risk impact on travel intentions in a crisis scenario?

The severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry has revived academic interest in evaluating the strategic role of trust in crises. As a force able to mitigate uncertainty and vulnerability, trust can influence people's travel decision-making process. Extant tourism crisis literature concentrates on individual trust levels in isolation, neglecting its multi-faceted nature. Therefore, a research gap emerges in identifying trust layers that most effectively enhance the intention to travel. In order to address this gap, this study adopts a multi-layered trust perspective rooted in the protection motivation theory (PMT). This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of multi-layer trust as a coping mechanism to enhance intention to travel in the cruise industry. This study uses survey data from 661 cruisers and applies structural equation modeling to test hypotheses empirically. Results highlight that trust in the company and interpersonal trust are the most effective antecedents of the intention to travel, effectively mitigating the perceived health risk. Conversely, trust in the vaccine and trust in the certification show no significant influence on the intention to travel. Therefore, in times of crisis, cruise lines should leverage trust in the company and interpersonal trust as strategic tools to counterbalance the perceived health risks and stimulate travel intentions.

REALIZATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE TOURISM

The article analyzes the potential opportunities for cruise tourism in the Mediterranean region, which is known for its favorable climatic conditions and the variety of accessible ports throughout most of the year. The Mediterranean can be defined as a classic cruise destination, contributing to the development and expansion of leisure services. It is noted that over the past three decades, the global cruise market has shown continuous growth with minor disruptions in the crisis years, which was devastatingly interrupted by the pandemic, but today the cruise tourism market expects a significant surge, which is due to a strong recovery of the global economy, an increase in the number of wealthy individuals (HNWI), expansion of on-board capabilities and offers, as well as state support for the cruise industry. The need to update the existing infrastructure of cruise terminals in MedCruise ports is shown to meet the growing demand, which reflects a positive trend in the market of marine tourism services. The water area for Mediterranean cruises is presented, which is divided into three regions: the Western Mediterranean, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. The Western Mediterranean, largely due to its historical and economic heritage, will strengthen its position as a leader. It is emphasized that the Mediterranean regions implement relatively short-term cruise tours compared to other areas of the world's tourism industry. A new trend in the growth of the cruise travel market has been revealed due to the improvement of port infrastructure to meet the growing demand for sea tourism. It is emphasized that the economic benefits of cruise activities for port cities create an argument for their investment. Ways to activate the potential of the Mediterranean cruise sector through the creation of effective marketing strategies to attract passengers to new attractive routes and shore excursions, as well as diversification of the portfolio of offers to attract and increase the number of tourists, are outlined.

From turbulence to recovery: tracking the cognition-sentiment-behaviour transformation among Chinese cruise industry stakeholders

ABSTRACT Amid unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic, understanding the evolving dynamics among key stakeholders in the cruise industry becomes vital for fostering recovery and sustainable growth. This study employs a multi-faceted analytical approach, utilising Python for data collection across multiple channels and integrating Social Network Analysis, LDA Thematic Modelling, Sentiment Analysis, and the Moving Average Method. Our findings illuminate the complex interplay between cognitive adjustments, sentiment shifts, and behavioural changes that characterise stakeholders’ responses throughout the pandemic. We unveil distinctive patterns of sentiment and behavioural adaptation among different stakeholder groups, underpinned by their specific interests and objectives. The research highlights the critical roles of government and cruise companies in spearheading the industry's revival, emphasising their influential capacity to shape positive sentiment and proactive engagement in the sector's growth. Furthermore, the study reveals the vulnerability of prospective tourists to external adverse events, impacting their perceptions and potential engagement with cruise tourism. By delving into these multifaceted dynamics, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of stakeholder-oriented strategies essential for the orderly recovery and future resilience of China's cruise industry in a post-pandemic world.

Antecedents of residents’ support for cruise tourism in the Bahamas during the era of COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis study aims to disclose the antecedent factors for predicting support for cruise tourism in the Bahamas. It investigated the relationship between residents’ support for cruise tourism and the four indicators that were the positive/negative impact of cruise tourism on the community, perceived conflicts in sharing information and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachUsing 278 surveys of local residents near major cruise ports in the Bahamas, this study identified the salient variables in tourism impact and conflict factors. The survey questionnaire was adapted and developed from relevant studies and modified to suit the context of cruise tourism.FindingsThe results revealed that residents’ perceived conflict was insignificantly associated with their support for cruise tourism. In contrast, their concerns about COVID-19 and perceptions of the positive and negative cruise tourism impacts were statistically significant in predicting the likelihood of support for tourism.Originality/valueThis study suggests implications for enhancing the long-term growth of the cruise industry, which is vulnerable to environmental threats such as Covid-19.

Cruise market investigation and price optimization: what do consumers want?

PurposeThis study aims to examine consumer perception during COVID-19 and identifies cruise industry marketing strategies to fill a gap in crisis management and product pricing literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed and validated two-factor measurement scales (vaccine perception and protective behavior), which predicted cruise intents well. This study revealed how geo-regional factors affect consumer psychology through spatial analysis.FindingsThis study recommended pricing 7-day cruises at $1,464 (the most preferred length). The results also showed that future price hikes would not affect demand and that coastal marketing would help retain customers.Originality/valueThis study contributed to the business, hospitality and tourism literature by identifying two new and unique factors (vaccine perception and protective behaviors), which were found to affect consumers’ intention to travel by cruise significantly. The result provided a better understanding of cruise tourists’ pricing preferences and the methods utilized could easily be applied to other cruise markets or tourism entities.

Integrating multi-dimensional decision-making and quorum valuation for sustainability assessment of the cruise industry

Recently, sustainability has been an essential aspect of the cruise industry, and academics and professionals are evaluating its sustainable development based on environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, most previous studies have not considered the interactions between the dimensions in the analysis process. To address this gap, this study proposes a model for evaluating the sustainable development of the cruise industry called MDDM-QV. This model integrates the Multidimensional Decision Making (MDDM) method and Quorum Valuation (QV) operator, which improves decision processes by providing measures of majority opinion and consensus. The model has been applied to the cruise industry in Málaga, which is one of the main cruise ports in the Mediterranean. The results show that the MDDM-QV integrated approach can be a robust method to provide strategies for the sustainable development of the cruise industry.