Cruise Operations Research Articles

CRUISE TOURIST EXPERIENCE: AN ANALYSIS FROM TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

Cruise tourism has grown in popularity, making it essential to understand the experiences of tourists who choose this unique mode of travel. This study examines the cruise tourist experience through the analysis of TripAdvisor reviews, focusing on key factors that shape customer satisfaction and overall travel experience. Utilizing content analysis, a comprehensive dataset of cruise reviews was analyzed to identify recurring themes such as service quality, onboard activity, and perceived value The results indicate that positive cruise experiences are heavily influenced by personalized service, high-quality food, and diverse entertainment offerings, while negative experiences often stem from overcrowding, service delays, and itinerary changes. This research provides valuable insights into the aspects of cruise tourism that enhance or diminish customer satisfaction. These findings offer practical implications for cruise operators looking to improve service quality and enhance the overall travel experience for cruise passengers. Further research recommendations are provided to explore variations in experience across different demographics and cruise types.

Where are the cruise ships? mobility and immobility of cruises under COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to reveal the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of the static and dynamic distribution of global cruise ships, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed the global cruise network from "lines" to "points". This study collected trajectory data for 292 cruise ships and data for 789 cruise ports worldwide from March 2020 to July 2021. Based on the relationship between port and navigation, port management rights research, and port geography theory, we analyzed the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal migration of cruise ships with ArcGIS tools. It was found that, compared with normal times, the distribution of cruise ships in regional markets, countries, and ports showed stronger spatial agglomeration characteristics and formed four types, which were mainly influenced by differences in cruise operators' fleet scale, positioning, and itinerary. With the improvement of the epidemic, cruise ships trended to gather at the cruise home port. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an obvious separation between the epidemic prevention country, flag country, and operator country. Operators were inclined to berth their cruise ships in the countries where cruise ships were registered, countries of operators, and ports with high integration. Rather than simply emphasizing the static state of the cruise shipping network, the global cruise geography under the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the right relationship between ports, cruise ships, and companies. This study provides a methodological framework for analyzing the cruise shipping network at the port level and has practical implications for micro-interpretation of the dotted cruise shipping network during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Optimization of marine hybrid power energy consumption

Abstract The energy and power system of the ship is the core of the ship, and the composite energy storage plays a great role in reducing the load power fluctuation of the ship, which effectively optimizes the energy efficiency index and reliability of the ship. [Objective] To better optimize the ship energy management system, a control model is established according to the characteristics of the energy system of hybrid electric ships. [Method] Energy consumption optimization is carried out by using a rule-based energy control strategy and energy control strategy based on equivalent fuel consumption minimum (ECMS). The dynamic control and strategy of the hybrid ship were optimized, and the data simulation and real ship application were carried out on the hybrid experiment platform. [Results] According to the data and results of the real ship application, the following results were shown: The daily fuel saving rate of the ECMS strategy is 14.6% in normal operating conditions and 13.3% in cruise operating conditions. [Conclusion] It has a great effect on the improvement of ship energy efficiency.

A Study on the Impact of Cruise Tourism Experience on Satisfaction, Revisit Behavior, and Consumer Spending Behavior

Abstract This study focuses on exploring the impact of cruise tourism experiences on travelers' satisfaction, revisit intentions, and consumer spending behavior. By distributing questionnaires to cruise travelers and collecting 372 valid samples, the study conducted a comprehensive analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM). The empirical results show that cruise tourism experiences play a crucial role in enhancing travelers' intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction. These satisfaction factors further positively influence travelers' revisit behavior and directly increase their consumer spending, highlighting the critical role of cruise service quality in promoting tourism sustainability and enhancing economic benefits. Additionally, the study found that improvements in the quality of services provided by cruise operators, such as accommodation, dining, and entertainment, can significantly enhance travelers' overall satisfaction. This not only fosters customer loyalty but also positively influences customers' revisit behavior and consumer spending behavior. These findings provide empirical support for cruise operators in improving services and formulating market strategies. JEL classification numbers: Z30, Z32. Keywords: Cruise tourism experience, Satisfaction, Revisit behavior, Consumer spending behavior.

Satisfaction of passengers - process comparison between three different cruise ship classes

In cruise ship design, a ship designer often focuses on the ship’s function, while a cruise operator’s focus is on the creation of a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience for passengers. Today, these two viewpoints are strongly connected, and thus, the way the inside of a ship is designed can impact how satisfied passengers are on their cruise journey. Thus, we need to figure out the best way to design a passenger ship from the perspective of the passengers themselves. In this paper, we analyse the differences in the combination passenger ship environmental elements and overall consumer satisfaction in two different cruise ship classes from the same ship operator, but from different eras. First, we present a theoretical framework and model for the cruise ship environment that consist of ambient, layout/design, social, product/service and onboard enjoyment factors. Then, by using data collected from the public domain, we compare two types of cruise ships using open-source data (N=755). This allows us to identify the factors contributing to the discrepancy in expectations across cruise guests. Based on this limited data, we create several linear regression models which indicates a favourable and statistically significant link between environmental elements and passengers' conduct while on board. Information processed this manner can be utilised to make informed decisions on cruise ship layout and amenities. In addition, the developed innovative KPI proved instrumental in influencing decision-making processes related to cruise ship designs and operations. Therefore, the findings from our research show a positive link between the onboard environment and the overall happiness of passengers.

Using a bottom-up method to assess cruise ship activity impacts on emissions during 2019–2020 in China

COVID-19 has had a serious impact on the development of the global shipping industry, especially since the impact on the cruise tourism industry was unprecedented. This study took cruise ships sailing in China ECA, China Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Yangtze River main line, and Xijiang River main line Chinese waters as an example to analyze the key changes in cruise ship emissions during the pandemic. Automatic identification system (AIS) data, vessel static data, and emission control regional data are used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cruise ship emissions from multiple perspectives such as a port-to-regional comparison. As such, a vessel emission model (i.e., a bottom-up method) is constructed in this research for predicting China ECA and EEZ cruise ship emissions. Compared with 2019, the cruise activities sailing in China's Emission Control Area (ECA) are mainly at berth, and the emissions of cruise ships have dropped significantly, with SOx emissions reduced by 59.11%. In addition, this study also calculates the carbon emissions of China's regional cruises, supplementing China's cruise carbon pool. The research results suggest that cruise operators may improve fuel efficiency, decrease vessel speed, improve routing and scheduling, and enhance fleet management in order to further mitigate the negative effects of the cruise tourism industry on the marine environment.

An assessment of factors for the cruise port of call selection: The modified fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Improving cruise ports of call is essential for enhancing the overall cruise experience for passengers, promoting tourism, and supporting the economic development of the regions served by these ports. Therefore, this article aims to assess selection factors (SFs) for the cruise port of call from the perspective of cruise operators (COs) and port operators (POs). In doing so, this paper first identifies SFs for the cruise port of call and establishes their hierarchical structure thanks to the extensive literature and expert brainstorming. Afterwards, The Modified Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (MFAHP) is developed to gauge the discrepancy in SFs between COs and POs. Empirical results from MFAHP pinpoint two significant SFs for POs to improve and attract their customers: customs, immigration control and quarantine (CIQ), and incentive measures. Besides, theoretical and managerial implications, and potential limitations for the next research are discussed.

Challenges of Using Fuel Cells to Deliver Aircraft Propulsion Power

Beside sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which offer an easy but expensive drop-in solution the use of hydrogen is discussed as an important way to decarbonise air traffic. According to a study performed by McKenzie on behalf of the “Fuel Cell and Hydrogen 2” and “Clean Sky 2” Joint undertakings hydrogen is the economical more viable option for small and medium range aircrafts1. For the smaller aircrafts electric propulsion using fuel cells to deliver the required electric power are the preferred choice from the economic perspective.Operating fuels cell on board of a flying aircraft is however not necessarily easy. An evident issue is the reduced air pressure at high altitudes. So, the barometric pressure at an altitude of 11,000 m is only 0.29 bar. Oxygen partial pressure is equally reduced to 61 mbar at constant oxygen concentration of 21 vol.%. In order to supply the stack either much higher flow rates are required at reduced pressures or a much higher compression. The former will create challenges regarding water management as a high gas flow in combination with reduced pressure accelerates the drying out of the membrane. Using HT-PEMFC instead would avoid the impact of water evaporation. However, the conditions are also likely to foster evaporation of phosphoric acid from the membrane electrode assembly. Here it will be investigate from published data if new HT-PEMFC membranes e.g. from Los Alamos National Laboratory2 would allow such a low pressure operation. Operating at high pressure will definitively challenge the system efficiency. Also, the characteristics of typical compressors render it difficult to achieve the required air compression rate of about 4.5 to increase pressure from 0.29 bar ambient to 1.3 bar stack pressure. This is, because during typical cruise operation power consumption and thus air need is strongly reduced.The variation of load and subsequently the likely variation of stack pressure can also cause challenges, in particular if after a period of low power requirements, a sudden increase in power demand needs to be answered. Such a situation will regularly be encountered for high load take off acceleration after taxying and potential waiting. Here hybridisation with a battery can be helpful to allow the fuel cell to power-up in time before take-off charging the battery used for electric taxying. More difficult is the irregular but for safety reason important situation of a go-around. During descend engines are typically operated at close to idle condition for a longer period of time. If no measures are taken to maintain stack temperature the temperature will reduce so that the immediate supply of power required for a go-around might not be available. Keeping the temperature at low load may however again cause dry-out or acid evaporation depending on whether the stack is LT- or HT-PEMFC based.In this contribution are more detailed analysis will be presented also striving to assign issues and their potential mitigation to component, stack or system level. Hydrogen-powered aviation: A fact-based study of hydrogen technology, economics, and climate impact by 205 0, Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union.K.-S. Lee, S. Maurya, Y. S. Kim, C. R. Kreller, M. S. Wilson, D. Larsen, S. E. Elangovan and R. Mukundan, Energy Environ. Sci., 11(4), 979–987 (2018).

A fast and efficient approach to estimate wild blueberry yield using machine learning with drone photography: Flight altitude, sampling method and model effects

Precise yield estimation is important for phenotyping and crop management but is challenging for large-scale and high-density crops, such as wild blueberries. Machine learning (ML) technology and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms created opportunities for more accurate and efficient yield estimation. RGB cameras are widely used in image processing due to their low cost, easy operation, and data analysis advantages. Here, we aimed to identify an effective, accurate, low-cost, and practical yield prediction method that can be applied to wild blueberry fields and potentially other high-density crops. Deep learning (DL) was overlooked due to its data-intensive training requirements, and the acquisition of image and yield data for wild blueberries is time-consuming and difficult. We evaluated the feasibility of using RF (Random Forest) and XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) models based on color and texture feature data obtained from UAV RGB images to predict wild blueberry yield, and tested the effect of flight altitude, sampling method, and ML model. We found that the XGBoost model trained on a systematically sampled dataset built from high-altitude color and texture features achieved the best prediction performance (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 542.01, and MAE = 379.94). Interestingly, images captured at a higher altitude (30 m) performed better compared to that at lower altitudes (5 and 15 m), which provides clear evidence supporting higher and more efficient UAV cruise operations. Our study provides a non-destructive, efficient, fast, and easy-to-use yield prediction method for large-scale and high-density crops, confirming its feasibility with wild blueberries.

Quantification of noise levels for the flying drones in accordance with operating condition

This study investigated quantification method of drone noise levels according to various operating conditions through the field measurements. In South Korea, a pilot credential is mandatorily required to operate a drone more than 250 g in accordance with the Aviation Safety Act. Pilot credentials are divided into 4 levels, and Type 1 credential is the highest grade for covering drones of 25 kg to 150 kg which are high-risk unmanned aerial vehicles. For the pilot credential test, a standard flight pattern is defined with various operating conditions such as taking-off, landing, hovering, cruise, triangular and circumferential flights. Accordingly, the environmental noise characteristics according to the standard flight pattern were measured for two types of drones. The measurements are carried out at three points which are 5 m apart from the center of the basic operational range, and one point which is 2 m apart from the center of the route passing-by during the cruise operation. As results, the appropriate evaluation indicators and measurement points were suggested by each operating condition. In addition, repeatability and reproducibility of the measurement results were discussed, and the relationship with environmental noise standards was reviewed.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Era: The Mediating Role of Relationship Quality and Perceived Value on Cruise Passengers’ E-WOM in Taiwan

Prompted by the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwan’s cruise industry, this research aims to explore the potential role of corporate social responsibility (CSR), relationship quality (RQ), and perceived value (PV) in reviving cruise tourism. The central research question focuses on how these constructs motivate Taiwanese passengers’ engagement in cruise tourism and shape their electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) behavior in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, a comprehensive theoretical model was proposed to evaluate cruise operators’ relationship-building strategies. The research method involved a convenience sampling approach to gather a robust dataset of 566 valid responses from a questionnaire survey. The data were rigorously analyzed using statistical software, SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0, via the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The findings reveal that CSR and RQ substantially impact customers’ E-WOM and identified PV and RQ as salient mediators between CSR and E-WOM. In conclusion, this research enriches our understanding of the recovering cruise industry’s operation model in the post-pandemic phase. It provides academically grounded insights into how enhanced relationship building, CSR, and PV generation can enable cruise operators to influence E-WOM behavior positively.

LES Investigation of Kerosene Spray Flame Emission Characteristics in a Staged Combustor

ABSTRACT Staged combustion technology is widely applied in modern low-emission energy and power systems. This study employs large eddy simulations (LES) to investigate the flame dynamics and emission characteristics in a staged two-phase partially premixed model combustor. To improve the suitability of the thickened flame model (TFM) for turbulent flames in the thin-reaction-zone regime, a new model for efficiency function is formulated such that the effects of small-scale turbulence on flame propagation are taken into account. The enhanced LES-TFM approach is then integrated with an efficient NOx model, in which an additional NOx transport equation is solved with pre-tabulated NOx formation source terms. Five LES runs are performed to investigate the evolution of flame dynamics and emission characteristics with staging ratios at the scaled cruise operating conditions, in which the optimal staging ratio is critical for NOx reduction. Results show that the trend of flame morphology and NOx emission predictions with staging ratios are consistent with the experimental results. The flame zones in the staged model combustor shift from a pilot-stage-only flame to a pilot-primary-stage flame, then to a primary-stage-only flame with decreasing fuel staging ratio. Due to the redistribution of the equivalence ratio and the NOx emission characteristics trade-off between the two-stage flows, there is an optimal staging ratio for NOx reduction in the staged model combustor. The proposed LES-TFM-NOx approach, which has both the benefits of efficient flame dynamics modeling with the global reaction mechanism and the advantages of prediction accuracy with the detailed mechanism for NOx emission, demonstrates its advantages in simulating flame and emission characteristics in low-emission combustion devices.

Policy-driven or market-driven? A new perspective on the development of China’s cruise industry

The past 15 years have witnessed the rapid development of China’s cruise industry from scratch and the formation of a policy system in the cruise industry, reflecting the shift of the Chinese government’s attitude towards the cruise industry from wait-and-see, recognition and encouragement to active support. The paper conducts a statistical analysis of 128 policies related to the cruise industry issued by China’s administrative departments at all levels. It is found that the release of policies synchronizes with the development of the cruise industry, with each one providing feedback to the other. The policies do not exhibit a time lag with respect to their effects. The evolution of policy types from macro-level guidance to concrete operation is rapid, with the policy structure gradually improving. In line with current characteristics of the development of China’s cruise industry, the themes of the policies concentrate on five areas: cruise tourism services and products, port construction and development, cruise industry chain expansion, cruise industry environment and cruise industry management. However, there is still a lack of adequate policies to support and guide the industrial upgrading of cruise operation and cruise construction and its green and low-carbon development. In addition, the paper points out the main directions of future policy formulation.

Aerodynamic performance characteristics of winglet configurations for the low and medium Reynolds number operations

Three-dimensional numerical simulation-assisted parametric evaluation of winglet design for the small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) has been performed at low range and medium range of Reynolds number (Re) using commercial CFD package, Ansys-Fluent. By systematic variation of winglet parameters: sweep back and cant angle, the selection of optimum value of these parameters had to be selected for achieving better values of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] to minimize the drag and maximize the range and endurance. Out of these geometrical winglet parameters, by varying one winglet parameter while keeping other parameter as a constant, different sets of winglet configuration have been developed and the detailed representation of semi-wing with winglet geometry has been generated using Computed-Aided Design (CAD) tool. The computational domain has been solved for the Re of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] using “3D Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations” along the turbulence model, k-[Formula: see text] for all wing configurations with and without winglet planned for this study. From Lift and Drag values for each angle of attack (AOA), [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have been estimated for identifying optimum value of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] to have maximum range and endurance with minimum drag during the cruise operation of small UAVs in low and medium Re range operation. Out of all wing with winglet configurations considered here, the winglet with cant of 70° and 90° results in ending up with better aerodynamic performances for providing better range and endurance. At the same time, the change in sweep angle of the winglet does not show any variation, in turn there is a decrease in aerodynamic performance.

Re-Starting the Cruise Sector during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: Assessing Effectiveness of Port Contingency Planning.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks on board cruise ships early in the pandemic highlighted gaps worldwide in public health emergency contingency plans (PHECPs) for responding to unknown threats. To restart cruise operations in 2021 and respond to potential COVID-19 outbreaks, a major tourist-based Greek island port (Port A) developed a COVID-19 PHECP. We assessed plan effectiveness by reviewing epidemiological data and monitoring outcomes, followed by an intra-action review (IAR) analyzing three event responses. From May to December 2021, 118 calls from 23 cruise ships with 119,930 passengers were recorded, with 29 COVID-19 cases in 11 cruises on board 7 ships. No outbreak was recorded during the study period. Strengths of the introduced PHECP included commitment of senior management; a core multi-disciplinary team of local authorities/ship agents involved in design and execution; interoperability agreements for port and ships’ PHECPs; cruise industry commitment to compliance; and pre-existing scenarios considering capacity needs. Central government coordination for preparedness planning at local ports is essential for successful responses. Monitoring local and country level response capacities is critical to inform planning, risk assessment, and decision-making. Immediately recording ports’ response actions provides the basis to capture lessons and improve contingency plans. To facilitate communication and common response protocols between European and non-European ports, IARs should be conducted between countries.

Predicting aviation non-volatile particulate matter emissions at cruise via convolutional neural network

Aviation emissions are the only direct source of anthropogenic particulate pollution at high altitudes, which can form contrails and contrail-induced clouds, with consequent effects upon global radiative forcing. In this study, we develop a predictive model, called APMEP-CNN, for aviation non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emissions using a convolutional neural network (CNN) technique. The model is established with data sets from the newly published aviation emission databank and measurement results from several field studies on the ground and during cruise operation. The model also takes the influence of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) on nvPM emissions into account by considering fuel properties. This study demonstrates that the APMEP-CNN can predict nvPM emission index in mass (EIm) and number (EIn) for a number of high-bypass turbofan engines. The accuracy of predicting EIm and EIn at ground level is significantly improved (R2 = 0.96 and 0.96) compared to the published models. We verify the suitability and the applicability of the APMEP-CNN model for estimating nvPM emissions at cruise and burning SAFs and blend fuels, and find that our predictions for EIm are within ±36.4 % of the measurements at cruise and within ±33.0 % of the measurements burning SAFs in average. In the worst case, the APMEP-CNN prediction is different by −69.2 % from the measurements at cruise for the JT3D-3B engine. Thus, the APMEP-CNN model can provide new data for establishing accurate emission inventories of global aviation and help assess the impact of aviation emissions on human health, environment and climate. SynopsisThe results of this paper provide accurate predictions of nvPM emissions from in-use aircraft engines, which impact airport local air quality and global radiative forcing.

A general method to combine environmental and life-safety consequences of Arctic ship accidents

Risk aggregation is the process of combining multiple individual risks to develop a better understanding of the overall risk on a system. Different risks can have different consequences and different units of measure. This study contributes to the process of risk aggregation by presenting a general method to combine multiple consequences posed by an Arctic ship accident. The method considers ecological and socio-economic consequences of a potential oil spill, and life-safety consequences of a potential ship evacuation. Existing models for each consequence type are adopted. Individual consequence types are monetized and combined to quantify total consequence cost for a given accident scenario. A framework is proposed to assign a qualitative rating for total consequence severity. The qualitative scales of the framework are established using the quantitative method. Total consequence severity is evaluated for different ship types and regions in the Canadian Arctic. Results indicate that Arctic ship accidents involving oil tankers in environmentally sensitive regions and cruise ships in regions associated with long response times are worst-case scenarios, with similar total consequence severity levels. Implications for safe Arctic shipping are that on the basis of total consequence severity, mitigating the potential consequence severity of Arctic cruise operations is of near equal priority to that of Arctic tanker operations. Evaluating total consequence severity of potential Arctic ship accidents provides decision-makers and risk analysts with a data-driven tool to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge for the assessment, management, and communication of Arctic shipping risks.

Sources and Leakages of Microplastics in Cruise Ship Wastewater

To date, the contribution of sea-based sources to the global marine litter and plastic pollution problem remains poorly understood. Cruise ships produce large amounts of wastewater and concentrate their activities in fragile and ecologically valuable areas. This paper explores for the first time the sources of microplastics in cruise ship wastewater, as well as their pathways from source to sea. It thereto uses a novel approach for the identification of sources and pathways, based on scientific literature on microplastic sources and pathways, literature on cruise operations and wastewater management as well as a questionnaire among cruise lines. The study highlights personal care and cosmetic products, cleaning and maintenance products and synthetic microfibers released from textiles in laundry as relevant source categories. Untreated grey water and the overboard discharge of biosludge, resulting from the treatment of sewage and grey water, were identified as key pathways. Cruise lines can reduce microplastic emissions by adapting their purchasing policies for personal care, cosmetic, cleaning and maintenance products and professional textiles. In addition, the holistic management of all wastewater streams and resulting waste products is essential to prevent leakages of microplastics from cruise ships to vulnerable coastal and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the approach can be used to guide company-level assessments and can be modified to address microplastic leakages in other maritime sectors.

Aircraft Cruise Drag Reduction Through Variable Camber Using Existing Control Surfaces

The ability to morph the shape of an aircraft wing to optimize performance is widely accepted as a path to improved aircraft efficiency. A simpler approach is to change the wing camber using existing control surfaces. In this work, a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes-based aerodynamic shape optimization methodology is applied to the design of a business jet with variable camber. Variable camber is achieved using the three existing control surfaces on each wing. Multipoint optimization is performed over a range of cruise operating conditions with and without variable camber. Variable camber is found to yield a reduction in drag of approximately 3–11 counts, or 1–5%, over a range of cruise conditions, with the largest reductions seen at lower lift coefficients. The control surface deflections are used to reduce the wing camber at lower lift cruise conditions, leading to an increase in the aircraft angle of attack across most operating points. The increased angles of attack transfer lift to the fuselage, which enables reductions in induced, wave, and trim drag. This additional drag reduction mechanism has not been identified in previous studies and cannot be seen in optimizations that do not include the fuselage and a trim constraint.

Are cruise cost factors affected by the place and the size of the cruise company?

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that affect and influence the cost of a cruise company, within the frame of different cruise ship sizes and operations in dissimilar geographic areas. For the purposes of this research, a small (deluxe) cruise company (SCC), offering specialized programs, and a larger (mass) cruise company (LCC), headquartered in Greece and operating in the East Mediterranean, are compared; two similar types of companies, headquartered in Italy, and operating in the Central Mediterranean, were selected for a comparison study. The methodology applied is the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Our study argues for the significance of cruise ship size and the cruise operation area to the general cost of a cruise ship, as well as to differentiations on specific cruise factors. Financial cost is the major driver for the total cost for SCCs, as well as for LCCs, in both countries. For instance, a shipping company could decide whether to operate in a specific market, based on destination selection with the specific cost factors, and which size of cruise ship could minimize certain cost components for the vessel and, eventually, for the cruise itinerary and the company. The results have significant implications for cruise ship management and operations, but also contribute to the limited existing literature.