Cruise Tourism 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.

Comparing Public Perceptions of Cruise Tourism on Portal Sites Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic : Using CONCOR Analytics

Comparing Public Perceptions of Cruise Tourism on Portal Sites Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic : Using CONCOR Analytics

Research on Strategies to Enhance the Employment Competitiveness of Students Majoring in International Cruise Ship Management

With the rapid development of the cruise tourism industry, enhancing the employment competitiveness of students majoring in International Cruise Ship Attendant Management has become particularly important. This study aims to explore effective ways to improve the employment competitiveness of these students, thereby helping them better adapt to market demands and increase employment rates. Through an in-depth analysis of the current situation of the major, the job market conditions, and the challenges faced by students, this paper proposes targeted improvement strategies and elaborates on various aspects such as curriculum design, practical training, professional quality, and career planning. These strategies are designed to comprehensively enhance students' overall qualities and make them more competitive in the market.

Destination Resources and the Growth of Cruise Tourism in Mombasa County, Kenya

Kenya is focused on being a piece of the voyage transport circuit. Towards this end, a first voyage terminal whose development is in progress in Mombasa will be finished inside the 2018 – 2022 period. The overall study goal was to determine the relationship between destination resources and the growth of cruise tourism in Mombasa County, Kenya. Cross sectional survey research design will be used in this study. The location of the study was Mombasa County where cruise tourism has developed roots in Kenya. The study was anchored on Dwyer & Kim model on destination competitiveness and Freeman stakeholder theory. Population of the study consisted of 340 respondents drawn from managers of tourism enterprises and senior managers at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, as well as coast tourism and hospitality associations. The gathered information was analysed by use of descriptive statistics; mean, mode, median, standard deviation, tables, figures, rates and frequencies. The SPSS 28 was used to analyze the data. Plausible results of the investigation were that port's inalienable attributes, foundations, and travellers assets are just a portion of the variables deciding journey the travel industry advancement hence significant that the administrative structure that bolsters the improvement of this industry and that neighbourhood open and private organizations cultivate compelling associations with voyage lines and mastermind programs guaranteeing a satisfactory progression of journey vacationers every year. The quantitative findings revealed a significant positive relationship between destination resources and the growth of cruise tourism, supported by a high R Square value of 0.794 and a significant F value of 1099.616 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study revealed significant relationships between destination resources and the growth of cruise tourism in Mombasa County. To enhance cruise tourism, stakeholders should focus on optimizing destination resources. Recommendations include continuous infrastructure development, targeted marketing campaigns, and community engagement. The study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, industry players, and researchers to foster sustainable growth in Mombasa's cruise tourism sector. Submitted 19th Jul 2024 Reviewed 29th Sep, 2024 Accepted 5th Oct 2024 Published 20th Oct 2024

Spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination: a big data approach using mobile location events

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination using the city of Hamburg as a use case. Design/methodology/approach Big data in the form of passive location events from smartphones were analysed to determine the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise tourists. The data were filtered using a definition created specifically for determining the signals of cruise passengers and were analysed using spatial statistics and network analysis methods. Findings In Hamburg, cruise passengers have a relatively small area of activity that is concentrated in the city's core tourist area. Foreign cruise passengers are less spatially concentrated than German passengers. Foreign passengers generate most of their visits at the airport and in the city's shopping areas, while German passengers are most frequently seen at the railway station and at the city's maritime experience locations. Originality/value Although numerous publications have examined the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have used big data sources for this purpose. This paper uses passive location events from smartphones to determine the routes taken by cruise tourists in Hamburg, shows the strengths and weaknesses of this data source and suggests how cruise tourists can be defined from the data.

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.

Advancing river cruise product design: insights from cross-quality elasticity of river cruises to ocean cruises

ABSTRACT This paper puts forward the concept of cross-quality elasticity, leveraging the commonalities of river and ocean cruise tourism, and develops a cross-quality elasticity equation with price, quality, and popularity as independent variables, while market share as dependent variable, calculating the cross-quality elasticity for river cruise tourism relative to ocean one. A model is developed for optimising river cruise itinerary and ship choice based on the cross-quality elasticity and the constraints of river channel capacity and itinerary type, to maximise the increased profits for river cruise operators. In the case study on the segments of Chongqing-Wuhan, Wuhan-Shanghai and Nanjing-Zhoushan along the Yangtze River, the home ports, ports of call, order of call, days of cruise travel, adoptions of cruise ships, and the number of tourists shifting from ocean cruise market have been determined. The results indicate that well-designed river cruises can expand the market of river cruise tourism; popularity exerts a moderating influence on the relationship between cruise quality and consumer demand; river cruise of high quality may serve as a viable alternative for consumers accustomed to ocean cruises.

Exploring the Moderating Role of Perceived Supervisor support in the Effect of Employees’ Workplace Loneliness on Intention to Quit From the SDGS Perspective

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of perceived supervisor support in the effect of workplace loneliness on intention to quit. Theoretical Framework: The underpinning theories of this study is organizational support theory (OST) and social exchange theory (SET). This study focuses on decent work and economic growth goal, one of the Social Development Goals (SDGs), as it contains examining if the different work conditions due to the COVID 19 pandemic may cause different attitudes and behaviors. Method: This study employs a survey technique, one of the quantitative research methods, on 200 employees working for a cruise tourism company. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS statistical programs. Results and Discussion: As a result of the findings, it was found that emotional deprivation has no effect on employees’ intention to quit while the lack of social companionship has positive and significant effect on intention to quit. In addition, it was determined that perceived supervisor support has a moderating effect on the association between emotional deprivation and intention to quit whereas no moderating role of perceived supervisor support on the relationship between lack of social companionship and intention to quit was found. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by testing the theories of OST and SET in terms of diferent sectoral characteristics in the business world. Questioning the theories of organizational support and social exchange widens the scope of related literature. While enriching the existing literature by conducting such a research, a new explanation has been provided for the associations between variables.

The Image of Cruise Tourism is Dislocated and Regulated from the Perspective of Tourism Gaze Based on the Differentiation and Harmony of OGC and TGC Images

Tourist gaze is an interactive two-way behavior of observation and experience. From this theoretical perspective, based on the coding analysis of occupation-generated content (OGC) and tourist-generated content (TGC), this paper studies the differentiation and harmony of cruise ships in the South China Sea, explores their image dislocation and proposes regulatory measures. The results show that in the emotional dimension, positive emotions are the main proportion of the two evaluations, showing a trend of positive> neutral > negative. In terms of the objects of concern, both can be divided into five dimensions: cruise services, cruise companies, cruise products, shore tourism and operation management. In terms of image dislocation, firstly, in terms of advertorial vocabulary, OGC tends to standardize objective presentations, and the richness and emotional color of words are weak; Secondly, in terms of focusing on dimensions, OGC pays more attention to showing the high-quality tourism resources and feelings of family and country of Nanhai Cruises, and the communication content is more diversified and the communication structure is more stable. TGC is more inclined to show the main role of "people" in the process of conveying the cruise tourism experience in the South China Sea, focusing on cruise catering, cruise accommodation, cruise service and operation management. Finally, combined with the IPA model, relevant control measures are put forward for the image dislocation of cruise ships in the South China Sea from four aspects: the continuation area, the oversupply area, the opportunity development area and the key improvement area.

The impact of risk perception and non-pharmaceutical health interventions on the decision-making processes of cruise tourists: Focusing on behavioral intentions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The impact of risk perception and non-pharmaceutical health interventions on the decision-making processes of cruise tourists: Focusing on behavioral intentions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Examining presence in immersive virtual reality and website interfaces through the cognitive fit and cognitive load theories

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of presence on users’ information processing in mediated visualizations using immersive virtual reality (VR) and websites, focusing on information understanding and cognitive load. The impact of user interfaces on users’ perception of presence is also tested.Design/methodology/approachA between-subjects laboratory experiment using two user interfaces – immersive VR and website – is carried out. It is complemented by a self-administered survey on the participants.FindingsThe current results indicate that an immersive VR interface improves tourists’ information processing by producing a heightened sense of presence. The results confirm that presence facilitates tourists’ information processing by increasing information understanding and decreasing cognitive load. Finally, a negative relationship between cognitive load and information understanding is obtained.Practical implicationsVR user interfaces are not only visually appealing but also cognitively optimized. Immersive VR devices can be introduced in the specific sale process of cruise trips through both offline channels (physical stores and travel agencies) and online channels to facilitate tourists’ information processing during the prepurchase phase.Originality/valueThe primary contribution lies in the integration of the theory of presence with two influential information processing frameworks, namely, cognitive load theory and cognitive fit theory. This integration provides a holistic perspective on how user interfaces influence consumer information processing in the unique context of cruise tourism, particularly during the stage of a prepurchase information search.

Arctic cruise tourism and social license to operate: exploring social acceptance and trust in cruise tourism

ABSTRACT Expanding debate surrounds the impacts the rapidly increasing volume of cruise ships to the Arctic region are having on local ports and communities. This debate largely centres on the influx of visitors and concern about cultural interaction. This paper evaluates the feasibility of using the concept of Social License to Operate (SLO) in Arctic cruise tourism by identifying how attitudes and perceptions pertain to acceptance and trust. Insights are gathered from both passengers and local stakeholders in Iceland and Faroe Islands. Results reveal cruise companies’ dominance in itinerary planning, with minimal communication among destinations. Economic concerns overshadow collaborative planning, leading to varying levels of acceptance among the diverse stakeholders of cruise tourism. While those benefiting economically support the industry, others express reservations. This dichotomy in opinion regarding acceptance and trust highlights the SLO’s challenges within tourism in general. For SLO to have relevance and legitimacy within cruise tourism, flow and circulation of perspectives is critical.

Optimizing Route and Speed under the Sulfur Emission Control Areas for a Cruise Liner: A New Strategy Considering Route Competitiveness and Low Carbon

In order to reduce pollution caused by ship emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented sulfur emission control areas (SECAs). In comparison to ordinary vessels, cruise ships with dual attributes of transportation and tourism generate a greater amount of marine pollution, which poses a significant threat to the marine environment in both berthing ports and the sailing area. In light of the fierce competition of the cruise tourism market, cruise lines are looking for strategies, such as designing more attractive cruise routes, to maintain their core competencies under the emission control policy. In order to achieve this goal, this paper presents a mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINP) model with two objectives and is derived from the traditional route optimization problem. The primary objective is to optimize the route and speed of a cruise liner, while simultaneously enhancing route competitiveness and minimizing carbon emissions both within and outside the SECAs. Subsequently, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm was used to reach the objective, and simulations were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the model and method. The results show that speed and sailing route optimization can affect carbon emissions. This paper has a certain application value and guiding significance for cruise line decision makers that will be beneficial for the environment.

Determination of Ship Length and Draft on the Planning Stage of Cruise Ports in Turkiye

The evolution of cruise tourism, despite facing unprecedented challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown resilience, with a rapid recovery observed in 2022. This manuscript emphasizes the significance of analyzing cruise ship length and draft data for Turkish ports to facilitate effective development planning. Despite data availability challenges, percentiles of ship lengths and drafts have been established, offering insights into port capacity and future infrastructure requirements. The examination of ship length and draft requirements highlights the diverse needs of ports from Alanya to Trabzon. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of development plans are essential to adapt to evolving industry trends, such as the increasing size of cruise ships. Projections indicate a consistent upward trend in ship sizes, emphasizing the need for forward-looking investment strategies. This study provides a foundation for informed decision-making in port development, offering insights to optimize port efficiency and competitiveness. By assessing regional effects and proposing pragmatic investment approaches, the manuscript serves as a valuable resource for guiding future infrastructure investments in Turkey's maritime industry, ensuring its sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Opportunities and Challenges for Malta’s Cruise Tourism and Its Growth Potential

Summary This case study provides an analysis of cruise tourism in Malta for the period from 2002 to 2033, with a specific focus on the year 2023. Malta has experienced a significant growth in cruise tourism over the years, predominantly attributable to the expansion of its home-port function and to the growth in average ship capacity. The comprehensive examination of cruise traffic in 2023 was conducted by employing a range of assessments, including market-related evaluations, and passenger and ship segmentation. A projection of cruise traffic for the ensuing decade was developed. Additionally, a thorough examination was undertaken of the principal tourist attractions in Malta, with attention given to those that are negatively impacted by the problem of overtourism. Furthermore, potential resolutions are proposed with the additional objective of enhancing the destination’s environmental sustainability. Information © The Author 2024

Исследование модернизации морского пассажирского порта на основе цифрового двойника и оценка инфраструктуры с помощью динамических данных от беспилотных авиационных систем

The current state of the maritime passenger transportation industry is considered, as well as the factors influencing the chosen industry are investigated (competition between ports in the sea region, new environmental requirements and a shortage of space for new ports and terminals in megacities). Models of the evolution of seaports and terminals in the regions of the seas are analyzed and the need to solve the problem of forecasting development, reasonable modernization is revealed infrastructure. The importance of integrating passenger ports into urban transport systems and ensuring effective interconnection of maritime transport with regional transport systems is noted. Special attention is paid to the growth and development potential of sea ferries and cruises in the Baltic Sea region, the historical importance of St. Petersburg for cruise tourism and the need for the gradual restoration of the port and the development of new route networks are noted. The necessity of developing new methods for modernizing the infrastructure of passenger seaports based on the creation of digital models and the use of dynamic data is substantiated. As a solution, it is proposed to create a new digital model of a marine passenger port using information obtained from unmanned aircraft systems. This model will accurately take into account the infrastructural features of passenger ports and terminals, as well as the established priority of berths for the service of cruise and ferry ships. For multi-scenario modeling, a new digital model of the marine passenger port of St. Petersburg “Marine Façade” is proposed. To analyze the simulation results, the developed software modules in the Python programming language are proposed to describe the behavior strategies of the decision maker (port manager). To describe the decision-making process in the conditions of uncertainty that arises when making a decision on the modernization of the port infrastructure, the choice of the Wald criterion was justified as a criterion. A series of experiments was performed, based on the data, digital 2D and 3D models of a marine passenger port were formed for subsequent use in the AnyLogic environment, and a digital twin was built. A distinctive feature of the model is the up-to-date information on the state of the transport infrastructure and integration with data on ship calls. The presented model, methods of working with the results of multi-dimensional modeling, the use of unmanned aircraft systems, and the development of a model based on decision-making under uncertainty can be applied to other passenger seaports and terminals, which emphasizes the universality of the proposed approach.

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.

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.

Examination of the position of cruise shipping in the post-season period at Lake Balaton

Water-based, waterfront tourism has always played an important role in the development of the tourism sector, water has been and still is an important attraction and contributes to regional development. In Hungary, Lake Balaton is the primary destination for waterfront tourism, offering a wide range of opportunities in this sector. Water-based, waterfront tourism is mainly concentrated in the high summer season, but there is an increasing range of opportunities in both the low and high season. In our research, we investigated the development of cruise tourism in Lake Balaton in the off-season, in the months of September-October 2023, by conducting in-depth interviews and questionnaire research. Our research has confirmed that this service is also in demand outside the high season. In the autumn, cruises add a special value to the experience, they can help to reduce seasonal fluctuations in tourism by offering attractive activities and also increase income for local businesses during the off-season.