ABSTRACT
This chapter helps the students to understand the role of water transportation in tourism and learn the marketing and distribution of the cruise tourism product. It explains cruise tourism and its trends and discusses the evolution of cruise tourism. Through the evolution of modern cruise tourism in the last quarter of the twentieth century, the cruise industry has established itself as a key component of global tourism. Though on-board facilities and services are key determinants in cruise selection, the destinations included are also important. Destinations can face reputational risk due to the impacts of cruise tourism. When the reputational risks and impacts go beyond a certain point, they can cause actions against cruise tourism operators by various groups. Modern cruises have almost all the facilities and services expected of upmarket all-inclusive resorts. Regarding on-board organization, different cruises may have different organizational structures.
