Jean-Paul Rodrigue

Transportation, Logistics & Freight Distribution

Jean-Paul Rodrigue

MARA 489 – Introduction to the Cruise Industry

The cruise industry is a dynamic segment of tourism, with ships acting as floating hotels and theme parks. It involves local destinations accessible through the cruise port and the onboard amenities the cruise ship offers. The cruise industry combines maritime transport, terminal operations, travel, and hospitality services to facilitate leisure activities through carefully selected itineraries and onboard amenities. This course introduces students to the business foundations and dynamics of the cruise industry, including cruise ships and cruise ports.

REGISTER

Spring 2027 Semester. MWF 1:50-2:40 PM. CRN 32406.

COURSE LEAD: Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Professor, Texas A&M – Galveston & Distinguished Hagler Fellow.

GUEST LECTURERS: Theo Nottebbom, Professor, University of Antwerp/Ghent & Distinguished Hagler Fellow | Thanos Pallis, Professor, University of Piraeus & Former Secretary General of MedCruise.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Summarize the history and geography of the cruise industry.
  2. Explain and illustrate the economic and business drivers of the demand for cruises.
  3. Synthesize and analyze the characteristics of cruisers and cruise markets.
  4. Evaluate and analyze how cruise ship and port operations are conducted.
  5. Evaluate and apply the principles of cruise itinerary design and deployment.

Course Schedule

ONLINE TEXTBOOK
  1. Introduction to the cruise industry. Elements of the cruise industry. Global and regional aspects. Historical perspective.
  2. Cruises: Growth drivers. The pillars of cruising. Passenger characteristics.
  3. Cruise ships: Floating theme parks. Economies of scale. Ship classes. Amenities.
  4. Cruise products. Accommodation. Dining. Entertainment. Excursions.
  5. Cruise economics. Supply and demand mechanisms. Cost structure. Pricing. Regulations.
  6. Cruise lines and brands. Main lines. Ownership structure. Brand identity. Marketing.
  7. Cruise markets and itineraries. Main regional markets. Seasonality. Itinerary design. Deployment.
  8. Cruise ports and cities. Types of cruise ports. Environmental and sustainability issues. Local tourism.
  9. Cruise terminals. Maritime infrastructure. Terminal buildings. Embarkation / Disembarkation. Ground transportation.
  10. Cruise logistics. Procurement. Stores. Food. Waste disposal.