New $500m AI travel company targets cruise sector
IBS Software has launched Naviq Technology, a new vertical AI company backed by $500m in committed capital and designed specifically for the global travel industry, with cruise named as a core focus. The venture aims to accelerate AI adoption across travel segments by combining industry-specific data, cloud infrastructure and generative AI to improve commercial performance and customer experience.
Sources & references
More industry news
Travel Is Spending Billions on AI. It Requires a Neutral Switch.
The article argues that travel’s huge AI spending will not deliver full value without a **neutral, shared infrastructure layer** that can carry trusted traveler data across suppliers and platforms. It says fragmented, siloed data is still the industry’s biggest obstacle, because AI agents depend on accurate, permissioned information to avoid costly booking errors and poor customer experiences.
Aurora Launches 2026-27 Antarctic Season with 27 Voyages and Science at Sea
Aurora Expeditions has announced that it is preparing to launch its 2026-27 Antarctic season, with 27 voyages across three ships exploring the Southern Ocean. Sailing aboard the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson, the season features voyages ranging from nine to 34 days, with itineraries reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Weddell Sea, South...
Hurtigruten Offers Members Double Discount During Loyalty Month
Hurtigruten launched its annual Loyalty Month on September 15, 2026, with extra discounts for members of its 1893 Ambassador loyalty program. “We want to ensure that our highly valued 1893 Ambassador members always have the best deals, which are combinable with our regular offers,” said Matt DeWitte, head of Hurtigruten Americas. “As the Norwegian coast...