GlobalData research has found the top influencers in cruise based on their performance and engagement online. Using research from GlobalData’s Influencer platform, Ship Technology has named ten of the most influential people and companies in cruise on Twitter during Q3 2020.

Biggest influencers in cruise: The top ten in Q3 2020

1. Hi Class Magazine (@HiClassMag)

Hiclass.com is the online version of the print magazine Hi Class Living Magazine. The magazine focuses on luxury travel, art, culture, restaurants, events and epicurean delights.

Hi Class sources information from press meets and industry events and shows to compile the best travel and lifestyle related news and events. It also leverages contacts across the globe to get information on the latest destinations and innovations in the travel and tourism industry.

Twitter followers: 31,012

GlobalData influencer score: 100

2. Royal Caribbean Blog (@theRCLblog)

Royal Caribbean Blog is a blog launched and maintained by fans of the international cruise operator, Royal Caribbean International. It gives the latest news and updates on the cruise services of the company, while providing complete coverage of the Royal Caribbean cruises.

The blog also covers news, podcasts, trip advice, photo updates, events and other relevant information on the cruising industry.

Twitter followers: 30,933

GlobalData influencer score: 81

3. Mary McKenna (@MaryTourAmerica)

Mary McKenna is the CEO and founder of Tour America, an Irish travel firm operating in Dublin, Cork and Orlando. She also founded Cruise Holidays, a company owned by Tour America that provides information on the best cruise destinations and cruise ships.

Mckenna has served on the advisory panels of various companies including MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. She previously worked in the airline industry as a duty manager for Club Air, an airline that ceased operations in 2008.

Twitter followers: 5,310

GlobalData influencer score: 81

4. Porthole Cruise Magazine (@PortholeCruise)

Porthole Cruise Magazine is a bi-monthly print and digital magazine covering the cruise travel industry. Founded in 1993, it started out as a trade magazine by Bill Panoff, the publisher and editor-in-chief, before transforming to a consumer magazine.

The magazine provides news in the cruise and travel industry apart from in-depth features on cruise ships, voyages, and ship reviews including cuisine, entertainment amenities and innovations.

Twitter followers: 21,700

GlobalData influencer score: 80

5. James Walker (@CruiseLaw)

James Walker is a maritime lawyer who represents passengers and crew who have been assaulted or hurt on cruise ships. He is an authority on fires and accidents occurring in the seas and shares his expertise on sea disasters, sexual assaults and crimes happening onboard cruises through interviews.

Walker is a veteran in maritime law having represented more than 1,500 clients and is a strong advocate of cruise ship safety.

Twitter followers: 12,856

GlobalData influencer score: 80

6. Doug Parker (@CruiseRadio)

Doug Parker is the founder and producer of Cruise Radio, an online website providing news and reviews on the cruise industry. Cruise Radio engages listeners in the podcasts and helps them choose the best ships and shore excursions appropriate for them.

Parker has more than ten years of on-air expertise and is credited for transforming Cruise Radio into a credible source of information for cruise aficionados. He has previously worked as producer at Renda Broadcasting and Clear Channel Radio.

Twitter followers: 23,061

GlobalData influencer score: 74

7. Cruise Addicts (@CruiseAddicts)

Cruise Addicts is an online forum established in July 1999 for cruise travel lovers. The community’s forums include cruise ship reviews, industry news, cruise tracker and photo galleries among others.

The forum has a global reach and caters to experienced travellers throughout the world and circulates industry news, ship reviews, travel tips and destination stories. It is regarded as one of the biggest cruise blogs and is featured on websites such as CruisePortAdvisor.com and CruiseLawNews.com.

Twitter followers: 23,537

GlobalData influencer score: 72

8. Emma Cruises (@emmacruises)

Emma Cruises is a cruise blog launched by Emma, a blogger and youtuber based out of the UK. Launched in 2016, the aim of her blog is to address misconceptions related to cruising and provide potential cruisers with information on choosing the right cruise.

Emma gives hacks for affordable cruising on her blog, apart from tips on choosing the best cruises and obtaining freebies and upgrades.

Twitter followers: 8,517

GlobalData influencer score: 70

9. Danielle (@CruiseMiss)

Danielle is a blogger and freelancer covering the cruise and travel industry. She is the founder of the CruiseMiss blog where she writes extensively about her cruise experiences. She has a background in sales and customer service before she joined the cruise travel industry.

Danielle has been quoted and mentioned for her expert comments in various articles appearing in a range of magazines including Direct Travel, World of Cruising, Cruise International, Travel Daily News and The Sun Online among others.

Twitter followers: 10,125

GlobalData influencer score: 67

10. Gene Sloan (@CruiseLog)

Gene Sloan is a travel writer, influencer, editor, content strategist and has founded multiple travel sites. He is currently working as a senior reporter for cruise and travel at The Points Guy, a travel news website.

Sloan’s stories were published in scores of publications which include Indianapolis Star, Chicago Sun-Times and Arizona Republic. He has previously worked in various roles including travel editor and staff travel writer for USA Today.

Twitter followers: 33,484

GlobalData influencer score: 67