Arctic region: analysis of cruise products, network structure, and popular routes

Abstract

Cruise tourism in the Arctic has expanded due to an increase in ice melting. This can provide cruise services covering the growing demand for cruise shipping. This study analyzes the network structure and popular routes of Arctic cruise shipping in order to identify popular cruise ports and routes. An analysis conducted, using degree centrality and the weight of a link, identified that a small number of ports have high connections to others, while many ports have low connectivity. Akureyri-Isafjordur was found to be the most popular route for cruise shipping in this region. The study’s findings are drawn useful implications for the cruise industry and other business sectors in the future.