Cruise tourism is a distinct segment of the tourism industry involving travel on a cruise ship, serving as a mobile accommodation and transportation platform for multi-destination itineraries. As a research concept and academic field, it investigates the complex socio-economic, environmental, and management dynamics associated with this unique travel modality, including industry structure, passenger motivations and experiences, destination impacts, operational challenges, policy frameworks, and sustainability issues, highlighting its significance within the global tourism landscape and its specific implications for destinations, businesses, and communities.