LAUSR

Abstract Understanding the conceptual development and knowledge evolution of a discipline requires in-depth systematic review that examines its previous journey. Subsequently, this meta-analysis paper conducts a review of 222 cruise ship tourism research articles published in 20 tourism, hospitality, marine and environmental journals over the previous three decades with the aim to revisit the past, comprehend the present, and contemplate the future of cruise industry. Research findings reveal valuable insights regarding publication trends, leading themes of cruise tourism research, and issues that deserve due attention to drive the growth of cruise industry in a sustainable track and use it as a vehicle for sustainable development. Drawing upon findings, the current research does not only make substantive theoretical contributions to the existing literature of cruise tourism but also provokes further research on various cruise tourism topics implicated in the discussion.