As of this writing, there is no top-level domain (TLD) with the .cruise extension.
A top-level domain (TLD) refers to the last part of an internet domain name; these can be generic (.com, .net, .org, etc.) or country-code TLDs (ccTLDs), such as .us, .uk, .jp, etc. TLDs are regulated and managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces of the internet.
New generic top-level domains (gTLD) can be applied for in rounds announced by ICANN. These applications can then be reviewed and, if successful, the applicant becomes the registry operator of the new gTLD. For instance, in the last gTLD application round in 2012, ICANN received 1930 applications for new gTLDs and, as of March 2021, has already introduced more than 1,000 new gTLDs into the Internet’s Root Zone (source: ICANN).
However, as per ICANN’s latest records, a .cruise TLD does not currently exist. It might be possible for such a gTLD to exist in the future if a properly qualified entity applies for it following ICANN’s established processes and guidelines, and if the application were to be successful.
Platforms like GoDaddy, or openly accessible databases such as IANA’s Root Zone Database (a public database of top-level domains), do not list .cruise as an available or existing top-level domain.
Nevertheless, related TLDs exist and are in active use. For instance, .travel is a gTLD that is used by travel and tourism businesses, and like all specialized TLDs, it has specific restrictions. According to the travel top-level domain registry, registrants of the .travel domain must provide an Eligibility Number issued by an official travel industry association. There are also industry-specific top-level domains like .aero for the aviation industry, .museum for museums, and .bus for businesses.
The creation of a .cruise TLD could certainly benefit cruise companies, travel agencies, and booking websites by offering a clear online branding opportunity, much like .travel and other related TLDs. However, as of now, it still remains hypothetical.
Primary sources:
1. Yours faithfully, “What is a TLD?” ICANN, 2021, (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/what-2017-06-20-en)
2. Yours faithfully, “New gTLD Program Statistics.” ICANN, 2021, (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/statistics)
3. Yours faithfully, “Root Zone Database.” Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, 2021, (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
