2023 was an exciting year for the cruise industry. Big ocean ships – like MSC Euribia, Norwegian Viva and Carnival Jubilee – entered service offering resort-style vacations at sea. They were joined by smaller vessels – like Seven Seas Grandeur, Scenic Eclipse II, Oceania Vista, Explora I and Emerald Sakara – in the luxury segment. This year will be marked by the launch of a whole fleet of new vessels. Join us as we take a closer look at the 12 most exciting new cruise ships for 2024.
Cruise enthusiasts and travel aficionados are eagerly anticipating the debut of an array of cutting-edge cruise ships set to launch in 2024. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, cruise lines are pushing boundaries, introducing innovative vessels that promise to redefine the onboard experience. From state-of-the-art amenities to sustainable technologies and captivating itineraries, the new cruise ships of 2024 are generating considerable excitement among those seeking unparalleled adventure on the high seas.
Icon of the Seas & Utopia of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
With two new ships officially setting sail for the first time, 2024 promises to be a historic year for Royal Caribbean International. Making its debut in January, Icon of the Seas is the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Every type of family and adventurer can create memories across the ship’s eight neighborhoods. The new ship offers adrenaline-pumping thrills, unrivaled ways to chill, more than 40 ways to dine and drink, and cutting-edge entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages – air, ice, water and theater. And with 28 different ways to stay, including the new three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse, even the rooms are thoughtfully designed for every type of vacationer.
Icon of the Seas will take vacationers to sun-soaked destinations year-round. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami is all about island hopping, featuring idyllic locales across the Caribbean – like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – and an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Making its debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas will introduce unmatched weekend energy and new ways for friends and families to create their ultimate weekend and memories with their pick and mix of new signature adventures and reimagined experiences. These include newly designed resort-style pools, a new Caribbean tiki bar, a reimagined Izumi restaurant, al fresco dining; and showstopping nightlife and entertainment. Utopia will offer more than 40 ways to dine and drink.
The ultimate 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaway will be the first in the revolutionary Oasis Class to offer short escapes. Every vacation will feature visits to Nassau, The Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Utopia will also make waves as the first Oasis Class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Sun Princess – Princess Cruises
In February Princess Cruises‘ new 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will set sail offering an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.
Sun Princess will offer an array of incredible entertainment. The configurable Princess Arena supports shows in the round, in a 270-degree keyhole configuration, as well as via a traditional proscenium theater. Entertainment extends throughout the ship including two additional prominent venues – the Piazza and The Dome – an iconic new venue at the top forward portion of the ship. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design.
With the most balconies on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom.
Sun Princess will offer 30 exciting bars and restaurants including Princess’ first Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, an authentic Irish Pub, a new area to dedicated to casual eats, and a completely revamped approach to World Fresh Marketplace. Also new is Love by Britto, a dining experience inspired by Romero Britto, the world-renowned artist known for his bold, colorful, and joyful style. The new restaurant takes guests on an immersive culinary journey, showcasing a meticulously curated menu by culinary virtuoso Rudi Sodamin.
The newest Love Boat will also feature the largest casino ever built by Princess Cruises. Located on deck 8 adjacent to the bustling Piazza, the Princess Casino offers over 200 of the newest and most popular slots and video poker games, live table games offering progressive jackpots, as well as a variety of other games.
Queen Anne – Cunard
In May Cunard will introduce Queen Anne. The new 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship will be the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag. The design concepts for the ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation. Queen Anne spans spans 14 decks, offering travellers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.
For more than 180 years, Cunard has constantly refined the definitive experience of ocean travel, and Queen Anne will be bursting with Cunard’s signature experiences, including world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and luxurious accommodation. The new vessel features new dining experiences offering guests more choice than ever before. Aji Wa will feature creative Japanese cuisine, Aranya takes guests on a journey through the rich spice flavours of India, Tramonto will transport guests to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, with a menu full of fresh flavours and an opportunity for guests to dine al-fresco, and finally Sir Samuel’s will showcase the very best of British and Australian beef and seafood, complemented by an exceptional wine programme.
Queen Anne will boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with its reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea. Cunard’s Mareel concept aims to deliver enriching wellness experiences that leave guests feeling radiant, from the inside out, just as its namesake – a glowing luminescence – lights the sea from within. Queen Anne’s Wellness Club will also boast a tailormade programme for solo travellers, where, on embarkation night, like-minded guests will be able to relax and unwind together at a meet-and-greet.
She will set sail on 3 May for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon. Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries.
Mein Schiff 7 & Mein Schiff Relax – TUI Cruises
TUI Cruises is also welcoming two new ships in 2024. Setting sail in June, Mein Schiff 7 will offer guests a special feeling of well-being and travel at the highest level. Guests can expect two new cabin categories for solo travelers: 12 indoor and 14 outdoor single cabins offer individual freedom with plenty of storage space and a unique feel-good atmosphere.
The new Café Central on deck 5 combines enjoyment and relaxation in a unique way. Coffee and pastry specialties are served here during the day. And for everyone who loves sweet things: the high-quality chocolate specialties can also be purchased to take away. At the stern, in the Great Freedom of the Mein Schiff 7, guests can immerse themselves in the world of Asian delights and watch sushi masters do their magic at the open counter in the middle of the new Asia & Sushi Restaurant Hideki. Guests who like high-quality Mediterranean cuisine will become regulars in the new Italian restaurant La Spezia with top-class specialties. Via a spiral staircase from the Große Freiheit or directly above deck 6, guests can reach a new, outstanding sun deck with selected lounge furniture perfect for Champagne meetings.
The new ship is operated with lower-emission marine diesel (sulfur content: 0.1%) and is equipped with catalytic converters (nitrogen oxide reduction: around 75%) and a shore power connection. In addition, the Mein Schiff 7 is being built in such a way that it can also run on methanol, potentially green methanol, which makes the ship’s propulsion system almost CO2 neutral.
The company’s second new ship, the eighth ship in the Mein Schiff fleet and the first in the InTUItion Class, promises guests a new experience of well-being. Mein Schiff Relax will offer regular guests and new cruise enthusiasts an even more diverse journey through high-quality worlds of enjoyment and relaxation. The first of the two additions to the fleet will offer guests new and even more opportunities to retreat to architecturally spectacular oases of well-being and to experience pleasure in a new way. The ship features new, diverse culinary highlights, including an exclusive Japanese restaurant, restaurants with French flair and Greek delicacies and new country-specific specialty restaurants.
Mein Schiff Relax is powered by liquid gas. In the future, the ship can also be operated with low-emission and climate-friendly bio- and e-LNG – an essential step towards climate-neutral cruising. percent.
Silver Ray – Silversea
The second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova class, the 728-guest Silver Ray is expected to enter service in June 2024. She will join her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most sustainable ships in her class. Both Nova class ships incorporate an innovative asymmetrical design and a horizontal layout, with public spaces and suites spanning the entire length of each ship, creating an unprecedented openness to the destination.
Measuring 54,700 TONS, Silver Ray will introduce a brand new selection of superb, spacious suites, many of which promise offer a 270˚ view from sea to sky. Eight restaurants and an unprecedented choice of bars complete the experience, offering delicious drinking and dining at any time of the day.
Exciting public spaces include the pool deck, the Arts Café and the Dusk Bar. The pool deck offer a reimagined space for guests to relax, refresh and rejuvenate on decks 10 and 11. Ample sunbeds for everyone, more space than ever before and the largest pool in the fleet which offers exceptional 270˚ unhampered views. While the upper level sun deck is perfectly placed for those who want a quieter space to relax, and still enjoy those incredible, expansive views, the Cliff Whirlpool, an infinity edge, glass fronted whirlpool, really is the highlight of the pool deck.
The Arts Café offers a cultural setting for eating, drinking and socialising, as well as a chance to lose yourself while reading up on all your favourite artists and art. Enjoy healthy snacks and smoothies plus hot and cold drinks, juices, pastries and sandwiches in a light and airy space. Pop in for a late breakfast or afternoon snack, along with real Italian espresso plus a great range of tea. The Dusk Bar, an open-air sky bar, provides plenty of space for guests to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink, while drinking in the jaw dropping 270-degree, panoramic views from the stern.
EXPLORA II – Explora Journeys
New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys will welcome EXPLORA II to the fleet in August 2024. Like sister ship EXPLORA II, the vessel seamlessly blends elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and has been thoughtfully designed in partnership with the world`s foremost superyacht and hospitality designers to stimulate the senses and encourage an ‘Ocean State of Mind’. The philosophy of the brand is informed by the family’s European roots, sense of style, and intuitive approach to design and luxury.
The GT 63,900 vessel features 461 Ocean-front suites, 6 restaurants, 12 bars and lounges (8 indoor and 4 outdoor) and multiple pools including 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor.
EXPLORA II will spend her first season in the Mediterranean discovering the most striking locations of the Mare Nostrum, including Italian destinations such as Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero, and the Emerald Coast.
Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages
Also expected to enter service this year is Brilliant Lady. The fourth ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet was originally scheduled to enter service in late 2023. Following unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing challenges, Richard Branson’s Adults-only cruise line was forced to delay the introduction of the vessel. At the time Virgin Voyages said it was evaluating new possible launch dates, which are expected to be somewhere in 2024.
Brilliant Lady will be a paradies foor foodies and foodlovers. The ship will feature unique restaurants with Michelin star chef-curated menus and everything in between from comfort go-to’s to experimental cuisine and elaborate brunches to Korean BBQ, all of which are included in the fare. Sailing with Virgin Voyages means guests enjoy free perks such as a free beverage package, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Just like her sisterships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, Brilliant Lady weighs about 110,000 gross tons, measures 278 meters long and 38 wide. The ship features over 1,400 guest cabins designed to host more than 2,770 passengers, accompanied by 1,160 crew members.
Ilma – Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is scheduled to welcome its second luxury yacht, Ilma. The brand’s inaugural yacht, Evrima, embarked on its maiden voyage in October 2022. Measuring 624 feet in length, Evrima features 149 airy suites across various categories, each with a private terrace, creating a relaxed, casually elegant ambiance for up to 298 guests.
The second yacht, Ilma, meaning “water” in Maltese, is slightly bigger. Together with Luminara, the third yacht which is slated to set sail in 2025, Ilma measures 790-feet and features 224 airy, light-filled suites across various categories, all with private terraces, accommodating up to 448 passengers. Together with the third superyacht,
Paving the way for a new era of cruising, this brand extension introduces an entirely unique experience at sea, illustrating the ongoing commitment to innovative luxury travel experiences from The Ritz-Carlton. Ilma will offer expansive public spaces and will have one of the highest space ratios at sea, ensuring an exceptional journey.
The onboard experience will reflect the unparalleled lifestyle and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, including state-of-the-art technology, five distinct dining venues, and a Ritz-Carlton Spa. Delivering thoughtfully curated itineraries and unforgettable journeys for guests, Ilma will join the company’s first yacht Evrima in visiting the most coveted destinations in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with select ports of call in Central America and South America, depending on the season.
Viking Vela – Viking
Founded in 1997, Viking provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, the company offers experiences for The ‘Thinking Person’. Since its inception the company has received more than 250 awards, including top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions.
Classified as a small ship, the company’s newest ocean ship, Viking Vela, has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. She will join the award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships, which includes the Viking Star – the first ocean ship which was introduced in 2015, the Viking Sea, the Viking Sky, the Viking Orion, the Viking Jupiter, the Viking Venus, the Viking Mars, the Viking Neptune and the Viking Saturn.
Just like her sister ships, the Viking Vela ships is engineered at a size that allows direct access into most ports, so guests can easily and efficiently embark and disembark, allowing for more time in port. All Viking’s ocean ships feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail. Each ship boasts a private veranda in every stateroom, a choice of restaurants offering a variety of fine dining options, the most al fresco dining at sea, an infinity pool, a Nordic-inspired spa, the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge with panoramic views, thoughtfully curated book collections throughout the ship and more.
Scheduled to debut in December 2024, the Viking Vela will spend her inaugural season sailing voyages in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.
Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Treasure, will unlock the far-reaching realms of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel and embrace dynamic tales from beloved Disney Parks attractions, through captivating and immersive experiences on the high seas.
The Disney Treasure will harness a design concept that calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of beloved Disney characters. Adventure will serve as the architectural and thematic foundation of the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, in honor of Walt Disney’s legendary passion for travel and exploration.
The upper decks of the Disney Treasure feature three distinct districts offering fun water activities, quick and casual dining options and plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. In an expansive district themed to Mickey and friends, families will discover seven pools staggered among tiered decks, an abundance of luxe lounge chairs, an imaginative take on fast-casual fare with a festive character twist and Disney Cruise Line’s own attraction at sea, AquaMouse.
The Disney Treasure will continue Disney Cruise Line’s innovative family dining concept, where guests experience one of three imaginative restaurants each night, accompanied by a dedicated service team that joins them throughout the voyage, adding a level of familiarity to their dining experience. Plaza de Coco will be the world’s first theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco.” Worlds of Marvel, Disney Cruise Line’s immersive Marvel-themed dining experience, celebrates favorite Avengers characters and stories, including an amazing interaction with Spider-Man. This high-tech venue will offer a worldly menu and special entertainment, including two separate nights with distinct shows and dining, all inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 1923, named for the founding year of Walt Disney Animation Studios, will celebrate the profound impact of Disney’s animation legacy and bring to life Walt Disney’s love of adventure through a nostalgic collection of exploration-themed artwork from both modern and classic animated films.
The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish that launched in 2022, will embark on its maiden voyage, on December 21, 2024, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. At approximately 144,000 gross tons, offering 1,256 staterooms, the Disney treasure will be powered by liquefied natural gas.
Contact us for additional information and to book your cruise on the most exciting new cruise ships for 2024.