The new 'Icon of the Seas' cruise ship completed sea trials in 2023. It will sail for the first time ... [+]
After rebounding following the pandemic disruption, the global cruise industry is set to expand further in 2024 with several notable cruise ship launches.
Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises will introduce first-in-class vessels, while Cunard is launching its first new ship in over a decade. Disney Cruise Line is also releasing a new ship, sure to be of interest to families.
Meanwhile, fans of luxury and smaller ship lines can also look forward to new ships. Silversea, Explora Journeys, Ritz Carlton and Viking Ocean are among the lines introducing new vessels in 2024.
Among the cruise ships set to make their debut in 2024, these are five of the most notable.
Royal Caribbean’s ‘Icon Of The Seas’
In early 2024, Royal Caribbean will launch Icon of the Seas, set to be the world's largest cruise ship and the first of the line’s new Icon class of ships.
With a tonnage of 250,800 and a capacity of up to 10,000 passengers and crew, it surpasses the current record holder, Wonder of the Seas, in size and capacity.
This colossal ship will feature eight neighborhoods, including five brand-new concepts and the largest family-centric accommodations in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Icon of the Seas stands out with the largest water park on any cruise ship and a state-of-the-art indoor venue for acrobatic and diving performances.
The Park Cafe, a Royal Caribbean favorite for quick bites, returns to the Central Park neighborhood ... [+]
Despite its size, it is Royal Caribbean’s most sustainable ship, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology.
The ship caters to both families and adults, with attractions like the two-deck Royal Promenade, the family-focused Surfside neighborhood, the AquaDome for performances, Chill Island with pools and hot tubs and Thrill Island for exciting activities. Adult-oriented spaces include the tranquil Central Park, the Empire Supper Club and The Hideaway with its suspended infinity pool.
Icon of the Seas will embark on its maiden voyage from Miami in January 2024, after which it will offer a series of Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, including visits to Royal Caribbean's exclusive island, ‘Perfect Day at CocoCay’. Following Icon, Royal Caribbean plans to introduce sister ship Star of the Seas in 2025.
Royal Caribbean’s ‘Utopia Of The Seas’
Icon isn’t the only headline-grabbing launch from Royal Caribbean in 2024. In July, Royal Caribbean will introduce Utopia of the Seas, a new addition to its Oasis-class fleet.
Accommodating 6,700 passengers, Utopia of the Seas will feature the line's iconic Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods, along with the thrilling Ultimate Abyss slide.
Although sharing much in common with the previous Oasis-class ships, Utopia will boast unique aspects too, including an immersive restaurant designed with the theme of a train journey.
Royal Caribbean’s new 'Utopia of the Seas' features five pools, three-story waterslides and poolside ... [+]
In its first year, Utopia is set to specialize in short three and four-day cruises from its Port Canaveral base.
Princess Cruises’ ‘Sun Princess’
It’s not only Royal Caribbean launching an entirely new class of ship in 2024. In February, Princess Cruises will launch Sun Princess, the first ship in its new Sphere-class of cruise ship.
Designed to accommodate 4,000 passengers, the new cruise ship is the next stage of Princess’ evolution, involving a transition away from smaller ships, an overhaul of fare classes and the introduction of cutting-edge technology.
This new ship is particularly family-friendly, featuring Park19, a dedicated area for children and teenagers. Notable attractions include the Sea Breeze rollglider, the first of its kind at sea, a ropes course and a two-deck high obstacle course.
But there’s plenty going on for adults too. Princess is betting big on the new style ship, in more ways than one. The 9,000-square-foot casino will be its largest at sea.
The Sun Princess also introduces two new suite categories for luxury seekers: the Signature Collection and the Reserve Collection. The Signature Collection suites boast exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant, lounge and sun deck. The Reserve Collection includes upgraded Club Class cabins and new Cabana cabins, which offer a private sundeck, whirlpool and a special Reserve Collection restaurant.
Cunard’s ‘Queen Anne’
In May 2024, Cunard Line will introduce Queen Anne, its 249th ship, but its first new vessel in 12 years.
This modernized ship blends Cunard's heritage with contemporary design. Accommodating nearly 3,000 guests and 1,200 crew, it will visit various destinations including Spain, Portugal, Mediterranean cities, Caribbean islands and Norwegian fjords.
The maiden voyage on Cunard’s latest cruise ship ‘Queen Anne’ has long since sold out.
The ship features an Art Deco-inspired Grand Lobby, a lavish Royal Court Theatre and 15 diverse restaurants, including traditional options like the Britannia Restaurant and revamped Golden Lion pub, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. New dining experiences include Japanese, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines.
Queen Anne retains classic elements like white-glove afternoon tea and ballroom dancing, complemented by modern amenities such as a late-night cabaret club, a pool area with a DJ and retractable roof and a wellness area featuring a Himalayan salt sauna.
The maiden voyage in May 2024 is already sold out. Looking ahead, Queen Anne's 2025 maiden world voyage is a 111-night journey featuring destinations like Honolulu, Sydney, Penang and the Suez Canal, with prices starting at $17,500 per person.
‘Disney Treasure’
The Disney Treasure, a sister ship to the Disney Wish, will launch in December 2024, offering Disney-loving families another cruising option from Port Canaveral.
Catering to 4,000 passengers, the new ship’s atrium features an Aladdin theme and an overall adventure motif throughout the vessel. New onboard attractions include Plaza de Coco, an interactive dining experience inspired by the movie Coco and Jumbeaux's Sweet Shop, drawing from Zootopia.
For children, the ship features the AquaMouse slide with a new Mickey and Minnie adventure story and two casual cafes named after Disney princesses Moana and Mulan. Additionally, there are adults-only lounges themed after Disney park attractions.
Following its launch, Disney Treasure will embark on week-long cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, departing from Port Canaveral.
