2024’s cruise industry horizon: 14 new ships set sail

The cruise industry is set to experience a significant expansion in 2024, with 14 new ships entering service. These vessels range from mega-ships to luxury and premium models, each bringing unique features and advancements in maritime technology and guest experience.

One of the most anticipated ships is Royal Caribbean International‘s “Icon of the Seas”. Slated to debut in January 2024, this ship will become the world’s largest cruise ship with a capacity of 5,610 guests and a gross tonnage of 250,800. It will offer a myriad of dining and entertainment venues, including Royal Caribbean’s first food hall and the Empire Supper Club. The Icon of the Seas will also boast nearly 30 stateroom and suite options, catering to both families and those seeking adult-only spaces. Royal Caribbean will also introduce “Utopia of the Seas,” the final Oasis-class ship, which distinguishes itself by being the only LNG-powered vessel in its class. It will have a capacity of 5,714 guests and a gross tonnage of 231,000.

Princess Cruises is introducing the “Sun Princess”, their largest ship to date, in February 2024. With a capacity of 4,300 guests and a gross tonnage of 175,500, it will feature the largest-ever casino on a Princess ship, the most balcony cabins, and innovative entertainment venues like The Dome. The ship will also include Park19, a unique adventure park with the first-at-sea roll glider.

Cunard Line‘s “Queen Anne” is set to debut in May 2024, marking the first newbuild for the British brand in over a decade. It will carry 3,000 guests and weigh 113,000 gross tons. The ship is expected to maintain Cunard’s classic elegance while offering modern updates, including 15 dining options and luxurious accommodations.

TUI Cruises will launch “Mein Schiff 7″ in June 2024. This ship, accommodating 2,894 guests and weighing 111,500 gross tons, will feature new cabin types for single travelers, a new Asian and sushi restaurant, and a revamped smoke-free casino.

Disney Cruise Line is adding “Disney Treasure” to its fleet in the summer of 2024. A sister ship to “Disney Wish”, it will offer a capacity of 4,000 guests and a gross tonnage of 144,000. The ship’s design is inspired by the story of Aladdin, with rich colors and geometric motifs. It will also provide access to Disney’s new Bahamian island, Lighthouse Point, opening in June 2024.

“Silver Ray” from Silversea Cruises, another highly anticipated ship, represents the latest in environmentally conscious design. With a capacity of 728 guests and a gross tonnage of 54,700, it will be one of the most spacious ships in the industry. The ship, debuting in the summer of 2024, will feature suites with 270-degree views and eight restaurants.

After seeing its delivery postponed in 2023, the “Brilliant Lady” is now expected to enter service for Virgin Voyages in the second quarter of 2024.

Following the “Explora I”, the “Explora II” is set to become Explora Journey’s second ultra-luxury ship. Under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 922-guest will kick off its inaugural season in the Mediterranean on August 11, 2024.

Continuing American Cruise Line’s Coastal Cat series, the “American Liberty” is set to enter service on August 15, 2024. During its maiden season, the U.S.-built cruise ship is set to offer a series of itineraries in New England and the Hudson River. The ship is a sister to the 2023-launched American Glory. A second U.S.-built cruise ship is entering service in 2024, the “American Legend”. Under construction at the Chesapeake shipyard in Maryland, the 109-guest ship will spend its inaugural season offering American Cruise Line’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise. The ship is a sister to the 2023-launched American Glory.

Following the 2022-built “Evrima”, the Ilma is set to become Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second luxury vessel. In final stages of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the 456-guest cruise ship is set to welcome its first paying guests on September 19, 2024.

Viking is introducing the new “Viking Vela” in December 2024. Under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the luxury vessel is set to spend its inaugural season offering winter cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Finally, after having its delivery postponed several times since 2021 due to problems at Brodosplit, the “Janssonius” is expected to enter service for Oceanwide Expeditions sometime in 2024. Once delivered, the expedition vessel is set to offer a series of exploration cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. The ship is a sister to the 2019-launched “Hondius“.

These new ships represent a significant investment in the future of the cruise industry, showcasing advances in environmental technology, guest experience, and luxury. Their introduction is a strong indicator of the industry’s recovery and growth following the challenges of recent years.

The article 2024’s cruise industry horizon: 14 new ships set sail first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.