Between Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard, Princess Cruises and other lines, there are a total of nine new ships on the calendar for next year, spanning all travel types and interests. From ships for luxury lovers to value seekers, gourmet foodies, multigenerational families and even magic aficionados, check out all the exciting upcoming vessels here.
Royal Caribbean International
Right out of the gate, Royal Caribbean International will be launching not one, but two, new ships next year, starting with Icon of the Seas, set to debut in late January. Icon will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it arrives, measuring in at 250,800 gross tons and a guest capacity of 7,600 (or 5,610, based on double occupancy). As the first in an entirely new class of ships, it will also feature seven pools, nine whirlpools and six waterslides among its many amenities for guests.
And then, coming in July 2024, will be the sixth Oasis Class ship in the form of the smaller — but just as alluring — Utopia of the Seas. Clients will love the new Pesky Parrot Caribbean-inspired bar along the Royal Promenade, as well as a poolside food truck.
Icon’s unique Family Townhouse
Credit: 2023 Royal Caribbean InternationalPrincess Cruises
Coming in February from Princess Cruises is Sun Princess, reinstating the classic name but representing the all-new Sphere Class. Sun Princess will be the premium line’s largest-ever vessel and will introduce brand loyalists to Reserve Collection Cabana cabins with balconies, plus private outdoor lounges and a special speakeasy-style Magic Castle venue, dubbed “Spellbound."
The Dome, inspired by Santorini, Greece, will crown the forward-most upper deck with a daytime indoor/outdoor pool and evening acrobatic shows. Dining will expand to 29 total options, including a triple-decker main restaurant, as well as Kai Sushi and Umai Teppanyaki among the ship’s specialty restaurants.
Park19 will be a unique activity zone.
Credit: 2023 Princess CruisesCunard
Queen Anne will be Cunard’s first new ship in over a decade when it comes online in May 2024. Based on corporate cousin Holland America Line’s Koningsdam platform, the layout will expand on several Cunard favorites, such as the Golden Lion pub, while unveiling new options, including the Bright Lights Society cabaret.
Bright Lights Society is a new cabaret on Cunard’s Queen Anne.
Credit: 2023 CunardThe grandest private accommodations onboard will be the Queens Grill Grand Suites — complete with the ship’s biggest balconies — followed by the Princess Grill Suites and Britannia balcony staterooms. Future guests can also expect the line’s largest collection of fitness, thermal and spa facilities at the Mareel Wellness & Beauty complex and The Pavilion poolside retreat.
Disney Cruise Line
Following the success of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, Disney Treasure will arrive in December 2024 as the second in the new ship series — this time featuring an adventure theme. Highlights will include a Grand Hall, which will be reminiscent of Aladdin’s Agrabah; and Plaza de Coco, offering a culinary journey alongside Miguel and his family, characters from the film “Coco.”
The AquaMouse water coaster will get a new storyline.
Credit: 2023 Disney Cruise LineDisney theme park fans will appreciate the Haunted Mansion Parlor, the Jungle Cruise-inspired Skipper Society, the“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”-themed Periscope Pub and the Epcot-like Tomorrow Tower Suite. In addition, “Disney The Tale of Moana” will be staged in the Walt Disney Theatre, while “Curse of the Golden Egg” is a new storyline for the AquaMouse water coaster.
Luxurious Seconds
Just as Seabourn Venture became the second vessel in the line’s expedition ship class this year — Explora Journeys, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Silversea will debut luxurious repeats in 2024.
Explora Journeys, the luxury-line spinoff of MSC Cruises, is anticipating its Explora II in the summer. The sister ship is expected to continue with the same exceptional amenities found on Explora I, again in a 63,900-gross-ton package catering to only 922 passengers in 461 suites. Accommodations begin at 377 square feet, increasing to the expansive 3,014-square-foot Owner’s Residence.
The pool on a Ritz-Carlton yacht
Credit: 2023 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionMeanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is scheduled to welcome its second vessel in the fall. Following its first 298-guest, 25,400-ton Evrima, the new Ilma will be nearly double the size at 46,750 tons, with a passenger capacity of 448 and a suite count of 224. Onboard, guests will enjoy five restaurants and six bars, as well as a watersports marina.
And after launching Silver Nova in 2023, Silversea will introduce its second ship in the Nova Class — Silver Ray — in June 2024. Ray will follow the same unique, asymmetric layout as Nova, crafting a true resort-style atmosphere with quiet nooks and crannies and other outstanding venues. Fine dining will range from the destination-inspired S.A.L.T. Kitchen to The Marquee alfresco dining deck.
Silversea plans to welcome Silver Ray in June 2024.
Credit: 2023 SilverseaViking
Last but certainly not least, the industry will see the 11th Viking ocean ship in 2024 (including the former Viking Sun, now operating under Chinese flag).
Viking Vela will feature the line’s popular Explorers’ Lounge.
Credit: 2023 VikingDifferent from the recent Viking Saturn, Viking Vela will be slightly longer — carrying 998 guests, versus 930 — and propelled by cleaner fuel-cell power technology. Also included on the new ship are the previous ships’ double-decker Explorers’ Lounge observation venue, an infinity pool overlooking the stern, the sublime Nordic Spa and the delicious Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant.
