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 tonnes 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.
Princess Cruises
Park19 will be a unique activity zone on board the new Sun Princess.
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.
Cunard
Bright Lights Society is a new cabaret on Cunard’s Queen Anne.
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
favourites, such as the Golden Lion pub, while unveiling new options,
including the Bright Lights Society cabaret.
The 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
The AquaMouse water coaster will get a new storyline. Photo Credit: 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”.
Disney theme park fans will appreciate the Haunted Mansion Parlour,
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
Silversea plans to welcome Silver Ray in June 2024. Photo Credit: 2023 Silversea
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-tonne package catering to only 922
passengers in 461 suites. Accommodations begin at 35sqm, increasing to
the expansive 280sqm Owner’s Residence.
Meanwhile, 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 tonnes, 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 water sports 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.
Viking
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).
Source: Travelage West