New Cruise Ships On the Horizon in 2024 and Beyond

New Cruise Ships On the Horizon in 2024 and Beyond

A new year means new cruise ships are on the horizon, and 2024 is shaping up to be a significant year for the industry. Several major cruise lines are set to debut new vessels, each offering unique features and experiences.

Let’s look at some of the major cruise lines and see what they have in store for 2024 and beyond.

Photo from Cruise Industry News. 

The Largest Cruise Ship In the World Debuted Jan 2024

It was a big year for Royal Caribbean and for cruise ship go-ers with the launching of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. 

The cutting of the steel for Icon of the Seas began in June of 2021, and on January 10, 2024, Icon of the Seas was christened and began her maiden voyage out of Port of Miami in the U.S. 

Icon hosts eight “neighborhoods” that are packed with activities that cater to passengers of all ages. One of the eight neighborhoods, Thrill Island, has park-worthy attractions like Frightening Bolt where the floor disappears and you plunge into the ride below. 

Cloud 6 is the largest waterpark at sea and offers 6 slides.  There are more than 20 dining options including complimentary and extra-cost venues. 

Geared towards families, Icon of the Seas can hold 7,600 guests and more than 2,300 crew. All of the cruises on Icon are round-trip from its Miami, Florida home base. 

Photo from Cruise Industry News. 

Cunard Line Takes Delivery of the Queen Anne

The first new cruise ship for Cunard in twelve years, the Queen Anne, will be christened in Liverpool, England in June of 2024.  As the oldest operating shipping company in the world, Cunard became a luxury brand after being acquired by Carnival Corporation in the late 1990s. 

The Queen Anne will be able to hold about 3,000 passengers, 1,225 crew and will have a completely redesigned interior. The Royal Court Theatre, with its velvet upholstered seating, is Cunard’s first two-deck, 825-seat theater. 

There will be four new-to-the-line specialty restaurants, including the first Indian restaurant on the Cunard line. 

Photo from Cruise Industry News. 

Princess Cruises Welcomes the Sun Princess

The Sun Princess will be Princess Cruise’s largest ship, with a capacity for 4,300-guests and 1,150 crew. The first ship in their fleet to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), the Sun Princess is a Sphere class ship.

There are a variety of entertainment options, including a multi-level glass-enclosed dome with a pool and a stage for shows. Try out their Victorian-themed bar with magicians, themed rooms and cocktails. 

There is a recreational court, a jogging track, kids club and a hammock area if you just want to chill out. The Sun Princess debuted in February of 2024. 

Photo from Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Touted as The World’s Biggest Weekend, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, is scheduled for its maiden voyage in July of 2024. 

Utopia will be offering short cruises to the Bahamas after departing from Port Canaveral. 

Photo from Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages Awaiting Brilliant Lady

With an original delivery date of late 2023, this Brilliant Lady likes to keep the world waiting. 

However, this fourth and final Lady Ship does not have a specified date to make her appearance. Speculation puts her arrival into late 2025 or even early 2026.

Brilliant Lady will be worth the wait with her Rock-n-Roll themed design. Keeping with that theme, each of the 78 suites will have a record player and vinyl records.

Brilliant Lady will have about 2,770 passengers and about 1160 crew. 

Photo from Cruise Industry News. 

The Mouse Is Adding To Its House

Disney expects to welcome the newest ship to the Disney Cruise Line fleet in December of 2024. The Disney Treasure will be able to carry 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew members. 

Featuring an adventure theme there will be, for the first time ever on the cruise line’s ships, some elements from Disney theme parks. 

The Tomorrow Tower Suite is inspired by EPCOT. You will also find elements of the Jungle Cruise attraction in the lounge called Skipper Society. 

New Cruise Ships Ordered and New Ships Received

MSC

In a sign that the cruising industry is thriving, MSC is one of several cruise lines that have added or ordered new ships to their fleet. 

MSC cruise line reached a major milestone with two new World-class ships, World America (due April 2025) and World Asia (due in 2026), added to their fleet. 

MSC World America was recently floated out of dry dock. Entering the final phase of construction, the second ship, MSC World Asia, will be completed in France. 

Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Lines has ordered eight new ships for each of its three brands. This is the most comprehensive new-build order in Norwegians’ history. 

The eight new ships represent almost 25,000 additional berths. Norwegian is also constructing a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island destination in the Bahamas. 

Norwegian will be accepting the eight new ships over a ten-year period from 2026 to 2036

Windstar

Not to be left behind, Windstar Cruises will be welcoming two new ships to its fleet, the Star Seeker and the Star Explorer. 

The Star Seeker is currently under construction and Windstar expects to take delivery in December 2025. The Star Explorer will join the fleet a year later in December 2026. 

In Conclusion

As the cruise industry continues to grow and evolve, the delivery of new cruise ships in 2024 and beyond is highly anticipated. 

With cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Carnival debuting new ships, there will be plenty of options for travelers to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a romantic getaway, there’s a new cruise ship that will meet your needs.

With new ships that offer advanced technology, sustainability, and innovative design, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable cruising experience in 2024 and beyond.