launching a cruise ship

Here Are the 14 New Cruise Ships Entering Service in 2024

• January 2, 2024

A total of 14 new cruise ships are set to enter service in 2024. According to data from the Cruise Industry News’ Global Cruise Ship Orderbook Report , the lineup includes a diverse selection of vessels, including mega ships, premium and luxury vessels, and more.

Here’s the list of new vessels entering service through the end of the year:

I con of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Capacity:  5,610 guests Tonnage:  250,800 Shipyard: Meyer Turku (Finland) Inaugural Cruise: January 27, 2024

After being delivered to Royal Caribbean International in late 2023 , the new Icon of the Seas is set to enter service on January 27, 2024. Set to spend its inaugural season in the Caribbean, the 250,800-ton vessel will take over the title of biggest cruise ship in the world from its fleet mate Wonder of the Seas.

Sun Princess Cruise Line: Princess Cruises Capacity:  4,300 guests Tonnage:  175,000 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy) Delivery Date: February 8, 2024

Ushering a new era for Princess Cruises, the new Sun Princess is set to enter service in the Mediterranean in early February. The first in a new series of LNG-powered vessels, the 4,300-guest vessel will become Princess’ largest ever ship while introducing several new features, such as a family activity zone and a multi-use geodesic dome.

Queen Anne Cruise Line: Cunard Line Capacity:  3,000 guests Tonnage:  113,000 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy) Inaugural Cruise: May 3, 2024

The new Queen Anne is entering service for Cunard Line on May 3, 2024. As the first newbuild commissioned for the British brand in over ten years, the 3,000-guest vessel is scheduled to spend its maiden season offering itineraries to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and more.

Silver Ray Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises Capacity:  728 guests Tonnage:  54,700 Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany) Inaugural Cruise: June 15, 2024

A sister to the 2023-built Silver Nova, the Silver Ray is set to enter service for Silversea Cruises in mid-2024. Considered one of the world’s greenest cruise ships , the LNG-powered vessel is set to spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Mein Schiff 7 Cruise Line: TUI Cruises Capacity:  2,900 guests Tonnage:  110,000 Shipyard: Meyer Turku (Finland) Inaugural Cruise: June 23, 2024

The Mein Schiff 7 is set to enter service for TUI Cruises on June 23, 2024. Under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland , the 2,900-guest vessel is set to spend its maiden season in Northern Europe before repositioning to the Canary Islands for the winter.

Utopia of the Seas Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International Capacity:  5,714 guests Tonnage:  231,000 Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France) Inaugural Cruise: July 22, 2024

Closing out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, the Utopia of the Seas is set to welcome guests for its inaugural cruise on July 22, 2024. In a first for the company, the LNG-powered newbuild will spend its maiden season offering short cruises to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral .

Brilliant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Capacity:  2,770 guests Tonnage:  110 , 000 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy) Inaugural Cruise: TBD

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. Details about the vessel’s new inaugural season, however, haven’t been announced by the company yet.

Explora II Cruise Line: Explora Journeys Capacity:  922 guests Tonnage:  64 , 000 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy) Inaugural Cruise: August 11, 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.

American Liberty Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines Capacity:  109 guests Tonnage:  4 , 100 Shipyard: Chesapeake (United States) Inaugural Cruise: August 15, 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.

Ilma Cruise Line: Ritz-Carton Yacht Collection Capacity:  456 guests Tonnage:  37,000 Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France) Delivery Date: September 19, 2024

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.

American Legend Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines Capacity:  109 guests Tonnage:  4 , 100 Shipyard: Chesapeake (United States) Inaugural Cruise: November 25, 2024

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.

Viking Vela Cruise Line: Viking  Capacity: 988 guests Tonnage:  4 7 , 000 Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy) Inaugural Cruise: December 12, 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.

Disney Treasure Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line Capacity:  2,500 guests Tonnage:  140,000 Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany) Inaugural Cruise: December 21, 2024

The new Disney Tresure is set to enter service for Disney Cruise Line on December 21, 2024. A sister to the 2022-built Disney Wish, the 140,000-ton vessel is offering a series of week-long cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas during its inaugural season .

Janssonius Cruise Line: Oceanwide Expeditions Capacity:  174 guests Tonnage:  6 , 300 Shipyard: Brodosplit (Croatia) Inaugural Cruise: TBD

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.

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The 9 best new cruise ships launching in 2024

This year will be a big one for new cruise ships, with three major vessels on the way that promise to break new ground in cruising.

The most notable of the three, Icon of the Seas , is the first of a new series of megaships from Royal Caribbean that will be larger than any cruise vessels ever built. It'll be loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz attractions, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Icon of the Seas is just one of two major new Royal Caribbean cruise ships arriving in 2024. Also on the way is Utopia of the Seas , the sixth and final vessel in the line's hugely successful Oasis Class of ships.

The year will also bring the first new ship in more than a decade from storied cruise line Cunard (Queen Anne) and the first of a new class of ship from cruise giant Princess Cruises (Sun Princess).

The new ships from Cunard and Princess Cruises will both feature notable updated designs for the brands, with an expanded lineup of restaurants, bars and entertainment areas.

All three vessels — Icon of the Seas, Queen Anne and Sun Princess — are the three new cruise ships for 2024 that have us the most excited here at TPG. But they're far from being the only major new cruise vessels arriving during the next 12 months.

To whet your appetite for cruising in the year ahead, take a look at our list of nine new cruise ships arriving in 2024.

Carnival Jubilee

Maiden voyage: Dec. 23, 2023

This newest ship for cruise giant Carnival technically arrived at the end of 2023, but its maiden voyage on Dec. 23 was so close to the start of 2024 that we're calling it a new vessel for 2024.

The 15-deck-high ship is a sister to the line's recently unveiled Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration , which have made waves in the past two years for their huge size and what might be the most unusual attraction ever on a cruise vessel: a deck-top roller coaster .

Like Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee measures 183,521 tons, putting it in a tie with the former ship for the position of biggest vessel ever to sail for Carnival (at 181,808 tons, sister ship Mardi Gras is slightly smaller). Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, notably, are a whopping 35% bigger than the next-biggest Carnival ships currently afloat, and they are bigger than all but a dozen other cruise vessels in the world.

Like Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee has a roller coaster on its top deck. Dubbed Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, it's similar to the roller coasters on its sister vessels, with an 800-foot-long track and vehicles that reach speeds of 40 mph — give or take.

Also, like its sisters, Carnival Jubilee was designed to hold up to 6,630 passengers. That's just a tad below the 7,600 passengers that will be able to fit aboard Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Icon of the Seas — the new world's largest cruise ship (more on that vessel below).

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

In addition to a roller coaster, Carnival Jubilee has a giant water park on its top deck. Like its sister, its interiors are filled with a far broader array of suites than you'd find on earlier Carnival ships. But the vessel isn't a carbon copy of the previous vessels. New features include two ocean-themed zones with new bar and dining options — including an underwater-themed bar adorned with octopus arms that will serve drinks.

The development of ships on the scale of Carnival Jubilee and its sisters has been a big deal for Carnival. Until recently, the line had resisted the trend among major brands to build even bigger vessels that offer a supersized megaresort-at-sea experience.

Carnival's last new vessel before the arrival of Mardi Gras in 2021, Carnival Panorama, didn't even crack the top 40 list of biggest ships when it debuted in 2019.

Carnival Jubilee is sailing seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston. Fares start at $669 per person, not including taxes and fees.

Icon of the Seas

Maiden voyage: Jan. 27

Call it the new grande dame of the megaship world. At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas will be the biggest cruise ship ever built, and it'll be chock-full of more amusements, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues than any cruise vessel ever.

In other words, if you're a megaship fan, this is your new go-to ship — assuming you don't mind vacationing with a lot of other people.

In size, Icon of the Seas will be about 6% bigger than the biggest of the Oasis Class ships, the one-year-old Wonder of the Seas. But it'll be able to hold about 7% more people — 7,600 passengers as compared to Wonder of the Seas' total capacity of 7,084 passengers. That's a new all-time record for a passenger ship.

The bigger passenger capacity is in part due to the ship's greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas is being built with more cabins offering extra bunks to accommodate families with children. It'll also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.

Related: Icon of the Seas will cater to families

Surfside notably will feature splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

Icon of the Seas will also feature the largest water park ever built on a cruise ship, with a record six waterslides. No other vessel comes close when it comes to water attractions on a cruise ship.

Other notable new attractions will include the AquaDome — a massive, glass dome-covered area at the front of the ship. A true engineering marvel (the 363-ton glass dome had to be built separately next to the ship and winched into place), the AquaDome will be home to the AquaTheater — a venue found in a different location on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships that hosts acrobatic and diving shows in a high-tech stage/pool.

The AquaTheater will be the marquee attraction within the AquaDome, which will also offer dining and drinking venues, as well as cozy seating areas for daytime and evening hangouts. One such spot, the Overlook, is an elevated lounge featuring special nooks (Overlook Pods) and wraparound windows providing fantastic ocean views and easy viewing of the aqua shows.

In addition, Icon of the Seas will have a record-for-a-ship seven pools, four of which will be at a main pool area called Chill Island. The latter area will be home to the line's first swim-up bar on a ship, Swim and Tonic.

Related: The ultimate Icon of the Seas guide: Pricing, itineraries, and what's on board

Ten new food outlets on the ship will include Surfside Eatery, a family-friendly buffet in the Surfside neighborhood, and Empire Supper Club, an upscale venue designed to evoke the atmosphere of New York City in the 1930s. The latter will serve an extravagant eight-course meal (think: caviar and wagyu), with each dish paired with a cocktail created by celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.

Among lodging options, Icon of the Seas will boast 14 new cabin and suite types plus 14 categories of rooms that already exist on earlier Royal Caribbean ships. That's a whopping 28 types of accommodation in all.

Many of these cabin categories are family-friendly rooms that sleep four guests; some can accommodate six or eight guests. In total, 313 cabins and suites are listed specifically as family-focused accommodations, though many regular room types can sleep more than two people.

Note that Icon of the Seas is just the first of three sister ships Royal Caribbean has on order for delivery by 2026, all of similar dimensions. Together, they will make up what is known as the Icon Class.

Icon of the Seas will operate seven-night voyages to the Caribbean out of Miami. Fares start at $1,577 per person, not including taxes and fees.

Sun Princess

Like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises is going bigger with its next new ship — a lot bigger.

Under development for more than six years and the first of an all-new series of vessels for the line, the 4,000-passenger Sun Princess is about 21% bigger than the biggest ships currently in the Princess fleet. And yet, while it's 21% bigger, it's designed to hold just 17% more passengers.

In other words, its space-to-passenger ratio will be greater, making the ship feel roomier — if only modestly.

Sun Princess will also be the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — a sign Princess is finally getting serious about pampering its best customers.

In addition, Sun Princess will boast an innovative new type of "cabana cabin" along the ship's extra-wide 10th deck, which will come with access to a private deck area (sort of a riff on the Havana-class cabins found on a handful of Carnival Cruise Line ships). Plus, the top deck of the ship is getting some unusual-for-Princess sizzle with the addition of a glass-dome-topped pool area that will transform into a nightspot after the sun goes down.

Related: A sneak peek inside Sun Princess under construction

Other notable differences between Sun Princess and earlier Princess ships include the lack of a buffet restaurant on its main pool deck. Don't worry, buffet lovers: There will still be a buffet-like venue on the ship. It will be eight decks below the pool deck, closer to the ship's central piazza and just off the ship's outside promenade.

The ship's main theater, to be called the Princess Arena, will also have a new look. Its new-for-Princess in-the-round shape can be converted into a more traditional proscenium-type theater or a keyhole-type theater to allow for different types of productions.

The ship's three-deck-high piazza, called the Sun Princess Piazza, is getting an upgrade, too, with a new circular shape, a stage that pops up from the center of the floor for performances and a giant, three-deck-high moveable LED screen that will play a role in evening productions in the space.

Among other standout venues, Sun Princess will feature a secret hideaway for magical performances designed in partnership with the Magic Castle performance venue in Los Angeles. Kids should love the new-for-Princess fun zone called Park19, featuring a ropes course and what's being billed as the first roll glider at sea, an electric ride that goes up to 11 mph.

Sun Princess initially will sail in Europe through the fall before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $467 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a five-night Caribbean sailing.

Maiden voyage: May 10

It's been a long time coming, but storied cruise line Cunard is finally launching a new ship. Built to an all-new design for the 183-year-old brand, the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne will be Cunard's first new vessel in 14 years — an unusually long period for any line to go without a new ship.

Queen Anne, notably, will embrace the latest trends of travel and cruising in a way that Cunard ships haven't done before, including a new focus on choice in dining and entertainment, wellness and onboard celebrations.

The ship will offer 15 different places to grab a bite, more than double the number on the line's other ships. The options will include Aji Wa, a new restaurant concept for Cunard that will serve Japanese cuisine influenced by the seasons of the year. Also new for Cunard will be Aranya, an Indian eatery; Sir Samuel's, a high-end steakhouse; and Tramonto, which will serve Mediterranean dishes.

Wellness-focused areas will include a new-for-the-line, glass-enclosed Wellness Studio at the top of the ship that will offer classes in yoga, pilates, Zumba and line dancing during the day and ballroom dancing classes at sunset.

A new juice bar and a cafe near the main pool will serve healthy dishes, and the ship's spa is being built as a temple to wellness. It'll offer a sprawling thermal pool complex that includes eight heated loungers, four experiential showers, a reflexology footpath with textured stones flowing with hot water, a cold room (a first for Cunard), a large steam room, a Himalayan salt sauna and a traditional sauna. A relaxation room and wellness suite will round out the offerings.

Related: A sneak peek inside Queen Anne under construction

On the celebrations front, Queen Anne will have a lounge specifically designed for weddings that spills into an indoor reception room and, just beyond, a new-for-the-line private rooftop terrace space for wedding and vow renewal receptions.

Other notable features of the ship will include an expanded Commodore Club observation lounge and a main pool area (The Pavilion) topped with a retractable glass roof designed to be as much a showpiece as a functional structure.

Not everything about Queen Anne will be different from previous Cunard ships. A lot will be familiar. As is always the case for Cunard vessels, Queen Anne will have a soaring Grand Lobby with a cascading staircase where you can take selfies in your formal night splendor. That staple of all Cunard ships, the ballroom known as the Queens Room, is also making a comeback.

Queen Anne initially will sail in Europe before setting off on an around-the-world cruise in January 2025. Fares start at $449 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a quick two-night cruise from Hamburg, Germany, to Southampton, England. Seven-night sailings in Europe start at $849 per person, not including taxes and fees.

Maiden voyage: June 27

The newest ship for the luxury line Silversea Cruises is a sister to the brand's recently unveiled Silver Nova — a groundbreaking vessel that has been turning heads since it debuted in August.

Like Silver Nova, Silver Ray will be bigger than Silversea's previous ships and feature an unusual, asymmetrical design for its public decks that reorients its key features toward the sides of the ship instead of the center. Whether you're floating in the ship's main pool or dining at its open-air Marquee restaurant, you'll be looking out at the sea (or whatever destination the ship is visiting) like you've never been able to before.

Silver Ray's pool area, in particular, will be striking, as is the pool area on Silver Nova. The long and narrow pool won't be in the middle of the deck but offset to its starboard side, and it'll be oriented to face outward to the sea. Nearly all the lounge chairs around the pool will face in the same direction toward the sea, too.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Silversea ship

As we wrote about in our recent first look at Silver Nova , part of what makes this new outward-facing orientation for these ships so magical is that they don't have any structures rising from the starboard sides of their pool decks. Passengers floating in the pools on these ships or lounging on nearby lounge chairs get an unobstructed view of the sea off the starboard side.

Silver Ray's asymmetrical design will also be evident at two food and beverage venues at the top of the vessel — both new-for-Silversea concepts that first debuted in August on Silver Nova.

The first, Marquee, will be an alfresco dining venue that is also off-center, with an orientation that offers commanding views of the sea from the ship's port side. It'll be home to The Grill, Silversea's signature outdoor "hot rocks" dining venue, and also double as the ship's Spaccanapoli pizza outlet. The second venue, The Dusk Bar, will be an open-air sky bar at the back of the vessel that, like Marquee, is positioned on the port side of the ship.

Additional dining venues on board will include versions of Silversea's main signature restaurant La Terrazza, French eatery La Dame, seafood eatery Atlantide and sushi outlet Kaiseki.

In addition to asymmetry in many areas, one thing that will be particularly noticeable about Silver Ray is its spaciousness — something it will share with Silver Nova. At 54,700 tons, the two ships are about 34% bigger than Silversea's last three new vessels — Silver Muse, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn — but they are designed to hold only about 22% more passengers. That gives them significantly more space per passenger.

With every berth filled, Silver Ray will sail with 728 passengers — the same as Silver Nova and just 132 more than the three earlier Silversea vessels.

The extra space on the two vessels has allowed Silversea to expand its lineup of cabin categories, with more large suites. As is always the case with Silversea ships, every cabin on the ship will be a suite. But Silver Ray and Silver Nova offer new premium aft suites, including a massive 1,324-square-foot complex called the Otium Suite.

Even the smallest cabins on Silver Ray will measure at least 357 square feet, which is unusually large for a cruise ship cabin.

Silver Ray will initially sail in Europe before repositioning to North America in December 2024 for winter sailings to South America and the Caribbean. Fares start at $4,600 per person, including transfers, for a nine-night South America sailing out of Panama City.

Utopia of the Seas

Maiden voyage: July 22

Royal Caribbean's second new ship of the year will be a giant, too, though not quite as big as Icon of the Seas. The sixth and final vessel in the line's groundbreaking Oasis Class of ships , Utopia of the Seas is expected to carry up to around 6,700 passengers and measure around 237,000 tons, which would place it just behind Icon of the Seas as the world's second-biggest cruise ship.

Like the five earlier Oasis Class ships (the newest of which, Wonder of the Seas , is the current size leader in the cruise world), Utopia of the Seas will be loaded with lots of family-focused attractions , including multiple main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on its top deck.

Inside the vessel, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine, plus a huge casino, spas and theaters with Broadway-style shows.

As with earlier Royal Caribbean ships, it'll even have an indoor ice-skating rink.

In design and features, Utopia of the Seas will be nearly identical to Royal Caribbean's last new Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas, which debuted in 2022. Like that vessel, it'll have a dedicated suite area with a private lounge, restaurant and sun deck — something not found on the four earlier Oasis Class ships.

Utopia of the Seas will be based in Port Canaveral, Florida, for short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. Fares start at $431 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a three-night sailing.

Related: Why Royal Caribbean is about to own the market for short cruises from Florida

The world's newest cruise line, three-month-old Explora Journeys, is doubling in size in 2024 with the addition of Explora 2.

Designed for 922 passengers, the high-end vessel will be an almost identical sister to Explora 1, the line's first ship, which debuted in August. It will similarly target the luxury market.

Like Explora 1, the new ship will offer oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be "homes at sea," and it'll be packed with upscale amenities. They will include 10 distinct culinary experiences, 10 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, outdoor deck areas with private cabanas, wellness facilities and entertainment.

A creation of the deep-pocketed MSC Group, which already owns MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys plans to launch at least six of the superluxurious vessels by 2028, with the first four being roughly the same size and the last two being even bigger .

In just a few years, that'll give Explora Journeys a bigger capacity than such well-known luxury cruise operators as Seabourn and the recently relaunched Crystal .

Explora Journeys is competing in the same upscale cruise space as Seabourn and Crystal, as well as luxury lines like Viking, Silversea and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. It's run completely separately from its sister brand, MSC Cruises, which caters to a mass-market audience.

Explora 2 will initially sail in the Mediterranean before repositioning to North America for the winter. Fares start at $4,275 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a seven-night Caribbean sailing.

Viking Vela

Maiden voyage: Dec. 19

Fast-growing Viking will continue its expansion into ocean cruising in 2024 with its 11th new seagoing vessel since 2015.

Like Viking's first 10 ocean ships (one of which has been transferred to a joint venture with a Chinese company), Vela will be a relatively small, elegant vessel designed to appeal to an older crowd looking to explore the world in style and comfort.

Slightly bigger than its sister ships, Viking Vela will hold 998 passengers at double occupancy — 68 more than its siblings. But it'll still be less than a third the size of the giant ships operated by such well-known cruise brands as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Like Viking's other ocean ships, it'll sail itineraries that feature more time in ports than is common at many other lines. Like the earlier Viking ships, it'll also be adults-only, with no passengers under the age of 18 allowed.

While slightly bigger than earlier Viking ocean ships, Viking Vela's interior will have an almost identical look. Like Viking's 10 earlier ocean vessels, Vela will boast modern, Scandinavian-influenced decor that's soothing and upscale. Onboard activities will revolve around enrichment programs and classy entertainment, and there will be elegant meals in multiple restaurants. Cabins will be relatively spacious, with the smallest of five cabin categories having 270 square feet of space. Every cabin will have a balcony.

As is typical for Viking, the fare will include a shore excursion at every port that Vela visits. Also included will be Wi-Fi, and wine and beer with lunch and dinner — all part of Viking's "no-nickel-and-diming" philosophy.

Disney Treasure

Maiden voyage: Dec. 21

Disney Cruise Line is shifting into growth mode again with the unveiling of Disney Treasure , its second new ship in two years (after a 10-year period where Disney didn't unveil a single vessel). Due at the end of 2024, it's coming out in relatively quick succession to Disney Wish, a similarly designed ship that arrived in 2022.

Like Disney Wish, Disney Treasure is part of Disney's new Triton Class of vessels, and it'll share many of the same features and layout as its older sister. But it will be far from an exact copy. Disney has announced quite a few major changes for Disney Treasure, including the addition of an all-new Mexican restaurant called Plaza de Coco that is themed around the events of the "Coco" movie. It replaces the "Frozen-" themed eatery on Disney Wish.

Also, a new Haunted Mansion-themed bar will replace the "Star Wars-" themed Hyperspace Lounge on Disney Wish.

Other new venues include Jumbeaux's Sweets, an ice cream parlor and candy shop inspired by Jumbeaux's Cafe in the movie "Zootopia," and Skipper Society, a new bar inspired by Disney's Jungle Cruise ride and its wisecracking skippers. At the latter, which will be where The Bayou is on Disney Wish, passengers will find a menu of themed cocktails and light snacks, such as waffles.

Yet another new drinks venue is Periscope Pub, inspired by Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (and Disney's 1954 movie version of the book and theme park attraction). It will replace Wish's Keg & Compass as Disney Treasure's sports bar. The bar is designed to look like the Nautilus submarine from the story, complete with a giant periscope, porthole windows and a ceiling designed to look like you're underwater.

Disney is also launching a new Broadway-style musical on Disney Treasure, "Disney The Tale of Moana." The show will feature popular songs and characters from the animated movie and marks the first time Disney has brought the story of Moana to the stage.

The ship's two other main shows, "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney Seas the Adventure," are repeats from earlier Disney ships.

Like Disney Wish, Disney Treasure's big top-deck attraction will be AquaMouse, a water ride that swirls around the top of the vessel.

The ship will hold 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) and up to 4,000 passengers with every berth filled.

Disney Treasure will sail seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral. Fares start at $1,862 per person, not including taxes and fees.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Other new ships

In addition to the above, newcomers for 2024 include several small oceangoing cruise vessels from such small-ship cruise operators as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and American Cruise Lines , as well as small river ships from river lines AmaWaterways , Avalon Waterways and Viking .

Among the most notable of these smaller vessels is the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena, which is being billed as the first major river ship designed to sail on the Magdalena River in Colombia. Avalon's new entry for 2024, the 102-passenger Avalon Alegria, will be that line's first vessel on the Douro River in Portugal.

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The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas —which will be the largest cruise ship in the world —will debut to passengers for the first time.

With capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, Icon of the Seas is billed as part all-inclusive resort, part theme park, and a massive destination unto itself . Clocking in at 250,380 gross tons and measuring nearly a quarter mile long (1,198 feet to be exact), the vast ship will sport a total of 20 decks, 18 of which will be accessible to guests.

The ship will be divided into eight different “neighborhoods,” each with their own distinct atmospheres, dining options, and activities. “ Icon of the Seas is truly what we call a white paper ship,” Anna Drescher, manager of architectural design, new building and innovation for Royal Caribbean group, said in a video statement . “The reason that we call it that is we start with a blank sheet of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh.”

In June 2023, the ship hit a major milestone when it completed its first sea trials outside the shipyard in Turku, Finland. Next up is the colossal new ship’s first voyage, slated to depart on January 27, 2024. It will sail roundtrip from Miami to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas.

The ship's typical seven-day itineraries include three at-sea days, so passengers have time to fully enjoy the endless choices of amenities on board. “We want guests to walk up to the ship and just have this moment of: I can’t believe that’s where I’m going ,” said Jennifer Goswami, the line’s senior manager of product development.

Here's a look at the enormous scale of the new ship and what to expect on board.

When it begins sailing, the Icon of the Seas will offer a total of 2,805 staterooms that can hold 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 7,600 guests. Passengers can choose from a whopping 28 different room types, including Sunset Suites with wraparound balconies and Family Infinite Balcony staterooms with bunkbeds fit for a family of up to six.

The largest suite on board will be the three-story, 1,772-square-foot “Ultimate Family Townhouse,” which comes with its own movie theater, ping-pong table, karaoke, and a slide between floors. It can sleep up to eight people and costs approximately $75,000 per week.

Among the eight "neighborhoods," or sections of the ship with distinct ambiance, are Central Park, which offers greenery and sidewalk cafes, and The Hideaway, which aims for a European beach club aesthetic. There's also The Suite Neighborhood, Surfside, Thrill Island, Chill Island, The Royal Promenade, and the Aquadome.

The ship's 2,350 crew members will also get their own neighborhood, complete with amenities like a gaming room and hair salon.

Another superlative for Icon will be sporting the largest waterpark at sea. The park, called Category 6, features six different record-breaking waterslides, including the tallest onboard waterslide. There will also be a free-fall slide, plus a raft-style slide for four passengers to ride together.

Seven pools and nine whirlpools will be located throughout the ship, including the first infinity pool on a cruise ship to be suspended in the air. The Royal Bay pool, located on the 15th deck, will break the record for largest pool at sea, holding an astounding 40,000 gallons of water.

Across the towering vessel, there'll be more than 20 food venues and 15 bars and nightlife experiences, including a sweeping three-level main dining room.

Among the options for grabbing a drink will be the line's first onboard swim-up bar, a walk-up Champagne bar, and a bar specializing in coffee cocktails like espresso martinis.

On the entertainment front, Royal Caribbean has hired 75 performers to titillate guests across three cavernous theaters. The Absolute Zero ice arena will feature shows with Olympic-level skaters, while the AquaTheater will combine the talents of divers, robots, and skateboarders.

In the Royal Theater, a 16-piece orchestra (the largest one at sea), will accompany shows like the Wizard of Oz.

In smaller venues throughout the ship, like the dueling piano bar, 50 live musicians and comedians will perform each night, making it possible for every type of passenger to find something that fits their style.

Four Seasons is launching a cruise ship with 95 suites as demand for luxury cruising goes 'off the charts' — take a look at the new ship

• Luxury hospitality company Four Seasons has launched its new cruise venture: Four Seasons Yachts.
• The cruise brand's first 14-deck 679-foot-long ship will set sail in late 2025.
• Hotel and hospitality companies like Ritz-Carlton and Margaritaville have also launched or are launching cruise brands.

The cruise industry is about to become more luxurious: Hospitality company Four Seasons has launched its new cruise arm, aptly named Four Seasons Yachts.

Source: Four Seasons 

And this timing couldn't be better.

Despite ongoing fears of a recession, the luxury cruise market has been "off the charts" while pricing for 2023 cruises has shot up, UBS analysts said in an October 11 note.

Source: Insider

But these eager high-paying travelers will still have to wait for a few more years before vacationing at sea aboard the floating Four Seasons hotel.

The brand's first yacht-like cruise ship won't be setting sail until late 2025 with itineraries in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

And until then, the future cruise liner will be under construction in Italy with well-known shipbuilding giant Fincantieri.

The Italian shipbuilder is as experienced as they come. The company previously built vessels for popular cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and MSC.

Source: Fincantieri

And it could soon have multiple Four Seasons' cruise vessels under its belt: The luxury hospitality company's order also covers the option for two more ships, which could amount a total of $1.17 billion.

Future projects aside, Four Seasons' upcoming 14-deck 679-foot-long ship will have 95 suites.

And it wouldn't be a Four Seasons suite without luxurious amenities like expansive windows, tall ceilings, and a terrace.

These accommodations start at an average of 581 square feet including the outdoor space.

Most of the suites will stand at 818 square feet, but this still pales in comparison to the largest four-level 9,600-square-foot accommodation with a private spa and pool.

But this level of luxury won't be cheap: Each suite will cost $4.2 million to build

Four Seasons has yet to release full details about the vessel's onboard amenities …

… but so far we know the cruise ship will have 11 bars and restaurants, including a sushi bar, a marina with water toys, and a full Four Seasons-approved spa.

Source: Four Seasons

Four Seasons has been expanding its portfolio beyond traditional hotels to include travel offerings like private jet itineraries and now a cruise brand …

… but it's not the first well-known hotel company to venture into an ocean-based concept.

The hotel-to-cruise pipeline is surprisingly strong. In 2017, the equally luxurious Ritz-Carlton announced its eponymous "Yacht Collection" and its first cruise ship, the Evirma ...

… although the ship has since been delayed several times amid COVID-19 and reports of budget issues.

And while not as opulent, hospitality giant Margaritaville — best known for its Jimmy Buffett-branded restaurants, hotels, and RV parks — has also debuted its own Margaritaville at Sea cruise line.

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The curious art of launching a cruise ship

L aunching a ship is an illustrious maritime tradition dating back thousands of years, and one the cruise industry has turned into an art form, with lavish naming ceremonies rolling out the red carpet for the newest debutants.

A few weeks ago it was the turn of Royal Caribbean International’s latest floating leviathan , Utopia of the Seas, to be christened by American pop star Meghan Trainor, who belted out catchy numbers during a lavish spectacle where religious blessings were interspersed with marching bagpipers and high-diving acrobatics.

Superstition, ritual and human sacrifice

In past millennia, the Grammy-winning singer might have found the role of godmother somewhat career-ending, as Viking tribes favoured a more barbaric approach to ship namings – which involved human sacrifice to curry favour from their sea god Njord.

Blessing a ship to protect the lives of “all who sail in her” has long been steeped in superstition and ritual, shades of which remain to this day.

Wine was introduced to the rite in the Middle Ages, embodying the blood of sacrifice. A representative of the king would name the ship and take a drink from a goblet before sprinkling the remainder over the ship’s four cardinal points (north, east, south, west) and hurling the cup overboard.

Today’s custom of breaking a bottle of bubbly over the ship’s bow is said to have its roots in the 1700s. A National Maritime Museum account of the first such recorded occasion details how one of the princesses of Hanover “threw the bottle with more energy than accuracy, missing the ship entirely, and injuring one of the spectators, who put in a claim for damages against the admiralty”.

Luck be a lady

The custom of asking a lady to perform the ceremony is said to have been prompted by the Royal Navy in the early 19th century; until then, male tribal chiefs, religious leaders or royals had undertaken such formalities. It was believed feminine energy would safeguard the ship and bring good luck. This tradition is largely followed today, with godmothers mainly drawn from the ranks of royalty or celebrities. 

With the meteoric growth of the cruise industry ensuring a conveyor-belt procession of new ships, such ceremonies have grown ever more glitzy, with cruise lines competing to stage the most memorable and headline-catching jamborees.

The main ceremony of the ship blessing – with the immortal words: “I name this ship… ” – is often sandwiched between live musical performances before and after to help build excitement and then prolong festivities following the blink-and-you-miss-it bottle smash.

The days of godmothers personally cutting the rope to release the bottle of champagne, or even wielding it against the hull, have long disappeared from big ship launches.

One of the most memorable, which may have contributed to this change, was the experience of national treasure Dame Judi Dench while naming Carnival Legend in Harwich in 2002.

The actress was dubbed Dame Judi “Drench” after she was soaked by champagne (and cut by flying glass) after the first two attempts to smash the bottle on a rope against the ship’s hull failed. Dame Judi personally took the bottle and smashed it by hand, getting splattered in the process.

Full marks for her persistence, because the breaking bottle is believed to bring good luck to both the ship and its crew, while one that stubbornly refuses to succumb (and there have been a few) is the ultimate symbol of bad luck.

Sanitised proceedings

As ship namings became more extravagant, they would be conducted on the quayside, with grandstand seating and a central stage, but ceremonies like these are increasingly rare.

The current set-up favoured by most cruise companies is more remote and somewhat sanitised, with the ceremony conducted in the ship’s theatre, making it immune to the vagaries of the weather, where the all-important bottle release button takes centre stage. 

When this is pressed, a video screen shows the bottle travelling in real-time across the ship’s deck on a wire before it smashes into the hull.

Royal approval

In the hierarchy of notable ship launches, Cunard is the one to beat for a sense of occasion, enduring formality (female invitees are sometimes asked to wear hats) and, most importantly, securing a member of the Royal family to do the honours. 

I still remember the pomp and pageantry surrounding the first ship launch I attended, for Cunard’s ship Queen Victoria in December 2007, where the then Duchess of Cornwall was godmother.

Sitting in a covered stand on the quayside, with the ship’s prow in front of us, we watched with bated breath as the bottle sped along a wire and crunched into the hull, but failed to smash, bouncing off the steel and hanging limply in the air.

As we gasped in disbelief, the future King (who had accompanied his wife) apparently turned to the line’s president and asked, tongue in cheek: “Was that supposed to happen?”

More than two decades earlier, Diana, the late Princess of Wales, thrilled the crowds in a signature Jasper Conran outfit as she pushed the button to name Princess Cruises’ ship Royal Princess.

Roll the calendar forward to June 2013, and I was in Southampton when a heavily pregnant Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge) cut the ribbon and released a £1,250 Nebuchadnezzar of Moët et Chandon into the latest Royal Princess ship.

Yet the ultimate cruise ship christenings involved the late Queen Elizabeth II, who over the years named several new vessels for both Cunard and P&O Cruises. 

At the naming of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in 2010, it was amusing to observe Her Majesty’s mildly jubilant reaction when it was pointed out that there was only one person among the assembled throng who had been present at the launch of all three of the line’s “Elizabeths”.

Aged 12, she had accompanied her mother the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to the naming of the first Queen Elizabeth in 1938 in Clydebank, before returning in 1967 to name the legendary QE2.

Since then, cruise ships have had send-offs in locations as far afield as Iceland – where pop star Katy Perry pumped out her hits after doing her godmother duties – to Florida, where many American lines hold their christenings.

Intrepid settings and curious godparents

The growth of adventure cruising has also led to more intrepid settings, notably Antarctica, where I was on Silversea Cruises’ expedition ship Silver Endeavour for a ceremony between the snow-covered cliffs of the Antarctic peninsula’s Lemaire Channel.

With colonies of cawing penguins for company, we watched from a fleet of Zodiac boats as the godmother, the polar explorer Felicity Aston, released an ice-sculpted bottle that splintered into a shower of frozen pieces.

Beyond royalty, the roster of godmothers has encompassed screen goddesses including Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren (regarded as the godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, having named its ships over the last 20 years), Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles .

In a bid to do something different, Princess Cruises turned to the cast of the American television series The Love Boat , which was set on one of its ships. Meanwhile Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which is known for offbeat choices, picked the US dance group the Rockettes.

Most recently, and after months of speculation, Cunard celebrated the arrival of its ship Queen Anne by naming Liverpool as the godparent, thought to be the first time such an honour has been bestowed upon a city.

Stretching the imagination has been Princess Fiona from Shrek , picked by Royal Caribbean. There have been a handful of godfathers too, with rapper Pitbull chosen by NCL and footballing icon Lionel Messi adding his own touch of stardust to the naming of the world’s largest ship, Icon of the Seas, earlier this year.

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THE NEXT ICON OF VACATIONS

The newest Icon Class super-sequel Star of the Seas℠ has it all — so everyone in your crew can show "either-or" the door and have the time of their life. It’s mindblowing thrills, next level chill, bolder bonding, epic celebrations and wanderlusting exploration — all rolled into one weeklong getaway that’s about to go down in history as The Next Icon of Vacations℠. The adventure begins summer 2025 from Port Canaveral with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers 21 years running.

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CRUISE FROM PORT CANAVERAL

The next Icon of Vacations℠ sails from Port Canaveral — launching your family adventures into a new stratosphere. Blast off for discovery at the Kennedy Space Center, swim with manatees, go museum hopping, or explore world-famous theme parks in Orlando, just a short drive away.

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With stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay on every sailing, the best family vacation in the world extends from the ship to our award-winning private island. It’s 20 total waterslides onboard and on shore. Luxurious lounging at Coco Beach Club®. And party-pumping beats at the adults-only Hideaway Beach℠.

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Star of the Seas® is Orlando’s best family vacation.

The next Icon of Vacations℠, Star of the Seas℠, sails weeklong getaways from Orlando, Florida beginning Summer 2025 from Port Canaveral. Whether your ideal beach getaway involves larger-than-life thrills or unwinding at a peaceful waterfront chill spot, you’ll find it at our award-winning private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. So take your pick from Eastern to Western Caribbean and wander for a weeklong onboard the best family vacation in the world.

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Sun Princess ®

Come feel the love on the cruise vacation of your dreams. Because here, the sun revolves around you.

Now Sailing the Mediterranean & Caribbean

Sun Princess in the Aegean Sea

Don't miss out—reserve your spot on Sun Princess today.

Designed to shine for you

Panoramic views from a sphere of glass.

Enjoy ocean views in every direction while relaxing and dining in the Piazza.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

The Arena that brings theater to a whole new level

Get right in on the action in our arena that shapeshifts to each unique production.

Catch a show at our world class theater

Dinner with a view— and then some

Feast on a multi-course meal in our elegant, three-story dining room.

View from Three-level Dining Room

Sanctuary Suites: Plenty of space to unwind

Kick back in our exclusive sanctuary collection—reimagined for sun princess. all of our suites are part of the sanctuary collection with access to all of its wonderful amenities..

Wake up rested in your Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite, or Sanctuary Balcony stateroom.

Enjoy premium cocktails plus specialty coffee, bottled water, fresh juices and mocktails.

Indulge in a gourmet meal in the Sanctuary Exclusive Restaurant.

Kick back at the Suite Lounge.

Decompress at the spa-like Sanctuary Club.

Suites with plenty of space to unwind

Spread out in our most expansive stateroom and balcony, with two bedrooms and access to Sanctuary areas.

Expansive and stylish Sky Suite

Wash away the day in your large bathroom

Sink into your dream bed

Elegant Sky Suite dining area

Grand Suite

Enjoy a spacious place to relax and recharge for up to four guests, with added perks like priority services at check-in and other Sanctuary benefits.

Elegance in every detail of the Grand Suite

Enjoy more living space, with a separate seating area

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Chic bathroom with tub and separate shower

Vista Suite

The Vista Suite lets you experience luxury at every turn. Enjoy a complimentary mini-bar setup in your spacious room with gorgeous balcony views.

Relaxation awaits in your Vista Suite

Sleep like royalty

Spacious private balcony with luxury balcony furniture

Pamper yourself in your large bathroom

Signature Suite

Enjoy more living space, including a separate seating area with a sofa bed. Plus, you'll have access to enhanced amenities like priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary mini-bar in suite, and much more.

Every comfort considered in your Signature Suite

Refresh and rejuvenate in your stylish bathroom

Sanctuary Mini-Suite

As you sip your complimentary glass of bubbly, take advantage of extra space and the option to upgrade for exclusive dining.

A haven of relaxation in the Sanctuary Mini-Suite

Sanctuary Balcony

This inspired stateroom offers the added indulgence of a large private balcony. The perfect setting for cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Spectacular views and a separate sitting area

Elevated accommodations for Sun and Star

Create unforgettable memories in accommodations designed for the whole group.

From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel welcomed and at home in one of our many accommodation options.

All new Cabana Mini-Suites

Take in the sea air from your balcony and private indoor-outdoor cabana. Deck 9 cabanas include access to an exclusive sun deck.

Your personal oasis at sea

Take in views in your huge private outdoor lounge space

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Deluxe Balcony

A front row seat for beautiful scenery.

This inspired stateroom offers the added indulgence of a private balcony with well-appointed outdoor furniture and a relaxing view of the scenery that surrounds you, whether a rainbow-colored sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also the perfect setting for cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.

†Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow ® in the Princess ® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow ® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow ® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

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Love by Britto

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Makoto Ocean

Umai Teppanyaki

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Spellbound By Magic Castle

O'Malley's Irish Pub

Wheelhouse Bar

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Always included, these elevated spaces offer something to please every palette. A few favorites:

Three-level Dining Room

Three stories, an elegant design, multicourse meals guests rave about and a different experience for each level.

Taste food from around the world and dine inside or outside.

The Promenade & more

Snacks for the in-between times that are always a special treat

Speciality restaurants

Award-winning, multi-course meals perfect for celebrating a special occasion (or just being together). Highlights include:

Crown Grill

This favorite goes next-level with a theater- style kitchen where chefs prepare top cuts of beef.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

The Catch by Rudi

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Relaxed, sit-down meals at a variety of eateries, with something for everyone. Highlights include:

Everything you'd expect from an Irish pub: great food, great drinks, lively music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

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Voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY with an open kitchen to watch the chefs at work.

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Enjoy a game of Craps aboard Star Princess

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Play all your favorite betting games

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Entertainment that lights the night

Take in a show in venues designed to match our spectacular performances.

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Get ready to be mesmerized by our new and enhanced performances for Sun Princess.

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Come Fly Away

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Delight in this one-of-a-kind experience that features magicians, themed rooms and theatrical cocktails.

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Talented performers bring a medley of popular songs to life, dancing on a vibrant set.

Viva La Música

At this exciting musical experience, a couple invites guests to join them on the floor for an immersive dancing experience.

Stage Struck

Revel in this celebration of musical theater that revisits old favorites.

Meet our Sun Princess Captain and crew

Captain Craig Street is currently helming Sun Princess. Captain Street joined the Princess fleet as a deck cadet in 1990 on the original Island Princess which was used in the filming of the ‘Love Boat’ television series. Since then, he has been the master of 13 ships including the former Sun Princess. He developed an appreciation for travel at an early age and spent much of his youth living with his family overseas in various countries including Nigeria, Singapore, Dubai, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia. He calls Edinburgh, Scotland home.

Fun facts about our crew

1500+ staff

Longest tenure: 24 years

57 nationalities

Total days at sea: 14,362

27 languages

Guests served: 27,482

Plan a vacation that's out of this world

Cruise on our next-generation ships to Europe and the Caribbean

Now booking: Sun Princess

• 9- to 21-day cruises to the Greek Isles and Turkey, France & Italy or Greece & Italy
• 5- to 14-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean

Now booking: Star Princess

Coming soon to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska.