cruise ship from hamburg

Ship arrivals

Cruise ships on the elbe current ship arrivals in the port of hamburg.

The Port of Hamburg , also known as the Gateway to the World, attracts visitors with its variety of ship arrivals and first-class cruise terminals . With three cruise terminals, Hamburg is the starting point for most cruises to and from Germany. Here you can find information on current cruise ship arrivals at the Cruise Centre Baakenhöft, the Docking Station in Altona and Kronprinzkai in Steinwerder. The innovative and ultra-modern new HafenCity Cruise Centre will also open in 2025. Immerse yourself in the maritime flair of the Port of Hamburg and discover the first-class venue for cruise ship fans.

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Norwegian Fjords cruise from Hamburg

Embarking on a cruise adventure from Hamburg, Germany, offers an incredible opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultures of Northern Europe and beyond. From the city's fascinating history and cultural heritage to its lively attractions, delightful cuisine, and thriving nightlife, Hamburg provides a perfect prelude to an unforgettable journey. Set sail from this dynamic port and discover the captivating destinations that await you on your cruise, creating lasting memories and experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.

The Norwegian Fjords present a kaleidoscope of stunning vistas and exciting ports of call. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord , with its stunning waterfalls and verdant cliffs, to the charming village of Flåm nestled amidst towering mountains, every destination has its own unique appeal. Journey past vibrant ports such as Bergen , known as the gateway to the fjords, or the historic town of Ålesund with its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. Cruising through these waterways, you'll find the natural environment unfolds like a perfectly executed symphony, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the tranquil blue water below.

Throughout the course of the year, the Port of Hamburg plays host to a large number of cruise ships at its cruise terminals, which are known for providing the best route to the Norwegian Fjords . Set off on a Norwegian Fjords cruise from Hamburg and explore some of the most remote and uncontaminated areas of the planet onboard AIDA Cruises , and many more.

Unveil the ethereal beauty of the Norwegian Fjords, a prime destination for Northern European cruises. Sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Age, these deep, narrow waterways set between high cliffs are a testament to nature's grandeur. The pristine landscape, coupled with the serene aura of...

Discover the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany, and set sail on an extraordinary cruise adventure from this dynamic departure port. Hamburg, often referred to as the "Gateway to the World," seamlessly combines a rich maritime heritage with a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere. This bustling...

Norwegian Fjords out of Hamburg Cruise Schedule 2024

Exploring the Norwegian Fjords isn't limited to viewing from the ship; there are plenty of opportunities for off-board adventure. From thrilling RIB-boat tours that skim across the fjord's waters, to picturesque hiking trails that crisscross the stunning landscape, adventure awaits at every turn. Biking along the scenic Flåm railway, or kayaking in the tranquil waters of the fjords, presents another perspective of these geological wonders. Embark on a fjord safari to get up close to the magnificent waterfalls or try your hand at fishing in the rich marine life-filled waters.

14-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Hamburg

Aidaprima, aida cruises.

Date: August 31, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Southampton, Le Havre, Bruges, Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

10-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Hamburg

Aidaperla, aida cruises.

Date: September 5, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Molde, Trondheim, Eidfjord, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

9-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Hamburg

Aidasol, aida cruises.

Date: September 6, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Newcastle, Invergordon, Shetland Island, Bergen, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Nordfjord, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg, Southampton, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Bruges, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 14, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Southampton, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Bruges, Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 15, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Molde, Trondheim, Alesund, Eidfjord, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

11-day North Cape cruise from Hamburg

Msc preziosa, msc cruises.

Date: September 18, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Molde, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Alesund, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 21, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg, Rotterdam; View Itinerary

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges, Le Havre, Southampton, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 25, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Trondheim, Alesund, Eidfjord, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: September 27, 2024

Date: September 28, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges, Le Havre, Southampton, Hamburg, Bergen, Hellesylt, Alesund, Stavanger, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: October 4, 2024

Date: October 5, 2024

12-day British Isles cruise from Hamburg

Date: October 6, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Newcastle, Invergordon, Invergordon, Kirkwall, Bergen, Eidfjord, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Date: October 12, 2024

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Within the port there are three modern cruise ship facilities, the original at HafenCity in the re-developed old warehouse area and since 2010 a second at Altona in the re-developed area of the old fish dock. The Hafen City terminal is within walking distance of the downtown area of Hamburg.

Since 2015 The Cruise center 3 is also in operation in the port area of Steinwerder, right in the heart of the Port of Hamburg. The berth at Kronprinzkai is able to accommodate the next generation of cruise ships can dock there. Bus stop about 500m away from the terminal. The Water bus stop is nearby (not on weekends).

Some large cruise ships are using the Altona Terminal. It is not within walking distance to town, but has a very good water bus connection ( #62 ) to the Landungsbrucken wharf, where all hop on/off buses are as well as harbor tours are starting. The Water bus stop is only 20 meters from the aft of your ship and goes every 15 minutes in day time and every 30 minutes till' midnight. 1.30 euro per trip or 6 euros for all day including all other transportation in Hamburg. The water bus in it self is already a nice site-seeing boat, and a full round trip is fun!

Most cruise lines also run shuttles (10 Euro), to the central station. Taxi is about 13 euro each way.

Distance to Hamburg Airport (Fuhlsbüttel): 9.5 km.

The s-bahn train station is located directly below the airport terminal and the trains depart every 15mins. The journey to the main train station in the city center takes about 20 min's, to Altona station about 15mins.

Video of Altona Cruise Terminal

Hotels in Hamburg.

Webcam of the harbor.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for Hamburg and where you will be docked.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers Altona and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers Steinwerder aka Kronprinzkai and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers Hafencity & Baakenhöft and Port Location on Google Maps

Sightseeing:

Three rivers - the Elbe, Alster and Bille - along with a scenic grid of narrow canals called Fleete traverse Hamburg. As if that isn't enough water, the city center boasts its very own lakes - the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes. The city center is home to most of Hamburg's main attractions. This half-moon area, which arches north of the Elbe, is bordered by a curve of roads whose names all end in wall (ramparts) and which mark the limits of the old city

Cutting through the middle is the Alsterfleet, a canal that separates the Altstadt (Old City) from the Neustadt (New City). Feeling lost? Look out for the bronze, helmet-shaped Michaeliskirche , an easily seen landmark, south of the city center.

Hamburg is best visited in spring or summer. A typical Hamburg visit includes a tour of the city hall and the grand church St. Michaelis (called the Michel), and visiting the old warehouse district (Speicherstadt) and the harbor promenade (Landungsbrücken). Sightseeing buses connect these points of interest.

Tourist offices are at the train station and at the harbor at St. Pauli Landungsbrücken between jetty 4 and 5.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

From Landungsbrücken you can make boat tours into the harbor. These Hafenrundfahrten are available from various companies and take around an hour. Big ships provide more comfort, but smaller ships also go though the Speicherstadt. Both are well worth the money. Inquire about English language tours (Often at noon time).

Also at the Landungsbrücken you will find the u and s bahn station:

Take the s1,s2,or s3 to Jungfernstieg, the lively center of Hamburg on the Alster.

or take the u3 to Baumwall to Hafencity , currently Europe’s largest inner-city development project – is a blueprint for the development of a European city on the waterfront. For a visit with an eye cast towards the past, have a look around the Speicherstadt. The listed buildings now house leisure activities such as the Minatur Wunderland with fascinating toy railway worlds, and Hamburg Dungeon . Museums can also be found in the Speicherstadt. There is German Customs Museum (Deutsche Zollmuseum), which tells the tale of customs and smuggling in Hamburg, or the International Maritime Museum with thousands of ship models and nautical charts.

Hop on/off buses.

Taxis are dependable, but expensive.

It pays to compare your cruise line excursions : Tours etc. offered by GetYourGuide and by Viator .

Nearby Places:

Many cruise lines offer excursions to Berlin, a rather long trip. Check the weather forecast for Berlin before you book. Berlin is stunning on a beautiful day!

Shopping and Food

The main shopping area of Hamburg is the Mönckebergstraße in the center of the city. Take the subway to either central station, Rathaus (town hall) or Mönckebergstraße. Also check the side-street Spitalerstraße. West of town hall towards Gaensemarkt are the more pricey shops like Hugo Boss. Shops are mostly open from 10AM to 8PM and to 10PM on Thursdays and Fridays.

In Germany snacks (Schnellimbiss) are widely available, especially Bock wurst (boiled sausage), Bratwurst (grilled sausage) and Curry wurst (spiced sausage), as well as fries and hamburgers

German fast food is cheap, hearty and diverse; there are a number of sausage stands, imbisses and specialty stands; you have many options from which choose. Many of the fast food is of Turkish origin, this food is very popular for being cheap and healthy. The German's favorite Turkish fast food is the Doner Kebab; a thick pita filled generally with either chicken or beef complemented with fresh French fries and salad.

Important things to know about Germany, like tipping, toilets etc.

Euro. There are plenty of ATM machines around.

In smaller establishments ask first if they accept Credit Cards.

Currency Converter

Communication:

German spoken. Germans are regarded as being punctual, disciplined and last but not least, a li ttle formal. In German there are two forms of you: "Du" and "Sie." "Du" is less formal, "Sie" is more so. You almost always should use the "Sie" form and someone's last name with people you don't know.

110 -- Police Emergency 112 -- Fire Emergency or Ambulance Call

Large bookstores such as Thalia have internet facilities, as well as many cafes etc.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

All stores must close no later than 8 p.m. Some close as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays stores lock up at 1 or 2 p.m.; although in big city centers most stay upon until 2 or 4 p.m.

Sundays all stores are closed, except some bakeries which are open on sunday morning.

Holidays in Germany

Hamburg is famous for its festivals

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Watch the world’s largest passenger ships roll into Hamburg harbour and embark on the journey of your life.

It is an impressive sight when the world's largest cruise ships stop in Hamburg. Even the city's most iconic landmarks are dwarfed in comparison to ships like the 345-metre-long Queen Mary 2. Just like her 'little' sister, the Queen Elizabeth, this maritime superstar can be frequently seen in Hamburg. From here, they leave set sail for the fjords of Norway or the tropical beauty of the Southern seas.

The port of Hamburg is also frequently the stage for ship christenings and the start of maiden voyages. In 2007, more than 300,000 people witnessed the launching ceremony of the AidaDiva . In 2012, Hamburg's biggest public festival, the Port Anniversary, was all about the maiden voyage of the AidaMar . Today, the ship still returns regularly to her home port - always an exciting sight! In fact, Hamburg has become so obsessed with cruise ships, that the Cruise Days have developed into a major public festival in recent years.   

Hamburg is full of wonderful spots to view at these floating luxury hotels. Watch the gigantic ships cast anchor at Cruise Center Altona from the green lawns of Altonaer Balkon park. The 2011 terminal with its architectural finesse is one of three major berthing facilities for cruise ships at Hamburg harbour, along with the piers in Steinwerder and HafenCity Hamburg.

For more information on cruise ships in Hamburg, visit Cruise Gate Hamburg .

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Port Guides

A guide to hamburg cruise port and the city’s top attractions.

Make the most of your time in Hamburg before, after or during your cruise with my port guide and tips of what to see and do.

Hamburg, located in Northern Germany, is one of the largest cruise ports in the world. As well as being a popular destination on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, it is a homeport and turnaround port for several cruise lines.

While the city may not be the first place that springs to mind when you are planning a European cruise, Hamburg has a lot to offer. It is perhaps one of the more underrated cities in Europe. 

So, if you have Hamburg on your cruise itinerary, whether that is for a day stop or a start or finish point, read on for more information on the port. I also share some tips on what to see and do in the city based on my experiences when I visited.

A little bit about Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Sitting on the banks of the Elbe River, the port city is known as the ‘Gateway to the World’.

The bustling port city is also renowned for its culture, history and nightlight. It is also packed with more attractions you could possibly visit in one trip, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perhaps the most surprising thing that Hamburg is famous for is the number of bridges it has. With over 2,500, it has more than Amsterdam, London and Venice combined!

Whether you are interested in art, culture, or history or just want to visit the city where The Beatles spent their early days, Hamburg is a fantastic city to visit.

Hamburg Cruise Port

The Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest in Europe. It plays an important role in the distribution of goods around Europe and the rest of the world. 

It is also a popular destination for cruise ships, offering both day visits and overnight stops. As well as being a stop on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, the port is a starting (and finishing) point for transatlantic crossings and world voyages.

There are three places where cruise ships can dock at the Hamburg Cruise Center.

Steinwerder

To find out where your ship will dock, check with your cruise line. You can also view the Port of Hamburg’s cruise sailing schedule to see if your ship is listed. 

Many cruise lines will offer a shuttle bus from the cruise port to the city centre. Check with the cruise company you are travelling with for further information.

Located on the Elbe River, near the city’s famous fish market, the Hamburg Cruise Centre Altona accommodates ships up to 300m in length.

The city centre is around 15-20 minutes away by public transport. Options include a public ferry which will take you from the Hamburg cruise terminal to city centre.

Facilities at the glass-fronted terminal include a cafe.

Tip | If you get a chance, pop up to the roof terrace for a panoramic view of the Port of Hamburg. 

Hamburg’s waterfront has been transformed over the years thanks to a large redevelopment project. 

Part of the port area has been regenerated as Hafencity, a European city for the 21st Century and one of the largest urban regeneration schemes in Europe.

As part of this, a new terminal is currently being built at the Hamburg Cruise Centre HafenCity. Due to open in 2025, the modern terminal will be part of a hotel and shopping complex. Two berths will be available.

While this is being built, a temporary terminal at Baakenhoft is being used, which is in the eastern part of HafenCity.

The Cruise Center Steinwerder is where many of the newest (and largest) cruise ships dock. 

It can handle ships of more than 400 meters in length so if you are cruising on a large cruise ship (think mega ship style) there is a good chance you will dock here. There are two terminal buildings that can accommodate 8,000 people embarking and disembarking.  

Hamburg’s city centre is less than 20 minutes away. Shuttle buses may be offered by your cruise line.

Things to do in Hamburg

Some popular Hamburg attractions and experiences you can do during your time in port include…

• Taking a boat tour around the Speicherstadt warehouse network, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Marveling at Miniatur Wunderland – the world’s largest model railway system (and includes a mini Hamburg)
• Touring the impressive Elbphilharmonie Building , a spectacular looking concert hall on the waterfront
• Doing some retail therapy at Jungfernstieg, a popular shopping street
• Taking in the view of the city from the top of the tower of St Michael’s Church, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in northern Germany
• Getting an insight into the government of Hamburg during a tour of the town hall
• Enjoying the view of the harbour and explore historic waterfront buildings (and maybe grab an ice cream or coffee!) at St Pauli’s Landungsbrucken.
• Taking in the art at Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of the largest art museums in Germany.
• Visiting the St Nikolai Memorial – much of the church was destroyed in World War II, however, the ruins have been turned into a museum and memorial (photos below). There is also an observation deck at the top of the tower.

Popular shore excursions

Hamburg is a port you can explore on your own. It is a very walkable city and has an extensive public transport network. 

However, you may wish to let your cruise line take care of the logistics and book a shore excursion . This takes some of the hassle out of figuring out what you want to see and how to get there. You will also have the benefit of knowing the cruise ship won’t leave without you. 

Some of the shore excursions offered on a cruise to Hamburg include

• Touring the highlights and most popular attractions (by foot, boat or both)
• Exploring the city on a guided bike tour
• Taking a day trip to Berlin
• Visiting nearby medieval towns of Luneburg and Lubeck, a World Heritage site.

Tip | If there is an excursion you really want to do, book in advance to avoid disappointment as they can sell out fairly quickly.

Things to know about Hamburg

• Hamburg is known for its maritime heritage
• It is one of Germany’s wealthiest cities
• It has the second largest red light district in Europe – the Reeperbahn
• Hamburg is sometimes referred to as ‘The Venice of the North” due to its many waterways
• The Beatles learned their trade in Hamburg, playing over 270 shows between 1960 and 1962.

The Last Word

Whether you are a culture lover, history buff or just want a great day in port, Hamburg is a super destination to visit.

From its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene to its rich maritime history, Hamburg is a city that has it all.

With a little planning in advance of your stop at Hamburg cruise port, you can have a great day in this fabulous city.

You may also like…

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• Cruise ship Disney Dream avoids Amsterdam following Extinction...

Cruise ship Disney Dream avoids Amsterdam following Extinction Rebellion protests

The cruise ship Disney Dream , scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam (Netherlands) on September 6th, will bypass the city due to concerns about access to the port.

A booking website announced the change on social media platform X. The cruise line cited "problems with access to the port" as the reason for the detour. This follows recent protests by Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists, who have been blocking the IJmuiden lock in protest against cruise ships.

An email shared in a Facebook group from Disney Cruise Line informed passengers of the altered itinerary, mentioning "problems beyond our control" without specifying details. As compensation, the company is offering passengers a US$250 onboard credit.

The Disney Dream, departing from Southampton England  on Sunday, will now head to Zeebrugge Belgium , after an extended stay in Hamburg Germany .

Disney has not confirmed that the ship, which measures 340 meters and accommodates up to 4000 passengers , is avoiding Amsterdam due to the XR protests.

The latest blockade at the IJmuiden lock, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in a 2- to 3-hour delay for shipping traffic before the lock was reopened later in the evening.

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).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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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