The cruise industry is navigating into an exciting era with the launch of several impressive new vessels. 2024 is particularly significant as it marks the debut of some of the most advanced cruise ships ever constructed.
Among the class of 2024, the one that stands out, Icon of the Seas, is poised to become the world’s largest cruise ship, setting new standards in scale and onboard amenities.
New Cruise Ships in 2024
The cruise industry is expanding with new state-of-the-art vessels, each offering innovative features and amenities catered to diverse tastes and preferences.
Icon of the Seas (January 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 5,610 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,198 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 248,655 |
| Decks: | 19 |
| Best for: | Thrill-seekers and tech enthusiasts, Foodies and gourmands, Families with adventurous kids, and Social butterflies and party animals |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Seekers of quiet solitude, Traditionalists, and people who are prone to seasickness |
Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries with Icon of the Seas, which is expected to become the world’s largest cruise ship upon its debut. This awe-inspiring vessel boasts groundbreaking design and technology, setting a new standard for ocean voyages.
Sun Princess (February 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 4,320 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,132 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 175,500 |
| Decks: | 20 |
| Best for: | Sun-seekers and those craving a Mediterranean vibe, Foodies with diverse palates, Tech-savvy travelers, and Couples and romance enthusiasts |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Families with very young children, and Traditionalists |
Princess Cruises introduces Sun Princess, the first ship in its new Sphere class. Elevating the guest experience with next-generation environmental technologies, Sun Princess is designed to be both an oasis at sea and a beacon of sustainable cruising.
Carnival Firenze (April 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 4,126 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,061 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 135,156 |
| Decks: | 14 |
| Best for: | Fans of Italian culture and ambiance, First-time cruisers, Party animals and social butterflies, Families with older children, and Budget-conscious travelers |
| Not for: | Luxury seekers, Foodies with discerning palates, and Formal-night averse |
Carnival Firenze joins Carnival Cruise Line, offering guests a vibrant, fun-filled adventure at sea. With a host of entertainment options on board, Carnival Firenze promises a cruise experience that’s both lively and memorable.
Queen Anne (May 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 2,996 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,060 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 113,000 |
| Decks: | 13 |
| Best for: | History buffs and culture enthusiasts, Foodies with discerning palates, people searching for a personalized service, and Couples on a romantic getaway |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Families with young children, and Casual and laid-back vacationers |
Cunard adds the magnificent Queen Anne to its fleet, honoring the brand’s storied heritage while infusing contemporary luxury. This new addition aims to uphold Cunard’s legacy of sophisticated ocean travel.
Silver Ray (June 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 556 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 801 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 54,700 |
| Decks: | 11 |
| Best for: | Luxury connoisseurs, Culinary adventurers, Active adults, and couples seeking a romantic cruise |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Large families with young children, and people who are seeking nightlife and constant entertainment |
Luxury cruise line Silversea presents Silver Ray, a beacon of luxury and exclusivity. With a focus on intimate, ultra-luxury cruising, this ship caters to travelers seeking a truly personalized and refined journey.
Utopia of the Seas (July 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 5,634 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,188 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 236,857 |
| Decks: | 17 |
| Best for: | Thrill-seekers and tech enthusiasts, Explorers and adventure seekers, Foodies with diverse palates, and Families with kids of all ages |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Traditionalists, Ocean purists, and Motion-sensitive individuals |
Another gem in the Royal Caribbean crown, Utopia of the Seas, follows Icon of the Seas with state-of-the-art amenities and revolutionary LNG power, marking another stride in the cruise line’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Explora 2 (August 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 922 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 814 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 64,000 |
| Decks: | 13 |
| Best for: | Luxury aficionados, Foodies with discerning palates, Wellness enthusiasts, Slow travelers, and cultural immersion seekers |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Families with young children, and Action-packed vacation seekers |
MSC Cruises is set to introduce Explora 2, the second of its luxury Explora Journeys brand, allowing guests to explore the world in unparalleled comfort and style, further cementing MSC’s presence in the luxury cruise segment.
Brilliant Lady (TBD)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 2,770 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 912 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 110,000 |
| Decks: | 17 |
| Best for: | Millennials and Gen Z, people seeking a glamorous escape, Foodies, Active adults, Singles, and social butterflies |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Traditionalists, Families with children, and those who dislike formal nights |
Venturing into the future of cruising, Brilliant Lady by Virgin Voyages offers unique experiences and innovative social spaces for a dynamic maritime adventure catering to a younger demographic.
Disney Treasure (December 2024)
| Just The Facts | |
|---|---|
| Total guest capacity: | 2,476 at double occupancy |
| Length: | 1,119 feet |
| Gross Tonnage: | 144,000 |
| Decks: | 15 |
| Best for: | Disney-obsessed families, Foodies, Relaxation seekers, Multigenerational groups, Thrill-seekers and adventurous kids |
| Not for: | Budget-conscious travelers, Adults seeking complete solitude, Those who dislike crowds and lines |
Disney’s new Treasure cruise ship is set to sail in December 2024. This ship is designed to offer families of all ages an exciting and adventurous experience filled with thrills and wonder.
It will feature the AquaMouse rollercoaster, interactive escapades inspired by the Jungle Cruise, and immersive spaces that showcase the charming world of Disney.
