The cruise industry is gearing up for an exciting year, with 14 new ships set to make waves in 2024. From mega ships to luxury vessels, each promises a unique experience for travelers. Let's take a closer look at the upcoming fleet and their maiden voyages.
1. Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)
Capacity: 5,610 guests
Tonnage: 250,800
Shipyard: Meyer Turku (Finland)
Inaugural Cruise: January 27, 2024
Kicking off the year is Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, set to dominate the seas with its impressive tonnage. Its inaugural season in the Caribbean promises unparalleled luxury.
2. Sun Princess (Princess Cruises)
Capacity: 4,300 guests
Tonnage: 175,000
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Delivery Date: February 8, 2024
Princess Cruises welcomes the Sun Princess, a game-changer powered by LNG. With a family activity zone and geodesic dome, it's set to redefine cruising in the Mediterranean.
3. Queen Anne (Cunard Line)
Capacity: 3,000 guests
Tonnage: 113,000
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Inaugural Cruise: May 3, 2024
Cunard Line's Queen Anne, the first newbuild in over a decade, sets sail on May 3, 2024. Offering itineraries to diverse destinations, it marks a new chapter for the British brand.
4. Silver Ray (Silversea Cruises)
Capacity: 728 guests
Tonnage: 54,700
Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany)
Inaugural Cruise: June 15, 2024
Joining Silversea's green fleet, the Silver Ray, powered by LNG, graces the Mediterranean. Its eco-friendly features make it a standout choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
5. Mein Schiff 7 (TUI Cruises)
Capacity: 2,900 guests
Tonnage: 110,000
Shipyard: Meyer Turku (Finland)
Inaugural Cruise: June 23, 2024
TUI Cruises presents Mein Schiff 7, set to explore Northern Europe before venturing to the Canary Islands. This vessel promises a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
6. Utopia of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)
Capacity: 5,714 guests
Tonnage: 231,000
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France)
Inaugural Cruise: July 22, 2024
Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, an LNG-powered marvel, embarks on short cruises to the Bahamas. Its debut on July 22, 2024, marks a milestone for the Oasis Class.
7. Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)
Capacity: 2,770 guests
Tonnage: 110,000
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Inaugural Cruise: TBD
Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady, delayed from 2023, promises an unforgettable experience. While details are awaited, the second quarter of 2024 holds the key to its maiden voyage.
8. Explora II (Explora Journeys)
Capacity: 922 guests
Tonnage: 64,000
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Inaugural Cruise: August 11, 2024
Following its predecessor, Explora II is set to redefine luxury cruising. Its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, starting August 11, 2024, offers a taste of indulgence.
9. American Liberty (American Cruise Lines)
Capacity: 109 guests
Tonnage: 4,100
Shipyard: Chesapeake (United States)
Inaugural Cruise: August 15, 2024
American Cruise Lines continues its Coastal Cat series with the American Liberty, offering itineraries in New England and the Hudson River.
10. Ilma (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Capacity: 456 guests
Tonnage: 37,000
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France)
Delivery Date: September 19, 2024
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces Ilma, the second luxury vessel, promising an exquisite experience starting September 19, 2024.
11. American Legend (American Cruise Lines)
Capacity: 109 guests
Tonnage: 4,100
Shipyard: Chesapeake (United States)
Inaugural Cruise: November 25, 2024
The American Legend, a sister to the 2023-launched American Glory, embarks on its inaugural season on November 25, 2024, offering cruises along the Florida Gulf Coast & Keys.
12. Viking Vela (Viking)
Capacity: 988 guests
Tonnage: 47,000
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Italy)
Inaugural Cruise: December 12, 2024
Viking presents the Viking Vela, set to cruise the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in its inaugural season starting December 12, 2024.
13. Disney Treasure (Disney Cruise Line)
Capacity: 2,500 guests
Tonnage: 140,000
Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany)
Inaugural Cruise: December 21, 2024
Disney Cruise Line's Disney Treasure, a sister to the Disney Wish, brings magic to the seas starting December 21, 2024, with week-long cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
14. Janssonius (Oceanwide Expeditions)
Capacity: 174 guests
Tonnage: 6,300
Shipyard: Brodosplit (Croatia)
Inaugural Cruise: TBD
After delays, the Janssonius is anticipated to set sail for Oceanwide Expeditions, offering exploration cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic.