New Cruise Ships We’ll See in 2024

From luxury cruise ships to mainstream and river ships, it’s a busy year for launching new cruise ships in 2024.

A stellar year is shaping up with the launch of several new ships that promise to redefine luxury and garner thrills on the high seas. Many of these new cruise ships in 2024 feature design innovations both inside and out; from chef-inspired fine dining to white-knuckle thrill rides.

New Cruise Ships in 2024

The new luxury ships offer high guest-to-crew ratios and meticulously curated ports of call worldwide. On the flip side, the new mega-ships have mind-boggling rides and attractions.

Here’s the lowdown on the best new cruise ships you’ll see and hopefully experience in 2024.

Celebrity Cruises

Ascent

Though Celebrity’s latest addition, Celebrity Ascent, began cruising the Eastern Caribbean in December 2023, it’s close enough to include in this 2024 list of new cruise ships. This vessel is the fourth ship in Celebrity’s popular Edge Class design. It features Edge Class’s unique Infinite Balcony with its indoor/outdoor sliding window.

With 3,260 passengers, 2,331 staterooms, 14 restaurants and eateries, and (for a $9.95 fee), there’s a dining option for everyone. Le Voyage, the first restaurant at sea by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, serves Mediterranean cuisine and a plant-based tasting menu.

Celebrity Ascent is currently cruising from Port Everglades until April 2024, when the ship will head to Europe in the summer and fall.

Cunard Line

Queen Anne

Cunard plans to launch Queen Anne on May 3, 2024 from  Lisbon, Portugal. The ship accommodates 3,000 passengers who will revel in the royal treatment offered in its staterooms designed by the renowned Sybille de Margerie.

Afternoon teas and black-tie events in the elegant Queens Room venue add a touch of sophistication. At the same time, the services of white-gloved bellhops make boarding a regal affair.

Queen Anne will have Cunard’s first female captain, Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge. During the ship’s inaugural season, Captain Thorhauge will lead the Queen Anne on voyages to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Treasure

Disney Cruises introduces the Treasure as its sixth addition to the fleet, enchanting 1,254 guests with journeys centered around the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Immerse yourself in the magic of Agrabah with the ship’s signature character, Aladdin.

Indulge in the colorful Plaza de Coco dinner theater and Zootopia-inspired Jumbeaux’s Sweets.The lavish Grand Hall, blending Asian and African touches, brings the fairy-tale land to life in this immersive design.

Explora Journeys

Explora II

This fledgling cruise line, an off-shoot of MSC, is about to launch their second small luxury ship. Passengers aboard Explora II will be immersed in elegant design with 461 ocean-front suites offering private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and butler services.

The ship can accommodate up to 922 guests. The ship embarks on all-inclusive journeys to far-flung destinations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. With nine dining options and a champagne toast to every adventure, Explora II promises a luxurious home at sea.

Princess Cruises

Sun Princess

Introducing Sun Princess: A Ship Where Elegance Meets Innovation

Princess Cruises unveils their most technologically advanced and largest ship yet – the Sun Princess. Its “Sphere” design is instantly captivating. Featuring a multi-level glass dome, this breathtaking architectural element transforms throughout the day and night offering mesmerizing views and hosting world-class entertainment.

Sun Princess accommodates 4,300 passengers and claims the title of the largest and most modern option in the Princess Cruises fleet. State-of-the-art features include the 1,000-person Princess Arena and the Santorini-inspired Dome entertainment venue..

Set against the Mediterranean and Caribbean Sea backdrop, the new Sun Princess promises a wow factor beyond the onboard spectacle.

Redefining The Piazza
Sun Princess‘ reimagined Piazza pulsates as the ship’s social heart. Spanning three stories, this vibrant gathering place is filled with natural light and boasts stunning ocean views. Here you’ll find cozy cafes, stylish restaurants, street performers, and a dazzling new entertainment venue perfect for lively events.

Accommodations Fit for Royalty
From cozy interior staterooms to expansive suites, Sun Princess caters to every cruiser’s needs. Indulge in the ship’s new Signature Collection accommodations, offering premium services, upgraded amenities, and exclusive access to a suite lounge and restaurant. Opt for luxurious staterooms overlooking the Piazza for spectacular, ever-changing views.

Culinary Journeys Across the Globe
Prepare to embark on a culinary voyage around the world! Beyond traditional cruise favorites, Sun Princess introduces immersive dining experiences. Taste global flavors featuring fresh, regionally-inspired dishes, and delve into themed restaurants that create vibrant, authentic atmospheres.

Enrichment & Entertainment Beyond Expectations
Entertainment aboard Sun Princess reaches new heights.. Step into “Spellbound,” an exclusive collaboration with The Magic Castle ™. Marvel at mind-bending illusions and themed cocktails inspired by this iconic Hollywood establishment. Settle in for dazzling, original productions within the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.

Princess MedallionClass ™ Technology
Princess MedallionClass™ enhances your onboard experience. Imagine contactless boarding, on-demand food and drink delivery anywhere on the ship, keyless stateroom access, and the ability to locate companions with ease.

Where Will Sun Princess Take You?
Early in 2024, Sun Princess sets sail on incredible itineraries filled with adventure. Journey through the sun-drenched Mediterranean, explore the captivating fjords of Scandinavia, or experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ilma

Following the success of Evrima in 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces Ilma in 2024. This 790-foot, all-balcony luxury vessel Has 224 elegantly designed suites that accommodate up to 448 guests.

Ilma boasts the highest guest-to-space ratio of any ship. Inspired by luxury yachts, this new small ship features some mega-ship amenities like an infinity pool and a full-service spa and fitness center.

For a small yacht-like ship, you’ll find four unique dining experiences. Included in the cost of the cruise is the main dining room that features Continental cuisine and Talaat Nam for Southeast Asian fare.

Also without an added fee is Mistral, the most casual dining experience with an outdoor area. For a fee, you can try S.E.A. featuring European cuisine. All four dining venues request casual to smart casual dress codes—no formal wear required.

Basic Wi-Fi is included, or you can purchase an upgraded package for streaming.

This year, Ilma will take guests to less-visited European ports, including the Amalfi Coast, the Greek Isles, the French Riviera, and Monte Carlo. Next year, Ilma heads out on voyages in and around Northern Europe.

Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas officially joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in a delivery ceremony in late October of 2023. It then made its grand debut with passengers setting sail on January 28th, 2024.
Transformative New Features
Icon of the Seas completely alters the concept of a cruise vacation. Some of its most standout features include:

Thrill Island: Home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. This incredible space holds six record-breaking slides that deliver pure adrenaline. Imagine riding Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea!

• AquaDome: Imagine a tranquil oasis by day and a vibrant nightlife hot spot at night. The AquaDome offers wraparound ocean views along with new restaurants and bars. At its heart is a mesmerizing 55-foot tall waterfall and its AquaTheater brings performances to life with state-of-the-art robotics, divers, skateboarders, and more!
• Surfside: If you’re cruising with little ones, Surfside is your new must-visit destination. Designed entirely for young families, it’s full of interactive adventures like water features, a pool, and even a carousel.
• Reimagined Royal Promenade: A Royal Caribbean classic gets a stunning makeover! You’ll find over 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges on the Royal Promenade. Favorites like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar return, plus there are exciting new venues like the 1400 Lobby Bar and Royal Caribbean’s first dueling piano bar.

Island Adventures On the Horizon
Icon of the Seas offers thrilling explorations across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Journey to lush jungles, explore Mayan ruins, and visit some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. Of course, every Icon of the Seas itinerary guarantees a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, offering the tallest waterslide in North America!

Dining Delights Aboard Icon
Foodies, get ready! Icon of the Seas redefines your culinary journey with more amazing options than ever before. While a full restaurant list won’t be released until closer to the ship’s debut, here’s what we know is in store:

Utopia of the Seas

Closing out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas will 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, an easy drive-to port.

Closing out the illustrious Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas is a groundbreaking addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, promising to redefine the cruise experience. Set to welcome its first guests on July 22, 2024, this LNG-powered new build represents a significant milestone for the company.

With a focus on sustainability, Utopia of the Seas is a marvel of engineering and an eco-friendly choice.

Utopia of the Seas boasts a capacity to accommodate 5,668 passengers, fitting seamlessly into the Oasis Class tradition of being among the largest cruise ships in the world.

For its inaugural season, Utopia of the Seas will embark on short cruises to the Bahamas, departing from convenient Port Canaveral. This strategic choice offers passengers a quick getaway to tropical paradises, allowing them to experience the ship’s state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment options while enjoying the stunning Caribbean setting.

Silversea

Silver Ray

Silversea is celebrating its 30th anniversary and introducing the second ship in its Nova class, Silver Ray. With sustainability at the forefront, these ships aim to be emission-free at sea and port, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious cruising.

Silver Ray accommodates up to 728 passengers and will sail along Italy’s coastline. Ports include stops in Croatia and Montenegro, before spending the rest of its inaugural season exploring the Mediterranean.

Viking

Vela

Joining the Viking fleet in December, the Vela offers a more intimate experience with just 998 passengers. Amenities like heated bathroom floors and full-size verandas in staterooms add comfort. At the same time, the ship’s smaller size allows access to ports that are inaccessible to more giant liners.

The Journey to Antiquities cruise from Rome to Athens offers a unique eight-day exploration, with stops at Pompeii, Crete, and Naples. Next summer, the Viking Vela will cruise around Iceland’s coast, showcasing majestic Nordic beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Brilliant Lady

After seeing its delivery postponed in 2023, the Brilliant Lady should enter service for Virgin Voyages in the second quarter of 2024. However, details about the vessel’s new inaugural season have yet to be announced by the company.

New River Cruise Ships for 2024

American Cruise Lines American Liberty and Legend

Another in American Cruise Line’s Coastal Cat series, the American Liberty will enter service on August 15, 2024. The U.S.-built will cruise through New England and along the Hudson River during its maiden season. The ship is a sister to the 2023-launched American Glory.

A second U.S.-built cruise ship, the American Legend, is entering service in 2024. Under construction at the Chesapeake shipyard in Maryland, the 109-guest ship will spend its inaugural season beginning in November offering American Cruise Line’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise. The vessel is a sister to the 2023-launched American Glory.

Each of these new ships promises a unique and diverse cruising experience as the luxury cruise industry continues to evolve, and mainstream cruise ships add more bells and whistles.