2024 is brimming with exciting new cruise ships ready to make waves!
Many leading cruise lines are launching a new cruise ship this year, each promising an ocean of adventures and luxuries, so it can be tricky to know which one to choose for your next holiday!
Below, we share the new cruise ships that we’re most looking forward to welcoming this year, in order to help you navigate these enticing opportunities. Whether you enjoy the epic onboard adventures of Royal Caribbean or the sublime sophistication of Cunard Line, there’s something to offer for every guest’s dream cruise ship experience.
Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Hold on to your life jackets because one of the newest ships of 2024 has already made a grand splash! Icon of the Seas was recently launched in January 2024 and is now the largest cruise ship in the world! This colossus is a floating marvel. It has a gross tonnage of a mega 250,800 and a capacity to host 5,610 cruise guests!
Imagine gliding down the most extensive water slides at sea – there are six to choose from, the most ever seen on a cruise ship! Or perhaps you’d prefer to relax at Chill Island, where you’ll find four of the seven pools onboard, including the cruise line’s first swim-up bar. Head to The Hideaway, and you can experience the first suspended infinity pool at sea, offering spectacular views across the ocean.
In the evenings, you’ll find over 40 dining and entertainment venues, including a sushi and street food window, a new milkshake bar, and the Empire Supper Club, which offers an eight-course menu!
Families, solo adventurers, and couples will find their slice of paradise here. Icon of the Seas is more than a ship; it’s a floating mega-resort promising endless fun and unforgettable memories.
Queen Anne (Cunard)
It may not be the biggest cruise ship in 2024, but when it comes to classic elegance, Cunard’s Queen Anne brings it in waves. Launching in May 2024, Queen Anne accommodates 3,000 guests. It continues the illustrious legacy of Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth ships, offering an experience soaked in distinguished class and modern luxury.
Sailing onboard Queen Anne, the cruise line’s first new ship in twelve years, you can expect all the timeless traditions of cruising Cunard, with delightful new additions too.
There’s the quintessential afternoon tea and the latest Bright Lights Society entertainment venue. For dining, you can sample the new Queens Grill menu, developed in partnership with two-Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. However you spend your time at sea, Queen Anne promises the most sophisticated journey across the waves.
If you are seeking a no-fly cruise next year from the UK, take a look at the cruise ship schedule from Southampton 2024, and you’ll be pleased to find that Queen Anne has some stunning itineraries departing from there.
Sun Princess (Princess Cruises)
Next up is Sun Princess, the largest ship ever built for Princess Cruises. Expected in February, this beauty is not just a new cruise ship for 2024; it is the first of an entirely new Sphere-Class of ships for the cruise line.
With a gross tonnage of 175,500 and a capacity for 4,300 guests, Sun Princess offers unique features like The Dome, inspired by the vistas of Santorini, and the cruise line’s biggest onboard casino. The ship is also Princess Cruises’ first to be powered by cleaner fuel, LNG (liquefied natural gas).
For adventure-seekers, there’s the adrenaline-pumping Park19 adventure park, where you can experience the first-at-sea roll glider, enjoying spectacular panoramic views while gliding safely above the deck! With 29 stunning restaurants and bars and two new suite accommodation classes, Sun Princess promises a whole new world of exceptional discoveries for your cruise ship holidays in 2024.
Silver Ray (Silversea Cruises)
If luxury and sustainability float your boat, then Silver Ray is your perfect match. It is the second Nova-class ship for Silversea, following 2023’s Silver Nova. Launching next summer, this 2024 cruise ship is a testament to Silversea Cruises’ commitment to eco-friendly cruising.
With just 728 guests, Silver Ray offers a more intimate and personalised experience. Furthermore, Silversea’s clever use of glass to bring light into the public areas makes the ship feel spacious, while the suites with 270-degree views are a dream come true for ocean lovers.
It’s luxury cruising with a conscience – and we can’t wait to welcome it!
Celebrity Ascent (Celebrity Cruises)
So, while this is not Celebrity Cruises‘ new ship of 2024, Celebrity Ascent only just missed the cut-off. Launching in December 2023, it’s the latest jewel in the crown of Celebrity Cruises, so it is certainly worth a mention.
Celebrity Ascent is a testament to modern luxury cruising, blending innovative design with unparalleled guest experiences. Part of Celebrity’s esteemed Edge Series, it pushes the boundaries of cruise ship architecture with its stunning outward-facing, terraced pool deck, Rooftop Garden, and the remarkable Magic Carpet, a moving platform offering breathtaking views and serving as a unique venue for dining and entertainment.
Inside, guests are treated to an array of exquisite dining options, luxurious accommodations, and an impressive collection of art. The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite guests, offers a private sundeck and lounge, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.
Celebrity Ascent is not just a cruise ship; it’s a floating masterpiece that promises unforgettable cruise ship holidays for 2024.
Carnival Firenze (Carnival Cruise Line)
Set to make a grand entry into the world of cruising, Carnival Firenze is the new Carnival Cruise Line ship for 2024. Named after the gorgeous city of Florence, it celebrates Italian style and flair alongside Carnival Cruise Lines’ spirited and fun-filled approach to cruising.
This ship takes family entertainment and onboard excitement to new heights with features like an expansive water park, thrilling rides, and interactive experiences for all ages. Guests can look forward to a wide range of dining options, from casual bites to gourmet experiences, ensuring that every palate is delighted. The ship’s staterooms and suites are also thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and stylish sanctuary after a day of adventure.
Sailing from its homeport of Long Beach, California, throughout the year, Carnival Firenze offers a variety of exciting itineraries for your cruise ship holiday in 2024.
As we look ahead to next year, the new cruise ships for 2024 are set to offer a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling adventures to serene luxury. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a solo expedition, there’s a ship here to suit your needs.
So, get ready to explore the high seas in style and prepare for a holiday filled with new discoveries and memorable moments onboard these spectacular ships!
