From the world’s tallest to the most innovative designs, these cruise ships are set to redefine the cruising experience. In this article, we take an exclusive look at the top 11 best new cruise ships of 2024, featuring offerings from Royal Caribbean, Princess, Disney, MSC, Cunard, and Virgin.
11.Viking Vela by Viking Ocean Cruises:
Viking Ocean Cruises presents the Viking Vela, the upcoming addition to its fleet set to sail in 2024. As the 11th ship in the series that began with Viking Star in 2015, Viking Vela boasts slightly larger dimensions, accommodating 998 passengers with 68 extra spaces. Its maiden season will be devoted to northern European itineraries, exploring destinations like Scandinavia, the British Isles, Iceland, and the Norwegian fjords.
With balcony-equipped cabins, sophisticated Scandinavian aesthetics, and culinary offerings inspired by each destination, Viking Vela continues to enhance Viking Ocean Cruises’ commitment to elegance, cultural experiences, and destination immersion
10.Mein Schiff 8 by 2i Cruises:
In 2024, 2i Cruises introduces Mein Schiff 8, an ocean-going cruise ship characterized by its capacity to accommodate 4,000 passengers. With 18 decks and innovative features like a shadow roof providing shade and breezy comfort, Mein Schiff 8 offers exceptional spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. Constructed at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, it sails at a speed of 22 knots, promising a seamless cruise experience.
9.MSC World America:
Standing at an awe-inspiring 22 floors, it secures the title of the world’s tallest cruise ship. Boasting a futuristic design, this mega-ship features an array of amenities that match its grandiosity.
From 6 pools, 14 hot tubs, and a groundbreaking water park with virtual reality-assisted slides to a Sports district housing a roller skate arena and bumper cars, the MSC World America is a floating entertainment hub. The ship’s aft showcases the Venom Drop, an 11-story slide that promises an exhilarating journey from lido-deck pools to the promenade.
Noteworthy is the ship’s open-air promenade, connecting to an indoor atrium hosting over 30 bars, lounges, and restaurants. Despite its groundbreaking features, MSC World America maintains the cruise line’s reputation for affordability, with prices starting at just $500 per person for a one-week cruise.
8.Explora 2 by Explorer Journeys:
Set to launch in summer 2024, Explora 2 by Explorer Journeys promises a sustainable adventure like no other. With 461 oceanfront suites, nine restaurants, ten bars, four pools, and the latest environmental and marine technologies, this vessel aims to provide a unique all-inclusive destination experience.
The maiden voyage for Explora 2 is set for August 2024, offering tailored itineraries and a commitment to sustainability and positive community impact.
7.Disney Treasure:
The Disney’s enchanting Disney Treasure is the sixth addition to the Disney fleet. This meticulously designed ship pays homage to Disney’s magical universe, featuring three distinct neighborhoods catering to kids, adults, and families.
Whether you’re plunging down the Aqua Mouse waterslide, immersing yourself in Marvel-themed culinary experiences, or exploring the eerie Haunted Mansion, Disney Treasure promises a cruise experience like no other. The ship embodies the spirit of Disney parks, making it a magical adventure for all ages. Its powered by liquefied natural gas and it accommodates 4,000 passengers.
6.Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas:
The Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is the final installment in the iconic Oasis-class series. At 1,188ft, this colossal vessel features eight diverse neighborhoods, offering everything from vibrant lido decks to a tranquil Central Park with over 12,000 real plants. Launching from Port Canaveral, this LNG-powered marvel offers three- and four-day cruises best for families and adventurers seeking a quick escape.
With its massive scale, world-class entertainment, and unique neighborhood concept, Utopia of the Seas promises a memorable cruising experience. Embarking on 3 and 4-night extended weekend cruises, it sets sail from Miami to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Cococay, touted as the “world’s best weekend getaway.”
5.Silver Nova:
In 2024, get ready for an exhilarating journey aboard Silver Nova, the most eco-conscious ultra-luxury vessel on the seas. Breaking boundaries, this revolutionary cruise ship offers sustainability intertwined with luxury. From endless views to abundant natural light, Silver Nova reshapes how you explore the world, promising an extraordinary experience at every turn.
4.Mind Shift 7 by Mein Schiff 7:
Mein Schiff 7, set to launch in 2024, combines innovative elements with established fleet features. With diverse dining venues, a 25-meter swimming pool, and unique attractions like a casino, Mind Shift 7 promises a unique cruise experience. Share your excitement about innovative onboard attractions in the comments.
3.Queen Anne by Cunard:
Joining Cunard’s esteemed fleet in May 2024, Queen Anne is a fusion of classic elegance and modern luxury. With comfortable staterooms, exclusive princess and queen’s grill suites, and 15 exquisite dining venues, it offers opulence at every level. Queen Anne promises a journey of adventure and extravagance where maritime legacy meets contemporary cruising.
2.Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess:
Securing the second spot is Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, the inaugural vessel in their innovative Sphere Class. With a 21% increase in size compared to its counterparts, Sun Princess offers the highest space-to-passenger ratio in the Princess Cruises Fleet.
Highlighting its luxury features is The Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed area that transforms from a sunlit pool by day to a starlit stage by night. The ship introduces a three-story dining room, a circular theater for spectacular Broadway-style shows, and reimagined outdoor promenades with infinity pools that bring passengers closer to the ocean.
1.Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas:
Claiming the top spot is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s new largest cruise ship class and the most anticipated new ship of the decade. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launching in early 2024, is poised to redefine cruise luxury. Surpassing the current largest cruise ship class by nearly 10%, this 251,000GT marvel is a technological and entertainment wonder. The ship’s grandeur is evident in its 20 decks, 250,800 tons, and capacity for 7,600 passengers.
Divided into eight unique neighborhoods, Icon of the Seas offers an abundance of activities. From the thrilling Thrill Island and Category 6 waterpark to the suspended infinity pool at the Hideaway and the expansive Central Park, this ship is a feast for the senses. The Aquadome district, with its glass ceiling transforming from day views to nightly spectacles, is just one of the three main entertainment venues onboard.
Icon of the Seas truly embodies the future of cruising, combining innovation, luxury, and entertainment in an unprecedented manner. Its clearly the best cruise ship in the world.
Conclusion:
As we sail into 2024, these top 11 best new cruise ships promise a future of cruising that is larger, more luxurious, and more exciting than ever before. Whether you seek high-tech entertainment, family-friendly adventures, or immersive thematic experiences, these ships have it all.