PHOTO: © ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Cruise tourism is bouncing back faster than overall international travel, according to the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report. The industry is among the fastest-growing segments of global tourism, and 2024 shows no signs of slowing.
About 36 million people are expected to cruise in 2024, an increase of roughly 4.5 million over 2023. The market is also skewing younger: 86 percent of millennial and Gen X travelers who have cruised before say they plan to cruise again.
To meet rising demand, cruise lines have launched a wave of innovative ships that emphasize new experiences, destinations and onboard amenities.
“The introduction of new ships has renewed interest in cruising across different markets. Our agency is eagerly awaiting the launch of the Disney Treasure, an upscale family-focused vessel,” said Marci Oakley of Avenue Two Travel, a Virtuoso agency. “For couples, small-yacht options like Seabourn’s Pursuit and Venture open access to remote destinations.”
If you enjoy fresh ships and fresh itineraries, here are five notable vessels arriving or sailing in 2024.
DISNEY TREASURE
Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship, Disney Treasure, debuts in December 2024. The Triton-class vessel follows the design of Disney Wish but emphasizes mystery and adventure rather than a strict fairy-tale motif. The 1,256-cabin and suite ship features storytelling touches inspired by films such as Aladdin and Luca, and introduces a new Encanto-themed dining venue, Plaza de Coco. The Disney Treasure will spend its maiden season on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral.
PHOTOS: © ROYAL CARIBBEAN
ROYAL CARIBBEAN ICON OF THE SEAS
When it debuts in January 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world. Nearly 1,200 feet long with 20 decks and eight distinct neighborhoods, Icon of the Seas can accommodate up to 7,600 guests across more than 2,800 cabins. The ship showcases extensive entertainment, dining and activity spaces, including the largest waterpark at sea with multiple slides and a surf simulator. Icon of the Seas will operate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, visiting ports such as St. Maarten, Roatán and Cozumel.
RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES
Riverside Luxury Cruises is a new boutique operator in European river cruising, offering an all-suite experience on the Danube and Rhône. The 162-passenger Riverside Mozart launched in 2023 with itineraries ranging from three to 14 days and visits to Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. Guests enjoy features like a wraparound promenade, indoor pool and a spa with sauna and steam rooms, plus multiple dining venues across four decks. For 2024, Riverside Debussy will debut on the Rhine with 110 passengers, sailing itineraries from Amsterdam timed to include Holland’s tulip season.
PHOTOS: © SEABOURN
SEABOURN PURSUIT
Expedition cruising has become increasingly luxurious, and Seabourn Pursuit is a prime example. The all-suite, 264-passenger expedition ship entered service in 2023 and carries a 24-person expedition team plus a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks to support immersive shore excursions. Itineraries for 2024 and 2025 include the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea and Antarctica, offering a yacht-like, high-end expedition experience.
EXPLORA II
Explora Journeys expands its luxury fleet with EXPLORA II, scheduled for summer 2024. The ship will feature 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. Onboard amenities include multiple pools, six restaurants and a dozen bars and lounges. EXPLORA II’s 2024–2025 program targets lesser-visited ports across the Middle East, Mediterranean, India, the Indian Ocean and Africa, with a slate of journeys running from August 2024 through April 2025.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The cruise industry continues to grow: more than 30 ocean-going ships are on order through December 2027. Expect additional newbuilds and expanded capacity from a wide range of operators in the years ahead. Lines with new ships planned for 2025 and beyond include:
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Four Seasons Yachts
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruises
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Royal Caribbean
Viking