January 2024: What’s New for Cruising in 2024
I don't know about all of my fellow cruise lovers out there, but we have had some crazy weather here in Maryland! One day we have 5 inches of snow and a week later, it is 70! And the amount of rain, wow.... no chance of a drought here, that is for sure!
Even with the doldrums of winter upon us, my husband, Todd, and I were able to sneak away for one awesome weekend cruise getaway with our close friends aboard the MSC Seashore. The weather wasn't the brightest, but it sure was better than the snow that was happening at home!
New Cruise Ships Coming in 2024
Here's hoping for fair skies and following seas in 2024!
With so many new cruise ships sailing the globe, I can't wait to help you plan an exciting adventure at sea that promises endless onboard amenities, special memories in port, and genuine fun for all ages.
Here are a few of the ships generating excitement this year:
Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The largest ships launching in 2024 also have the biggest buzz. Icon of the Seas sets sail in January as the first in a new class of ships from Royal Caribbean. It boasts lots of water fun for all ages with seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six waterslides that form the largest water park at sea. Forty restaurants feed hungry passengers, who will also be entertained by the talented crew in a new indoor aqua theater.
Setting sail in July, a new Oasis class ship named Utopia of the Seas will introduce passengers to a few additions to the Oasis ships, like the Pesky Parrot Caribbean bar in the Royal Promenade, and a poolside food truck. Dubbed "The World’s Biggest Weekend," this new ship promises more of the big, bold fun the Oasis class is known for.
Sun Princess (Princess Cruises)
In February, Sun Princess sets sail with a reinstated classic Princess Cruises name but an all-new feel. The Sun Princess will be the largest Princess ship and is part of the Sphere Class. It features 29 restaurants, including the main dining room which wows across three decks. The Dome, a venue on the top deck, houses an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and evening acrobatic shows, the line's first combination water/entertainment venue. Park19 is a fun new activity zone for families with climbing structures, lookouts, nets and bridges to traverse, hammocks, a splash zone, and the SeaBreeze Rollglider, which is also ADA accessible. After all that fun, guests can sleep soundly in the new Signature Collection suite, which offers exclusive access to a dining venue, a lounge, and a sun deck.
Queen Anne (Cunard)
Cunard welcomes its first ship in over a decade with Queen Anne. The ship's design embraces the concepts of Holland America's Koningsdam, but expands on some beloved amenities of the Cunard line, like the Golden Lion pub. Bright Lights Society Cabaret is an all-new hosted show that promises an intimate evening of musical performances accented by light installations and color.
Disney Treasure (Disney Cruise Line)
After the launch of the beloved Disney Wish in 2023, the second ship in the series, Disney Treasure, will arrive in December. The ship's adventure theme is showcased in the Grand Hall, styled after Agrabah in Aladdin, and in Plaza de Coco which celebrates Miguel and his family from the film Coco. Fans of Disney's theme parks will flock to The Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society (with Jungle Cruise theming), Periscope Pub (a nod to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), and the Tomorrow Tower Suite (an Epcot-inspired stateroom option). The AquaMouse water coaster tells a new story, Curse of the Golden Egg and a new stage show, Disney The Tale of Moana makes its debut.
Viking Vela (Viking Cruises)
The 11th Viking ocean ship, Vela, sets sail in 2024 and is reminiscent of previous ships in the line, albeit a bit longer and able to accommodate additional passengers. Fans of the adult-only Viking ships will happily return to the familiar Explorers' Lounge for drinks with a view, the infinity pool that overlooks the stern of the ship, or the Nordic Spa for relaxing treatments.
