Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

Table Of Content

• Our Largest, Most Premium Stateroom With Accommodations for Up to Five Guests
• Holland America Explorations Central Creates In-Depth Cruise Experiences
• Queen Victoria Sets Record as Largest Ship to Cruise Amazon River
• Evrima — The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionArrow
• Europe
• The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

For luxury lovers, Silversea and Explora Journeys will release siblings to ships that came in 2023. Ritz Carlton and Viking have new ships coming, each with their own tweaks from the original blueprints they used for previous ships. A family vacation doesn’t get any more VIP than in the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse — a sprawling adventure-filled pad with three levels of incredible surprises. Finding your crew’s just-right space is easy, with more rooms designed for families. On the new Icon of the Seas℠, where you stay is just as thrilling as how you play.

Our Largest, Most Premium Stateroom With Accommodations for Up to Five Guests

Check out our 2024, 2025 cruises and 2026 cruises to start planning your adventure. Princess Cruises is also debuting something completely different in the 4,000-passenger Sun Princess, the first of the line's Sphere-class ships, slated for February 2024. Families in particular should look forward to a slew of new features for young ones and teens in an area called Park19. The ship is debuting the first rollglider at sea, Sea Breeze -- an electric ride that goes up to 11 mph.

Holland America Explorations Central Creates In-Depth Cruise Experiences

This continues to improve the cruise line’s restart of operations, offering more sailings to more guests eager to travel again. After having its delivery postponed several times since 2021 due to problems at Brodosplit, the Janssonius is expected to enter service for Oceanwide Expeditions sometime in 2024. Once delivered, the expedition vessel is set to offer a series of exploration cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. Closing out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, the Utopia of the Seas is set to 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. Under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the 2,900-guest vessel is set to spend its maiden season in Northern Europe before repositioning to the Canary Islands for the winter.

Queen Victoria Sets Record as Largest Ship to Cruise Amazon River

Queen Anne, notably, will embrace the latest trends of travel and cruising in a way that Cunard ships haven't done before, including a new focus on choice in dining and entertainment, wellness and onboard celebrations. Once it’s completed, the ship will measure in at 20-decks high, 1,200 feet long, and 250,800 gross tons. This floating mini-city is expected to sail year round and offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises out of Miami. Avalon is bringing its style of river cruise ship to Portugal's Douro River in 2024, with the 102-passenger Avalon Alegria.

Mobile, for instance, will continue to serve as homeport for the Carnival Spirit after the ship’s debut in Alabama in late 2023. Currently sailing from Baltimore, the Carnival Legend is set to reposition to Tampa in November following its summer program in Europe. The Carnival Liberty, meanwhile, repositions to the Big Easy to offer seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean. She'll also be the first new ship in their fleet to grace the seas since Queen Elizabeth launched in 2010. Disney Cruise Line will also be debuting an enhanced AquaMouse, which was first launched on sister-ship Disney Wish in 2022.

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The ship will hold 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) and up to 4,000 passengers with every berth filled. Yet another new drinks venue is Periscope Pub, inspired by Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (and Disney's 1954 movie version of the book and theme park attraction). The bar is designed to look like the Nautilus submarine from the story, complete with a giant periscope, porthole windows and a ceiling designed to look like you're underwater. Disney Cruise Line is shifting into growth mode again with the unveiling of Disney Treasure, its second new ship in two years (after a 10-year period where Disney didn't unveil a single vessel).

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. Princess MedallionClass ™ TechnologyPrincess MedallionClass™ enhances your onboard experience.

Europe

While slightly bigger than earlier Viking ocean ships, Viking Vela's interior will have an almost identical look. Like Viking's 10 earlier ocean vessels, Vela will boast modern, Scandinavian-influenced decor that's soothing and upscale. Onboard activities will revolve around enrichment programs and classy entertainment, and there will be elegant meals in multiple restaurants. Cabins will be relatively spacious, with the smallest of five cabin categories having 270 square feet of space. Like Viking's other ocean ships, it'll sail itineraries that feature more time in ports than is common at many other lines. Like the earlier Viking ships, it'll also be adults-only, with no passengers under the age of 18 allowed.

The area will also have a ropes course and Coastal Climb, an obstacle-course-meets-ladder adventure spanning two decks. Similar to the company’s Spirit class ships, the 2009-built vessel will be renamed Carnival Luminosa, being fully integrated to the fleet before offering itineraries in Australia and Alaska starting in November. The cruise industry is navigating into an exciting era with the launch of several impressive new vessels. 2024 is particularly significant as it marks the debut of some of the most advanced cruise ships ever constructed. Plus, Explora Journeys markets towards families, which is rather rare in the luxury cruise industry.

But it'll still be less than a third the size of the giant ships operated by such well-known cruise brands as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean's second new ship of the year will be a giant, too, though not quite as big as Icon of the Seas. The extra space on the two vessels has allowed Silversea to expand its lineup of cabin categories, with more large suites. As is always the case with Silversea ships, every cabin on the ship will be a suite. But Silver Ray and Silver Nova offer new premium aft suites, including a massive 1,324-square-foot complex called the Otium Suite.

Choose a different pool for every day of the week, including Royal Bay — the largest pool at sea. Next-level views are never far away, with an array of infinity edges to keep you connected to the ocean. As Carnival’s second XL class ship, the new Carnival Celebration is set to enter service in November.

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But that’s not all — you’ll also be able to chase adventure through the tropics onboard fleet favorites Vision®, Serenade®, Grandeur®, Jewel® and Voyager of the Seas®. New features on this ship are minimal, as Viking Cruises has long attempted to keep its experiences similar across its ships, for guest experience continuity. Accordingly, expect the same decor and design, as well as restaurants and entertainment, that you might’ve already experienced on past Viking cruises. Also, like its sisters, Carnival Jubilee was designed to hold up to 6,630 passengers. That's just a tad below the 7,600 passengers that will be able to fit aboard Royal Caribbean's soon-to-debut Icon of the Seas — the new world's largest cruise ship (more on that vessel below).

This Victorian-themed bar features magicians performing mind-bending entertainment, themed rooms and theatrical cocktails served with sleight of hand. Feel like you’ve stepped into Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle™, where time stands still and your imagination runs wild. ▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.†Guests may call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® Cruises app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. It’s also the perfect setting for cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Yes, the ship is on the smaller side, but it just proves that, sometimes, great things come in tiny packages. Disney is opening its second cruise ship-focused Bahamian island in June 2024, Lighthouse Point, to cruisers, so Disney Treasure guests will have that new experience to look forward to as well. Many of the ship’s offerings are geared toward families, but adults-only spaces are also plentiful. Icon of the Seas, once it debuts in 2024, will be the largest cruise ship in the entire world, surpassing the prior largest cruise ship, also from Royal Caribbean, Wonder of the Seas.

At the same time, the services of white-gloved bellhops make boarding a regal affair. Celebrity Ascent is currently cruising from Port Everglades until April 2024, when the ship will head to Europe in the summer and fall. It’s more than ocean vistas in every direction; it’s being immersed in the world around you like never before. The heartbeat of our ship, our Piazza may have been inspired by the town squares of Europe, but her evolution is out of this world.

Whether you're floating in the ship's main pool or dining at its open-air Marquee restaurant, you'll be looking out at the sea (or whatever destination the ship is visiting) like you've never been able to before. The most notable of the three, Icon of the Seas, is the first of a new series of megaships from Royal Caribbean that will be larger than any cruise vessels ever built. It'll be loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz attractions, restaurants, bars and entertainment. This year will be a big one for new cruise ships, with three major vessels on the way that promise to break new ground in cruising. That’s certainly been the mantra for Miami based cruise line Royal Caribbean, who just announced their largest ship Icon of the Seas will officially enter service in 2024.

The 9 best new cruise ships launching in 2024

Table Of Content

• Holland America Explorations Central Creates In-Depth Cruise Experiences
• Sun Princess (February
• What were we thinking of when we designed the new Sun Princess? You.
• These are the Best New Cruise Ships Coming in 2024
• The Underground Teen Lounge

A sister ship to Disney Wish, the 4,000-passenger Disney Treasure puts Aladdin in the spotlight, along with a theme of adventure. Set to be based in New York City, the 2019-built vessel will retain most of its Costa features, while offering Carnival’s service, entertainment and dining. The cruise industry is expanding with new state-of-the-art vessels, each offering innovative features and amenities catered to diverse tastes and preferences.

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Holland America Explorations Central Creates In-Depth Cruise Experiences

The water park will offer six water slides (the most ever on a cruise ship). Each and every year, we cover the biggest and best new cruise ships that you can look forward to in the year ahead (and that you can, in some cases, already book for your next cruise!). And, each and every year, we’re amazed at how the cruise industry continues to take the cruising experience to the next level.

Sun Princess (February

Following the Explora I, the Explora II is set to become Explora Journey’s second ultra-luxury ship. Under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 922-guest will kick off its inaugural season in the Mediterranean on August 11, 2024. 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. The ship accommodates 3,000 passengers who will revel in the royal treatment offered in its staterooms designed by the renowned Sybille de Margerie.

What were we thinking of when we designed the new Sun Princess? You.

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go.

In July, Utopia of the Seas will join the fleet as their sixth Oasis Class vessel. Utopia will be the last Oasis Class ship unless additional orders are placed in the future. For history buffs, the Ultimate Middle East and Med Cruise is a journey back in time, your chance to delve into history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends as you uncover ancient sites in Dubai, Egypt, Greece, Italy and more.

Sail from Barcelona

Soar like a bird 19 decks above the waves on the Sea Breeze Rollglider®, a first at sea.(You can even go for a ride now with this AR preview!) It's just a taste of what you'll find at this wonderland for kids and adults alike. ▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.♦Single-occupancy interior staterooms with queen bed available. These Cabanas are located on Deck 9 with limited entry to an extra-large lounge space with unique outdoor furniture, perfect for celebrating special occasions with family and friends while taking in the fresh sea air. As for Explora II, its sustainability features include reduced underwater noise to protect marine life; high-efficiency and energy-saving appliances; shore-to-ship power; LED lighting; anti-fouling paint, and more.

Starting in 2024, the 2021-built cruise ship will offer year-round cruises from Long Beach, combining Costa’s design features with Carnival’s signature service, entertainment and food. Like her sister ship, Explora II will measure only 64,000 gross registered tons and host fewer than 1,000 guests per cruise. She'll also feature a gorgeous lobby bar, pool deck, and numerous dining options.

With a focus on intimate, ultra-luxury cruising, this ship caters to travelers seeking a truly personalized and refined journey. Cunard adds the magnificent Queen Anne to its fleet, honoring the brand’s storied heritage while infusing contemporary luxury. This new addition aims to uphold Cunard’s legacy of sophisticated ocean travel. At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. A total of 19 cruises departing from the Texas homeport are currently opened for booking, including a 12-night Carnival Journey to the Southern Caribbean that visits Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire and more.

It's been a long time coming, but storied cruise line Cunard is finally launching a new ship. Built to an all-new design for the 183-year-old brand, the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne will be Cunard's first new vessel in 14 years — an unusually long period for any line to go without a new ship. Sun Princess initially will sail in Europe through the fall before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $467 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a five-night Caribbean sailing. Surfside notably will feature splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

With nine dining options and a champagne toast to every adventure, Explora II promises a luxurious home at sea. From luxury cruise ships to mainstream and river ships, it’s a busy year for launching new cruise ships in 2024. Following Silversea Cruises’ first Nova-class ship, Silver Nova, Silver Ray gains a spot as one of our most-anticipated new cruise ships for several reasons. While not the largest ship on our list of new cruise ships, or the most anticipated, Mein Schiff 7 from TUI Cruises still offers a lot to love. Sun Princess may not be slated to debut as the biggest cruise ship in the world, or even close to it, but this ship is still significant for Princes Cruises fans.

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The ship will have Avalon's signature Panorama Suites, where the bed faces the river. While it has been confusing with so many “dancing of the ships” redeployments, reshufflings, and reassignments, there are benefits for Carnival Cruise Line to be moving ships around. Bringing new ships to a port encourages local travelers, who may have already sailed several times on a previous vessel, to try out a new ship.

A new juice bar and a cafe near the main pool will serve healthy dishes, and the ship's spa is being built as a temple to wellness. The ship will offer 15 different places to grab a bite, more than double the number on the line's other ships. The options will include Aji Wa, a new restaurant concept for Cunard that will serve Japanese cuisine influenced by the seasons of the year. Also new for Cunard will be Aranya, an Indian eatery; Sir Samuel's, a high-end steakhouse; and Tramonto, which will serve Mediterranean dishes.

That said, there are still a few new features that give long-time Disney Cruise Line fans plenty to look forward to. The ship, which follows 2019’s Mein Schiff 2, provides a range of attractive features, including a new type of cabins. New single cabins will be available for single travelers who don’t quite need the same amenities or spaces as their coupled fellow cruisers.

On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation. A sister to the 2023-built Silver Nova, the Silver Ray is set to enter service for Silversea Cruises in mid-2024. Considered one of the world’s greenest cruise ships, the LNG-powered vessel is set to spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Once the transfer of current bookings is complete, the new new ship assignments and itineraries will open for sale for more prospective guests to book their next Fun Ship vacations. The Carnival technical team is still swapping existing reservations to the new ship assignments, ensuring that booked passengers receive equivalent accommodations on the new vessels. Luxury cruise line Silversea presents Silver Ray, a beacon of luxury and exclusivity.

With bigger and better staterooms and suites, world-class dining options, amazing entertainment and technological marvels, today’s latest cruise ships are truly a wonder to behold. Basically 5-star luxury resorts on the high seas, modern cruise ships will convince even those who weren’t previously fans of cruising to give the mode of travel another try. Continuing American Cruise Line’s Coastal Cat series, the American Liberty is set to enter service on August 15, 2024. During its maiden season, the U.S.-built cruise ship is set to offer a series of itineraries in New England and the Hudson River. According to data from the Cruise Industry News’ Global Cruise Ship Orderbook Report, the lineup includes a diverse selection of vessels, including mega ships, premium and luxury vessels, and more. A second U.S.-built cruise ship, the American Legend, is entering service in 2024.