Sailing in Style: Luxury cruising is set to reach new heights in 2024, with a fleet of innovative ships poised to grace the seas. These vessels represent the next level in luxury liners, featuring cutting-edge design, elevated staff-to-guest ratios, and meticulously curated itineraries spanning dream destinations. Here are eight highly anticipated cruise ships for 2024, promising an unparalleled experience for discerning travelers.
Celebrity Ascent
Sailing In Style: Celebrity Cruise Line’s latest addition, Ascent, embarked on its seven-night maiden voyage to the Eastern Caribbean in December, earning its place in the 2024 spotlight. Showcasing signature elements of the Edge class ships, including an outward-facing design, staterooms with convertible indoor/outdoor spaces, and amenities from the Retreat suite class, Ascent also introduces a whimsical rooftop garden inspired by the Solstice class ships. With 30 restaurants, including Le Voyage by Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Chef Daniel Boulud, Ascent offers an extraordinary culinary journey. This summer, Ascent invites travelers to explore Greece, Turkey, and the Italian Riviera.
Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Following the sleek debut of the Evrima in 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces its second addition, the 790-foot Ilma. Translating to “water” in Maltese, Ilma accommodates 448 guests in 224 impeccably designed suites, boasting the highest space ratio per guest at sea. Sailing In Style – Reflecting a luxury yacht’s residential feel, Ilma features an array of amenities, including a spa, an infinity pool, and a humidor. The inaugural season takes Ilma to iconic yachting destinations such as the Greek Isles, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera, and Monte Carlo, with plans for Northern Europe voyages in 2025.
Queen Anne, Cunard – Sailing In Style
Cunard’s Queen Anne, designed by the Paris-based firm Sybille de Margerie, promises a royal experience for its 3,000 passengers. Staterooms exude elegance, afternoon teas, and black-tie events unfold in the opulent Queens Room venue. And white-gloved bellhops welcome guests upon boarding. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, Cunard’s first female captain, will navigate the Queen Anne through its inaugural season. Exploring the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Silver Ray, Silversea
The Silver Ray, Silversea’s second Nova class ship, follows in the wake of its sister, Silver Nova, this summer. With a focus on sustainability, both at sea and in port. The 728-passenger ship features a horizontal design maximizing panoramic views and spacious cabins. Celebrating Silversea’s 30th anniversary, the Silver Ray’s maiden voyage sails along Italy’s coastline. With subsequent journeys exploring Croatia and Montenegro before spending the season in the Mediterranean.
Explora II, Explora Journeys
Elegance defines Explora II, offering 461 ocean-front suites with private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and butler services. Embarking on 39 all-inclusive journeys, Explora II explores far-flung destinations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. With nine dining options, passengers can savor the luxury of “sea homes” while toasting their adventures with chilled champagne.
Viking Vela – Sailing In Style
Joining the Viking fleet in December. The Vela boasts amenities like heated bathroom floors and Freyja toiletries for its 998 passengers. The ocean cruiser’s nimble size allows access to ports unreachable by larger liners. The Journey to Antiquities cruise takes passengers on an eight-day journey from Rome to Athens, with stops at Pompeii, Crete, and Naples. Next summer, Vela will explore Iceland’s coast, offering eight days of majestic Nordic beauty.
Sun Princess, Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises introduces the Sun Princess. Accommodating 4,300 passengers and claiming the title of the largest and most modern option on the Princess Cruises roster. Featuring state-of-the-art entertainment venues. Including the 1,000-person Princess Arena and the Santorini-inspired Dome entertainment venue, the ship promises a spectacle at sea. With its Victorian-style Spellbound Theater and stunning Mediterranean and Caribbean views, Sun Princess offers a wow factor for all onboard.
Sailing In Style – Disney Treasure
Disney Cruises welcomes the Treasure as its sixth addition to the fleet. Embarking on journeys to the Eastern and Western Caribbean starting in December. Hosting 1,254 guests, the ship showcases beloved Disney characters in venues like the Plaza de Coco dinner theater and Jumbeaux’s Sweets. The Grand Hall, inspired by Agrabah from Aladdin, immerses passengers in a fairy-tale land blending Asian and African touches. Disney Treasure promises a magical experience, combining entertainment and luxury on the high seas.
