The ever growing cruise industry will see 14 new cruise ships entering service. Among them, Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship and other mega ships like Sun Princess, Brilliant Lady, and Utopia of the Seas., The luxury market will also see some interesting vessels coming online like Ilma, Viking Vela Silver Ray and Explora II.
Until 2028, over 50 vessels are in the orderbooks, adding around 110,000 berths to the world’s cruise ship fleet. With 36.5 mio passengers in 2023 and rapidly rising numbers expected in the coming years, cruising is booming like never before.
Ship’s name, owner, gross tonnage and yard are shown
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q1
Adora Magic City, Adora Cruise, 135,000GRT, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China
Adora Magic City was delivered in December 2023, but will start active service in January 2024
Focusing on the Chinese market, Adora Cruise is a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation. The new brand will introduce its new Vista-class ship, currently under construction in Shanghai, in January 2024. Adora Cruises will combine an international vision with local tastes but will be aimed at Chinese guests. A second newbuild is due to enter service in 2025.
Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Int., 250,800 GT, Meyer Turku, Finland
Icon of the Seas was delivered in December 2023, but will start active service in January 2024
Icon of the Seas starting January 2024 will be stationed in the Caribbean year round. She is the result of seven years developing and construction and will be the largest cruise ship in the world when delivered, measuring over 250,000GT. Icon of the Seas will be 365 meter long, 49 meter wide and will have capacity for 5600 passengers double occupancy (7300 passengers full capacity). She will be Royal Caribbean Cruises’ most environmentally friendly vessel, being powered by LNG. Icon of the Seas has dual-fuel engines so she will be able to switch to even more environmentally friendly fuels in the future. A ship of her size will be the ultimate family oriented cruise ship, featuring an endless list of facilities: 40 restaurants and bars, 5 new neighborhoods, the largest waterpark at sea featuring 6 slides and the Aquadome with the largest glas cupola ever installed on a cruise ship. Passengers can choose from 28 cabin categories with the 3-floor Ultimate Family Townhouse being the most spectacular one. Guests staying here will have separate bedrooms for parents and children, dedicated sports facilities, bar, exclusive use of the Surfside Neighborhood for families,a private cinema and their own slide. Also an icon in the world of football, Lionel Messi will officially name her in January 2024.
Sun Princess, Princess Cruises, 175,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
The new Sun Princess is Princess Cruises’ third ship with this name, her predecessors were taken into service in 1974 and 1988 respectively. This 21-deck vessel has an innovative design, her glass dome being the focal point of the ship, during daytime it is a place to relax, but at night the mood changes and this multifunctional space will feature spectacular entertainment. Also impressive is the “glass square” situated midsships offering spectacular views. On Sun Princess, as seen on many large cruise ships today, the ship-within-a-ship concept is implemented, where for the most exclusive suites, dedicated lounges, restuarants and deck-space is available. She is the first ship ever within the Princess Cruises fleet to be powered by LNG, lowering the emission of toxic gasses thus saving the environment by diminishing the footprint of cruising.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q2
Mein Schiff 7, TUI Cruises, 111,000 GT, Meyer Turku, Finland
She is the 7th newbuilding for Mein Schiff/ TUI and is a sistership to Mein Schiff 1 and 2. Among her innovations are two new cabin categories for solo travellers. Also, there are several new restaurants onboard like the Asian 7 Sushi retsuarant Hideki and the La Spezia restaurant serving Italian food. Live tables and slot machines will be added to the popular Abtanz Bar giving this club a casino ambience. Mein Schiff 7 engines run on low emission diesel (sulphur just 0.1%) and she is technically ready to switch to methanol. In port she can connect to shore power. A technologically advanced waste processing system is installed called Hydro Treat which makes it possible to proces organic waste onbaord the ship.
Silver Ray, Silversea Cruises, 54,700GT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Her keel was laid at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg on March 23 2023 and she will be taken into servcie during the summer of 2024. Together with her sister, Silver Nova, they will be lines’first LNG-powered vessels as well as the first all balcony ships in the luxury Silversea fleet, Carrying 728 passengers, they will also be their largest ships and have the line’s first hybrid technology aiming to be totally emission free in port. The well known S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) gourmet culinary program offering guests local food delicacies will be available in her eight restaurants. Silver Nova and Silver Ray’s “innovative asymmetrical as well as horizontal design ensures outstanding public areas, which fuse seamlessly together”as the line states. These Nova-class ships will introduce spacious suites, many of which offer a 270˚ view from sea to sky.
Queen Anne, Cunard Line, 113,000 GT, Fincantieri, Italy
She will be Cunard’s 249th ship in the line’s history and Cunard will have a four ship fleet again for the first time since 1999. Her interior design will be coordinated by well-known designer Adam D. Tihany. She will be larger than her fleetmates, being built similar to Holland America’s Koningsdam-series. February 8th 2022 her name was announced. Cunard asked for assistance choosing the new ship’s name from British historian Kate Williams who is the author of several British Royal Family-related books. Queen Anne will have a female captain Inger Klein Thorhauge (previously she was captain of Queen Vistoria since 2010). Queen Anne is built at two yards, her lower forward bow section at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard which will be towed to the Fincantieri-Marghera yard where she will be completed. Queen Anne will feature the largest art collection at sea. Concerning food, culture and entertainment Queen Anne will bridge tradition and cotemporary luxury. Her art-deco interiors will be done in lighter colors than guests are used to in other Cunard ships, giving her a more modern flair than her fleetmates.
Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Int., 231,000 GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Utopia of the Seas will debut with 4 and 5-day sailings from Port Canaveral to Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day. She is the 6th vessel in the Oasis-class series and the first one to be propelled by LNG. She will feature 40 eateries and bars, 5 pools and the longest dry slide at sea. One spectacular novelty onboard is a restaurant which takes guests on a virtual train journey while dining. A foodtruck will be placed near one of the pools while Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will now have two floors with views on the Boardwalk. Teppanyaki restaurant Izumi will also offer alfresco dining with seats in Utopia of the Seas’ Central Park.
Brilliant Lady, Virgin Cruises, 110,000 GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Check out my article on her sister ship Scarlet Lady and its owner Virgin Cruises. A newcomer in the cruise industry. Virgin wants to shake up the current cruising scene, making it more informal and party-oriented. An example of this is that there are no restaurants on Brilliant Lady and of course no fixed meal times. On board, there will be many references to Virgin’s roots, the music industry like record players in the ship’s suites and a shop selling music equipment and magazines. These sister ships are of the so called Lady Ships class, also pointing to Virgin’s roots. Like on the former sailing ships, on its bow will be a mermaid and Virgin’s logo. Sister ship to Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady, she is the fourth of Virgin Voyages’ “lady ships,” Brilliant Lady will enter service in the spring of 2023. She will also be an adult-only ship, especially the party loving crowd will love her, organising great parties is one of Virgin Voyages’ trademarks. Also onboard Brilliant Lady, there will be no main restaurants, but around 20 informal intimate food serving venues. At night, artists will rotate, switching from one location to another.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q3
Explora II, Explora Journeys. 64,000 GT, Fincantieri, Italy
The second vessel of MSC’s new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, Explora II will arrive in the summer of 2023. Positioned in the luxury segment, this new brand emphasizes that Explora II sails on journeys, not cruises. Exotic destinations, great service and enrichment are key words in Explora Journey’s philosophy. Her 461 suites are quite large, starting from 380 sq ft. 82 of these have interconnecting doors. All suites have floor to ceiling glass and of course a private verandah. On deck there will be 64 cabanas lining three pools. Her fourth pool will feature a magrodome, a retractable roof which can close off the pool in inclement weather. Guests can completely relax in her incredible 700 square meter welness area. According to the line, there will be nine dining venues, or “dining experiences” as they are called. Built in storage for batteries make it possible to make her a hybrid vessel and state of the art technology will reduce CO2 with 90%.
Ilma, Ritz-Carlton Collection, 46,700 GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
The Spanish yard H J Barreras experienced (financial) problems building the first ship for new cruise line Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, the Evrima, resulting in higher building costs and a much later delivery then originally planned. Two additional vessels ordered form this yard were therefor cancelled and were now ordered from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France. Ilma will be larger than Evrima, she has capacity for 150 additional passengers. Ilma takes her name from the Maltese word for water, symblizing her connection with the oceans. Two new suite categories are introduced, Ilma and Concierge, with balconies large enough to accommodate an outdoor shower and even a dining table. The mission of Riz-Carlton Yacht Collection is to provide passengers with experiences that let them discover new destinations and their beautiful scenery in luxury surroundings. A sister ship Luminara will follow in 2025.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q4
Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line, 144,000 GT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Disney Treasure is a sister ship to Disney Wish, introduced last yar. The overall theme of Disney Treasure will be Adventure, public spaces and attractions “will show Disney’s love for exploration”, according to the line. Her atrium will pay hommage to the land of Agrabah, the decor of Disney’s well known movie Aladdin. She also will have some spectacular spots onboard like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, where ghouls are brought to life in a typical classic ocean liner decor spreading horror with a touch of Disney humour. The Periscope Pub is inspired by Disney’s 1954 movie “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Its “submarine-styled interiors will give guests a look at the watery world below through an intriguing glass ceiling” Disney states. Disney Treasure will embark on her maiden cruise from Port Canaveral in December 2024.
Viking Vela, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,800 GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Viking Vela is the next new vessel in this endless series of 930-passenger ships (the 11th in a series of 16 vessels) which continue to bring Viking Cruises success. The last 6 ships are 10 m longer and have a bigger passenger capacity of 998 vs 928. The Scandinavian décor and great onboard service combined with specialty dining (drinks included) make cruising with this line vey popular. Her spa and at least one excursion in each port of call and Wifi are included in the cruise fare. These adult-only vessels sail enriching destination oriented cruises. The Viking Vela-like her sisters- will not have art auctions, a casino or photographers following you around, as these ships offer quiet surroundings for travelling in comfort.
Delivery to be advised
Janssonius, Oceanwide Expeditions, 6,300 GT, Brodosplit, Croatia
Oceanwide’s new Janssonius, will be a sister ship to their Hondius (2019) and is another expedition ship in the endless stream of this type of vessel coming online these days. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and technical problems encountered during construction is slowing everything down, Croatian shipbuilder Brodosplit cites as reason for her late delivery. There still is no firm delivery date as of now. With her ice-class classification Polar class 6 she will be able to sail the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. She features a platform for watersport activities and guests can use two different (dis-)embarkation points when leaving for or returning from excursions by Zodiac. Offering 78 staterooms, her most luxurious accommodations are six 33 sqm suites fitted with balconies.
Coastal cruise ships to be delivered in 2024
American Legend & American Liberty, American Cruise Lines, 4,100 GT, Chesapeake shipyard, USA
The 100-passenger American Legend and American Liberty are the fourth and fifth ships of American Cruise Lines’ fleet of “Coastal Cats”, ACL’s Project Blue series of ships. First announced in January 2022, Project Blue will consist of 12 small ships designed to sail in US waters. Vessels launched in 2024 will become the 19th and 20th ships in the rapidly expanding American Cruise Lines’ fleet. They feature a streamlined catamaran design and have 56 outside balcony cabins. Cabins are located across three decks in six categories. American Legend and Liberty‘s interiors will be designed by Miami-based Studio DADO, which has created the interiors of all of American Cruise Lines’ riverboats and oceangoing cruise ships. With their decors being inspired by U.S. history, onboard color palettes, furnishings, and artwork reflect the culture of New England, Chesapeake Bay, and the South East. Built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, these ships feature streamlined designs and low drafts allowing them to sail the shallow waters of lakes, rivers, bays, and the U.S coastline.
2025
Planned delivery Q1
Mein Schiff Relax, TUI Cruises, 161,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Norwegian Aqua, NCL, 156,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
World America, MSC, 205,000GT, Chantiers de l’Attlantique, France
Planned delivery Q2
Star Princess, Princess Cruises, 174,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Allura, Oceania Cruises, 67,000GT, Finacantieri, Italy
Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Int., 205,000GT, Meyer Turku, Finland
Planned delivery Q3/Q4
Unnamed, Sunstone, 8,000GT, CMIH shipyard, China
Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises, 140,000GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Unnamed, Four Seasons, 20,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Delivery to be advised
Njord, Ocean Residences, 85,000GT, Meyer Werft, Germany
World Seeker, Mystic – Atlas, 10,000GT, West Sea shipyard, Portugal
Unnamed, Disney Cruises, 140,000GT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Disney Adventure, Disney Cruises, 208,000GT, MV Werften, Germany
Unnamed, Adora Cruises, 135.000GT, CSSC, China
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Northern Xplorer, 20,000GT, West Sea Shipyard, Portugal
Luminara, Ritz-Carlton, 46,700GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Asuka III, NYK, 52,000GT, Meyer, Germany
2026
Explora III, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Mein Schiff 9, TUI, 161,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Royal Caribbean Int, 250,800GT, Meyer Turku, Finland, Italy
Unnamed, Orient Express, 30,000GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
World Adventurer, Mystic – Atlas, 10,000GT, West Sea shipyard Portugal
Unnamed, Viking Ocean, 47,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Narrative, Storylines, 62,000GT, Brodosplit, Croatia
Unnamed, Four Seasons, 20,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, NCL, 156,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Project Sama, 2,300GT, T. Mariotti, Italy
2027
Explora IV, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Explora V, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
World Discoverer, Mystic-Atlas, 10,000GT, West Sea shipyard, Portugal
Unnamed, NCL, 169,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, MSC, 205,000GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Orient Express, 30,000GT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
2028
Delivery to be advised
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Explora VI, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, NCL, 169,000GT, Fincantieri, Italy
