There is always something special about seeing a new ship been launched and something exciting about been able to sail on either the inaugural sailing of a ship or to sail on a journey on the ships inaugural season.

To be amongst the first to try a new activity, eat in a new restaurant or to try a new stateroom type are all amongst the most exciting things you can do on a new ship whilst ports often go all out to give a new ship a big welcome, which also adds to your getaway.

It is not all about big ships however as it is often smaller ships that when launched bring about a new technology or feature that will soon become the next industry standard.

With all of that in mind, here is our look at the top 10 new cruise ships to be launched in 2024.

Our Top 10 New Cruise Ships In 2024

Icon of the Seas

If big ships are your thing, then Icon of the Seas is a new ship to try as upon its launch in late 2023, it became the biggest ship in the world.

Starting in January, it will take fare paying guests when the Royal Caribbean line offers itineraries sailing in the Caribbean.

At over 250,000 gross tons, she is around 6% bigger than the previous biggest cruise ships and when full, you will have to deal with around 7,600 other guests.

Sun Princess

This is another great option for those who love big ships as when launched, it will become the biggest ship in the Princess fleet.

The Sphere-class ship will be LNG powered, have a capacity of around 4,300 passengers and will be the biggest ever cruise ship to be built in Italy.

The ship will also see the line enter into the ship-within-a-ship market with suites having their own restaurant, sundeck and lounge whilst its pool area towards the front of the ship stands out thanks to its large glass dome.

Utopia of the Seas

In what is set to be a bumper year for the Royal Caribbean line, their second new ship of 2024 is set to launch in the summer of 2024 and whilst it won’t be quite as big as the Icon of the Seas, it will still be one of the top 3 biggest ships in the world.

The ship will be the latest in the lines popular Oasis Class of ships and just like all of the other ships in that class, she will be aimed at families with an incredible range of activities and attractions.

Upon going into fare paying service, she will be based out of Port Canaveral in Florida and offer short cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Disney Treasure

The Disney line is one of the most polarising cruise lines, with plenty of people loving their onboard experience whilst plenty of others hating the overly gimmicked experience.

If you are one of the former, the great news is that the lines recent push to modernise their fleet continues in 2024 with the launch of the Disney Treasure.

She will be based out of Port Canaveral and will offer cruises around the East and West Caribbean (and of course Disney’s private island at Castaway Cay), from December.

Silver Ray

Silversea are a luxury line, with small to medium sized ships that offer global itineraries for those with a sense of adventure but with expensive tastes.

They are also a line who have invested heavily in their ships recently and just after the launch of the popular Silver Nova, the line is all set to launch the Silver Ray in 2024.

She will feature the same easily recognisable asymmetrical design and all of the new features added to the Nova.

Queen Anne

Cunard fans have had to wait 14 years for a new ship to sail on, but it does look like the wait has been worth it as 2024 will see the launch of the Queen Anne.

The ship will see the line catch up with modern trends in the cruising industry including having a wide variety of restaurants, bars and places to remain healthy onboard.

Despite the modernised feel to the ship, the line is of course known for its more traditional experience and that will continue on the Queen Anne with a stunning Grand Lobby and the comeback of the line’s iconic ballroom.

Ilma

Ilma is the latest yacht to take to the seas for the luxurious Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection line that will be based in the Mediterranean and visit such beautiful destinations as the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands.

Offering one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any cruise ship, just 224 guest suites all with balcony’s, the Ilma offers the chance for those with the money to do so to enjoy an opulent cruise in the Med.

Carnival Firenze

The Carnival cruise line brings Italian style cruising to the US market, which is slightly confusing as the Carnival Corporation already operate the Costa Cruises brand, a line aimed at the Italian market.

But the confusion can be clarified by the fact that this isn’t actually a new ship as it actually used to sail with the Costa line.

After a disrupted start to life, that saw the ship due to sail in Asia before been based in Europe after delays to its inaugural cruise.

Soon after joining the Costa brand, it was announced that she would be transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line, under a new Costa by Carnival brand that would bring Italian style to American cruising.

Explora II

Explora Journeys are a luxury small ship line that offer expedition style cruising alongside fine dining and luxurious surrounds and that will continue with the launch of their new ship in 2024- the Explora II.

The ship features 461 suites, 9 different eating options and 4 pools and starting in August 2024, she will offer Mediterranean sailings departing from either Barcelona or Civitavecchia.

Viking Vela

Viking Ocean Cruises pride themselves on been able to sail to where bigger ships cannot and whilst that will still be the case with the Vela, it will be their biggest ship to date when launched in 2024.

The ship will be able to cater for just under 1000 guests in just under 500 staterooms and will utilise hydrogen-fuel cell technology to offer a greener cruising experience.