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Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas cruise ship is world’s biggest with largest waterpark at sea

Ship will sail year-round out of miami.

Mary Claire Patton , Digital Journalist

Royal Caribbean has revealed renderings of the world’s biggest cruise ship set to join its fleet next year — the Icon of the Seas.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami, with seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacation options.

There will be eight themed neighborhoods including Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside, the Hideaway, Aquadome and more.

Thrill Island will house the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides, according to a press release.

Four pools will be located within the Chill Island neighborhood, which will also have a swim-up bar.

Watch a video of what the ship will look like in the media player at the top of this article.

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Vacationers can start booking experiences starting Tuesday, Oct. 25 for departures in 2024.

Current prices average around $1,000 per person for the lowest-price sailing option.

Icon of the Seas will also be the first Royal Caribbean ship with fuel cell technology powered by liquified natural gas, one of the cleanest burning marine fuels.

“Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

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Oasis Class Ship to Bring New Adventures in March 2022

April 2021* – Setting sail in March 2022, Wonder of the Seas will debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before heading to Barcelona and Rome to cruise the Mediterranean. Hear from the experts as they share a glimpse of the journey and what it takes to design and construct the world's newest wonder. The fifth Oasis Class ship features eight distinct neighborhoods for travelers of all ages, including the Suite Neighborhood alongside returning signature favorites Central Park, Boardwalk, Pool & Sports Zone, Youth Zone, Entertainment Place, Vitality Spa & Fitness Center and Royal Promenade. 

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November 2023 – After more than seven years of dreaming, Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas has become a reality. The recently completed construction of the first-of-its-kind vacation took place over the course of 900 days in Turku, Finland, starting with the first cut of steel in June 2021. Thousands involved have since accomplished a series of milestones and never-before-seen feats, like the installation of the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship and engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and more. Watch the highlights of the two-plus years of  Icon’s  construction to see how it all came together.

June 2023 – The highly anticipated vacation, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , is one step closer to its debut in January 2024. The all-new ship successfully sailed the open ocean for the first time after completing its first, crucial sea trials in Turku, Finland, where it is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard. During the key milestone, more than 450 specialists ran four days of preliminary tests on the first Icon Class ship’s technical areas, like the main engines, bow and propellers, and even noise and vibration levels – all in preparation for the second sea trials that will push Icon to its limits later this year.  

Sneak Peek:   Icon of the Seas  Construction Tour

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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

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• Cruise Advice , Cruise News

18 New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2022

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• July 20, 2021

The order book for new vessels in 2022 is looking full; lots of cruise lines have new ships on the horizon that we can’t wait to experience. Yes, it’s only a little over halfway through 2021 right now, but we couldn’t resist putting together this piece a little early this year.

Here is our overview on 18 new cruise ships scheduled to launch in 2022.

• Scheduled Debut Date:  December 2022
• Line/Class:  P&O Cruises / Excel Class
• Size:  184,700 gross tons / 5,200 passengers
• Itineraries:  Caribbean and Canary Islands

Highlights:

• SkyDome with retractable glass roof
• Grand Atrium with aerial shows
• Infinity pool
• Green & Co restaurant with sushi bar
• Skywalk ropes course
• Altitude Splash Valley water play area
• Oasis Spa with thermal suite

Carnival Celebration

• Scheduled Debut Date:  November 2022
• Line/Class:  Carnival Cruise Line / Excel Class
• Size:  180,000 gross tons / 6,500 passengers
• Itineraries:  Caribbean
• BOLT roller coaster
• Two-story RedFrog Tiki Bar
• Family Feud Live game show
• Carnival Excel Suites
• WaterWorks aqua park
• Serenity adults-only sundeck
• Chibang! Chinese and Mexican restaurant
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Celebrity Beyond

• Scheduled Debut Date:  April 2022
• Line/Class:  Celebrity Cruises / Edge Class
• Size:  140,600 gross tons / 3,260 passengers
• Itineraries:  Caribbean and Mediterranean
• AquaClass Sky Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Two-story Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools
• SEA Thermal Suite in the spa
• Two pools that cantilever over the side of the ship
• Rooftop Garden
• Magic Carpet moving platform
• Le Voyage specialty restaurant
• A much larger Sunset Bar space

Discovery Princess

• Scheduled Debut Date:  March 2022
• Line/Class:  Princess Cruises / Royal Class
• Size:  145,000 gross tons / 3,660 passengers
• Itineraries:  Alaska, Mexican Riviera, and California Coast
• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria specialty restaurant
• Two deep-tank pools
• Princess Live! Café
• Gigi’s Pizzeria sit-down restaurant
• The Salty Dog Gastropub
• The Enclave at Lotus Spa thermal suite

Disney Wish

• Scheduled Debut Date: Summer 2022
• Line/Class:  Disney Cruise Line / Triton Class
• Size:  144,000 gross tons / 4,000 passengers
• Itineraries:  Bahamas
• Worlds of Marvel restaurant
• Moana-themed Wish Tower Suite in the funnel
• AquaMouse upper deck water attraction
• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure restaurant
• Enchanté specialty restaurant
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
• Adults-only Quiet Cove sundeck with infinity pool
• Walt Disney Imagineering Lab for kids

READ MORE:  5 Things We Can’t Wait to Experience on Disney Wish

• Line:  A’Rosa Cruises
• Size:  280 passengers
• Itineraries:  European rivers
• Separate adults’ and kids’ pools
• Spa & wellness area with sauna
• Steakhouse restaurant
• Indoor and outdoor lounges

MSC Seascape

• Line/Class:  MSC Cruises / Seaside EVO Class
• Size:  169,380 gross tons / 5,877 passengers
• Itineraries:  Not yet announced
• Six swimming pools, including an infinity pool
• Largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet
• Glass-floored Bridge of Sighs
• 1,772 foot long waterfront promenade
• 11 dining venues and 19 bars and lounges

MSC World Europa

• Line/Class:  MSC Cruises / World Class
• Size:  205,700 gross tons / 6,850 passengers
• Itineraries:  Mediterranean and Middle East
• 11 deck tall “The Spiral” slide
• The partially enclosed Europa Promenade
• Chef’s Garden Kitchen
• Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar
• Masters of the Sea Pub, a two-story craft brewery
• Six pools and 14 hot tubs
• The MSC Yacht Club complex

Norwegian Prima

• Scheduled Debut Date:  August 2022
• Line/Class:  Norwegian Cruise Line / Prima Class
• Size:  142,500 gross tons / 3,215 passengers
• Itineraries:  Northern Europe, Caribbean, Bermuda, and Iceland
• Multiple infinity pools
• Indulge Food Hall with 11 venues including Nudls noodle bar, Tamara serving Indian dishes, Seaside Rotisserie, Q Texas Smokehouse, Garden Kitchen serving salads, and a Starbucks
• Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant
• The Concourse sculpture garden
• Oceanwalk glass bridges
• The Haven, which has been relocated to the aft with its own elevators, sundeck, infinity pool, and outdoor spa

Resilient Lady

• Line/Class:  Virgin Voyages / Lady Ships
• Size:  110,000 gross tons / 2,700 passengers
• Itineraries:  Mediterranean and Caribbean
• Pink Agave Mexican restaurant
• Gunbae Korean barbecue restaurant
• The Loose Cannon nautical-themed bar
• The Manor nightclub
• Squid Ink tattoo studio
• The Athletic Club outdoor playground
• Spa thermal suite with a mud room, salt room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, and more

Viking Mars

• Scheduled Debut Date:  Early 2022
• Line:  Viking
• Size:  47,842 gross tons / 930 passengers
• Itineraries:  Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and Australia
• Thermal suite with thalassotherapy pool, snow room, sauna, steam room, and more
• Two-story Explorer’s Lounge at the front of the ship
• All-balcony cabins featuring heated bathroom floors
• Manfredi’s Italian restaurant
• Wintergarden space with glass roof
• Torshaven lounge with live music

Viking Mississippi

• Size:  450 feet long / 386 passengers
• Itineraries:  Mississippi River
• All-outside staterooms
• Infinity plunge pool
• River Café serving American specialties and Mamsen’s Norwegian specialties
• Two-story Explorers’ Lounge and Bar
• The Bow sitting area at the front of the ship
• Aquavit Terrace for al fresco dining

READ MORE:  Viking Launches Mississippi River Cruises

Viking Neptune

• Itineraries:  World Cruise

Viking Octantis & Polaris

• Scheduled Debut Dates:  Octantis — January 2022, Polaris — August 2022
• Line/Class:  Viking / Polar Class 6 expedition ships
• Size:  30,150 gross tons / 378 passengers
• Itineraries:  Arctic, Antarctica, Canada/New England, and Great Lakes
• The Hanger, an in-ship marina with launch platforms and a submarine
• The Laboratory, a working scientific research center with resident scientists
• Pool with a retractable dome
• Staterooms with floor to ceiling glass retractable windows
• The Nordic Spa with thermal suite

Wonder of the Seas

• Line/Class:  Royal Caribbean International / Oasis Class
• Size:  236,857 gross tons / 6,988 passengers
• Itineraries:  Asia
• Reimagined aft AquaTheater
• Open-air Central Park neighborhood
• All-new Suite Neighborhood
• Ten-story Ultimate Abyss spiral slide
• Chops Grille steakhouse
• FlowRider surfing simulators
• The Vitality Spa & Fitness Center
• Ice skating rink

World Traveller & World Seeker

• Scheduled Debut Dates:  2022, exact months unknown
• Line/Class:  Atlas Ocean Voyages / Explorer Class
• Size:  9,300 gross tons / 196 passengers
• Itineraries:  Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica, and Arctic
• All-suite cabins with 90 percent featuring step-out balconies and 10 percent featuring French balconies
• Glass-domed observation lounge
• Polar Library open 24 hours a day
• Spa treatments and a sauna
• Heated saltwater plunge pool
• Kayaks, paddle boards, and Zodiac boats

BONUS: Azamara Onward

We’re including  Azamara Onward  as a bonus because it’s not actually a new ship, in fact, it debuted in 1999. Most recently, you might recognize it as Princess Cruises’  Pacific Princess.  In 2021, Carnival Corporation (Princess Cruises’ parent company) announced that it had sold the vessel to Sycamore Partners, which owns Azamara.

• Scheduled Debut Date:  May 2022
• Line/Class:  Azamara / R Class
• Size:  30,277 gross tons / 670 passengers
• Itineraries:  Mediterranean
• Aft sunset veranda
• Aqualina specialty restaurant
• Prime C steakhouse
• The Living Room forward lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
• The Sanctum Spa
• Fitness Center
• Mosaic Café
• Cabaret Lounge theater

If you want to see the ships that have/are set to launch in 2021, head over here .

READ NEXT:  The Pros and Cons of Future Cruise Credits

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Royal Caribbean Lifts Profit View Again on Cruise Boom, Higher Prices

FILE PHOTO: Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, is docked at Costa Maya Cruise Port, in the village town of Mahahual, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, February 6, 2024. REUTERS/Paola Chiomante/File Photo

By Juveria Tabassum and Doyinsola Oladipo

(Reuters) -Royal Caribbean Group on Thursday raised its annual profit forecast for a second time, after record bookings during the first quarter and higher ticket pricing boosted its results, sending its shares 4% higher premarket.

Soaring demand for vacations at sea has given cruise operators ample room to raise ticket prices as the industry looks to close the pricing gap between more expensive land-based holidays and give their profits a lift.

Royal Caribbean also beat expectations for quarterly profit and revenue, with half of its yield growth coming from higher ticket pricing.

"Our existing fleet along with our new ships continue to perform exceptionally well, highlighted by the market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas," said CEO Jason Liberty.

The company now expects annual adjusted profit between $10.70 and $10.90 per share, compared with its earlier forecast of $9.90 to $10.10.

The Celebrity Cruises operator carried 2.05 million passengers in the quarter, nearly 14% higher year-over-year. It also reported record demand during the "wave season" - a period marked by special cruise deals and discounts for the year.

That helped its quarterly revenue of $3.73 billion surpass expectations of $3.69 billion, according to LSEG data.

Higher ticket prices have helped shield the company from slightly steeper net cruise costs expected this year due to increased dry dock days, as well as an impact from canceled voyages to the Red Sea amid tensions in the region.

The company expects net cruise costs excluding fuel to increase about 5.5% for the year, up from its earlier forecast for a rise between 3.75% to 4.25%.

Royal Caribbean's adjusted earnings per share of $1.77 beat market expectations of $1.33.

"I remember owning the stock in 2022 and every client was giving me grief about it," said Peter Ahluwalia, manager at Belinvest Global Equity Fund that holds Royal Caribbean stocks and chief investment officer at Swiss Partners Group. "We're turning almost 45% return on equity at the moment, which is quite incredible."

Shares of the company have risen 126% to about $137 in the past year.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Devika Syamnath)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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8 New Cruise Ships Launching in 2024 That You Need to Know About

E veryone loves the thrill of sailing on a brand new cruise ship. If you’re wondering what new cruise ship options you’ll have in 2024, there are eight ships set to launch. One of them, the Sun Princess from Princess Cruise Line, has already made its debut.

Sun Princess

• Launched February 2024

Princess Cruise just launched its biggest ship, the Sun Princess, with a 4300-passenger capacity. This new ship is designed to be more family-friendly, with the aim of attracting younger cruise-goers. On the top deck, they’ve introduced a hang-gliding ride, the first of its kind on a cruise ship. Additionally, there’s a ropes course, a splash zone, a wider range of restaurants, a high-tech theater, and a glass-covered dome entertainment venue.

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• Launching June 2024

Cunard’s latest addition to its fleet is the Queen Anne, the company’s first new ship in over a decade. This 2794-passenger cruise liner will embark on its maiden voyage in Europe, with sailings in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. The ship’s design is a modern take on the classic “golden age” of cruising, featuring new restaurants and a two-deck Royal Court theater. Check the prices for Cunard cruises .

Utopia of the Seas

• Launching in July 2024

Royal Caribbean is introducing another massive cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, which will soon become the second largest cruise ship worldwide, surpassed only by Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Utopia of the Seas is an impressive ship, with a passenger capacity of 6,700, a total weight of 237,000 tons, and 2,830 cabins. 

It is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships featuring an impressive array of amenities, such as an indoor ice skating rink, a zip line, a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, a water park, a 259 ft Ultimate Abyss waterslide, an aqua theater, and neighborhoods filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Cruise passengers will be entertained with Broadway-caliber shows.

Utopia of the Seas will sail on short getaway itineraries from Port Canaveral (Orland), offering 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday itineraries to the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Check the prices for Royal Caribbean cruises .

Disney Treasure

• Launching December 2024

Disney Treasure, the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line, will launch in December this year, marking a significant milestone after a decade since the launch of the last Disney cruise ship. The ship has 1256 cabins and suites, each designed with a theme inspired by Disney movies like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Pocahontas. 

Passengers on the cruise are in for a treat, with exciting Broadway-style musicals and the Aqua Mouse, a thrilling Disney water ride. The themed restaurants on board are another highlight, featuring a Marvel-themed restaurant and a Mexican restaurant inspired by the movie Coco. And if that wasn’t enough, the ship also features a new Haunted Mansion-themed bar, resembling a classic ocean liner’s haunted drawing room, serving ghostly cocktails.

• Launching August 2024

Silversea Cruises is preparing to launch its newest ship, the Silver Ray, in the summer of 2024. The Silver Ray is the second Nova Class ship in the Silversea fleet, and it promises to bring ultra-luxury cruising to a new level. With a capacity of 728 passengers, the Silver Ray is a small ship that offers an all-balcony cabin experience, complete with walk-in closets and butler service. 

But that’s not all. The Silver Ray is also an eco-friendly cruise ship, making it the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship to be completely emission-free while in port. It does this by using fuel cells and batteries to power the ship. 

The Silver Ray will begin its maiden voyage season sailing in the Mediterranean, before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, where it will offer South America cruise itineraries. Check the prices for Silversea cruises .

Brilliant Lady

• Launching TBA 2024 

Virgin Voyages, the popular adults-only cruise line, is launching its newest ship, the “Brilliant Lady,” sometime in 2024. The brand new ship will have a capacity of over 2700 passengers and will be an adults-only cruise—perfect for anyone seeking an indulgent cruising experience. 

Explora II is the latest ship of Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s newest addition to its luxury brand. With a capacity of slightly over 900 passengers, it’s a smaller cruise ship that promises a more personalized experience for its guests. 

Passengers on board the ship will be treated to a range of luxurious amenities that include oversized suites, welcome champagne bottles, an exclusive whiskey and cigar bar with rare whiskeys, an expansive spa, and plenty of bespoke experiences. The ship will sail in the Mediterranean, perfect for passengers looking for a luxurious and intimate cruising experience.

Mein Schiff 7

• Launching Summer 2024

Mein Schiff 7 is the latest addition to TUI Cruises’ fleet and is expected to launch in the summer of 2024. TUI Cruises, a German-based cruise line co-owned by Royal Caribbean, has designed Mein Schiff 7 as a mid-size ship with a passenger capacity of 2896. 

The brand new cruise ship has 12 restaurants and bistros, 17 bars and lounges, and cabins for solo travelers. The ship also features a reinvented casino concept that combines a lounge and casino. The ship will sail in the Baltic and British Isles.

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Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises Team up with New Loyalty Partnership — How to Take Advantage

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise.

Courtesy of Hard Rock International

It’s about to get easier for frequent travelers to ball out on a cruise or a high-end casino vacation thanks to a new partnership between Hard Rock International and both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Members of each company’s loyalty program will now receive reciprocal benefits on a hotel stay or cruise, according to the hotel group . Benefits include discounts on sailings, perks during a hotel stay, and more.

“This partnership expands the ways our guests can enjoy their vacations and experience entertainment, dining and gaming from ship to shore,” Jesse Hopfinger, the senior vice president, onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. 

Through the agreement, travelers who are members of Hard Rock’s Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program will receive discounts on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sailings and can qualify for invite-only cruise giveaways . The company said top-tier loyalty members also receive an annual complimentary cruise.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program and Celebrity’s Blue Chip Club program will similarly receive discounts on hotel stays. Premium tier members will also receive an annual complimentary trip at select Hard Rock hotels and casinos.

"Whether extending their cruise vacation at one of our port-adjacent properties, visiting one of the participating Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide or enjoying the cruise lines' ships sailing around the world, travelers will have new ways to enjoy the best of what Hard Rock, Seminole Casinos and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have to offer,” Jeff Hook, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services, said in the statement.

Overall, travel rewards programs offer a great opportunity for frequent travelers to save on a trip and access exclusive perks along the way from upgrades on airlines to late check-out at hotels, and more.

The decision to partner with Hard Rock comes as Royal Caribbean continues to upgrade its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with overwater cabanas and a new adults-only beach club . Last week, the private island welcomed guests from Celebrity Cruises for the first time.

An ultra-luxury cruise line wants to attract wealthy Americans with its all-inclusive 'yachts' — see what the new 128-guest ship will be like

• Ultra-luxury cruise line  Emerald Cruises says its third ocean ship will debut in 2026.
• The all-inclusive vessel, which Emerald calls a "yacht," would accommodate up to 128 people.
• Emerald, known for river cruises, has been investing more in its ocean-based business.

Over the last few years, the mass-market cruise industry's larger-than-life mega-ships — outfitted with loud waterparks and more dining options than you could eat in a week — have dominated the spotlight.

But in the ultra-luxury cruise market, it's been the opposite. The smaller and more exclusive the vessel, the better. So much so that Emerald Cruises' next ocean-based ship, launching in 2026, plans to accommodate no more than 128 travelers.

It's a far cry from Royal Caribbean's new 7,600-guest cruise liner . And the price difference is just as steep: almost $250 per night on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas versus more than $720 per night on the upcoming ultra-luxury Emerald Kaia.

"When people think of cruising now, they automatically think of these large ships ," Robert Castro, the vice president of marketing for Scenic Group, Emerald's parent company, told Business Insider. "There's a market for that, but we're in a unique position."

If you’re familiar with river cruises, Emerald might ring a bell.

The cruise line, owned by Scenic Group, only offered river cruises for its first nine years.

But lately, its biggest growth and investments have been in oceans, not rivers.

In 2022 and 2023, the Switzerland-based company launched its first two ocean cruise ships, which it calls "yachts." Each accommodates a maximum of 100 guests . And so far, they've been hits, with the cruise line experiencing record-high bookings in 2023.

Yes, the ships look like yachts. And yes, they're marketed as such.

But because Emerald's vessels operate group itineraries, they still technically count as cruise ships, albeit really nice ones.

So instead of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a week to charter a yacht, as is traditional with these high-end vessels , travelers can spend less than $800 a day for a traditional cruise on said yacht-like ship.

While it's not nearly as exclusive, it sure is a hell of a lot cheaper, "bringing the charter yacht experience to reach for people who would never even imagine," Castro said.

Emerald’s upcoming 393-foot-long, 128-guest Kaia would be perfect for fans of small, high-end ships.

The 64-cabin Emerald Kaia would have a larger guest capacity than its two predecessors but would still be tiny compared to most cruise ships, including some of the most luxurious ones.

Regent Seven Seas' new Grandeur can accommodate 746 guests, while Ritz-Carlton says its next ship will sail up to 448 travelers.

Even Four Season's upcoming vessel — with fares up to $350,000 a week — would have a larger guest capacity of up to 222 people. However, it would be almost 290 feet longer than Emerald Kaia.

Like traditional cruise ships, Kaia would have amenities like a spa, two lounges, and three dining options.

The top deck would also have a cabana and bar-lined pool, one of three swimming holes on the ship.

But unlike its mass-market competitors, Kaia would have an open-air marina that would give travelers direct access to the water.

Water platforms are typically only common on yacht-marketed ships, such as Emerald's, Ritz-Carlton's, and, someday, Four Seasons'.

This means guests on the upcoming Kaia could dip in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean seas — as is included in its 2026 and 2027 itineraries — without disembarking the ship.

According to the cruise line, Emerald Kaia's future itineraries include an 11-day sailing from Cyprus to Greece and a 20-day one from Seychelles to Kenya.

Its cheapest itinerary is currently an eight-day roundtrip Seychelles vacation in 2027, starting at $5,055 per person.

As an all-inclusive cruise line, amenities like alcohol, WiFi, and excursions would be included in the base fare. However, unlike all-inclusive competitor Regent Seven Seas , guests must pay for their flights to and from the ship.

To compare, itineraries of the same length on Regent's Seven Seas Grandeur and Ritz-Carlton's Ilma would be $36 cheaper and $120 more expensive, respectively, per day.

But the fares aren't stopping travelers from gravitating toward Emerald. Before it unveiled Kaia, its parent company announced a record number of bookings in January — up 67% compared to its previous record in January 2020.

Castro said about 20% to 35% of its guests are American, typically well-acquainted with luxury travel.

The company's goal has been to increase its number of American customers. So far, it's working and is now "on track to be Emerald's No. 1 market," Castro told BI.

The new vessel is being built at a great time for the cruise line.

Strong demand, compounded by a small fleet of small ships, has led to fewer available cabins for its upcoming summer Mediterranean cruises.

Several of these sailings are now fully reserved. The cheapest remaining fares start at $4,570 per person for an eight-day November sailing from Athens, Greece, to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

It's great news for Emerald as it considers a future with more ocean "yachts." "The sooner we fill the ships, the sooner we start building new ones," Castro said.

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