Cruise and AAHS – New ships and routes to get excited about in 2024
By Richard Jones
If you’re looking to hit the waves next year, we take a look at some highly-anticipated new ships, routes and itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Last month, NCL celebrated the christening of Norwegian Viva, the line’s second Prima Class ship. Through March 2024, Norwegian Viva will offer seven-day Caribbean voyages, where guests will wake up each day in a new tropical island paradise, including British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, St. Maarten and St Thomas. Then, in April, Viva will return to sail the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, and if you’re looking to book for the year after next, Norwegian Aqua will make its debut in the Caribbean in April 2025. ncl.com
Royal Caribbean
The world’s richest cruise line has not one, but two massive new ships launching in 2024. Initially sailing around the Western Caribbean, the 7,600-passenger Icon of the Seas promises to a showstopper. It has eight neighbourhoods, each one a destination in itself. The ship will also include the largest waterpark at sea, a swim-up bar and a suspended infinity pool. Royal Caribbean is also launching Utopia of the Seas in July. It has a Caribbean tiki bar, and a first-of-its-kind immersive dining experience centred around the concept of being on a train. royalcaribbean.com
P&O
TV presenter Cherry Healey and stylist Kat Farmer are among the stars taking part in P&O Cruises’ three new Wellbeing and Lifestyle voyages. Cruising around Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean, the journeys will will focus on mind, body, sleep, face and other lifestyle advice. Cherry and Kat will be joined by special guests including make-up artist to the stars, Hannah Martin, and fitness educator and presenter, Sarah Gorman. pocruises.com
Virgin Voyages
The adults-only cruise line has introduced a number of new itineraries and ports. These include Eastern Caribbean Antilles, Western Caribbean Charm and Transatlantic Miami to Med. The existing seven-night French Daze & Ibiza Nights voyages aboard Scarlet Lady immerses travellers in the charm of Marseille and Cannes on the French Riviera, offering extended dock stays in Palma and Ibiza. Virgin Voyages is also returning to its British roots with three-to-six-night sailings, aboard Resilient Lady, departing from Portsmouth from mid-August. virginvoyages.com
MSC Cruises
In October, the port of Southampton welcomed the first call of MSC Euribia, ready to begin her winter sailings around Northern Europe. Whether it’s visiting the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, exploring the medieval charm of Bruges, getting cosy at one of Paris’ many quaint cafes or shopping in Hamburg’s Christmas markets, MSC Euribia offers memorable experiences for travellers without having to set foot in an airport. While onboard, guests can splash about in Ocean Cay Aquapark and enjoy theatre shows in the Carousel Lounge. msccruises.co.uk
Disney Cruise Line
A sister ship to Disney Wish, the new 4,000-passenger Disney Treasure puts Aladdin in the spotlight, along with a theme of adventure. New venues onboard the ship include an interactive dining experience called Plaza de Coco, based on the movie Coco, Jumbeaux’s Sweet Shop which takes its inspiration from Zootopia, and adults-only lounges based on Disney theme-park attractions. In summer 2024, DCL will also welcome guests to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, for the first time. disneycruise.disney.go.com
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ three mid-size ships, Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral sail from UK ports, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Glasgow (Greenock) and Southampton. The line’s destinations include the Canary Islands, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, Norwegian fjords and the British Isles, as well as some longer sailings to the Americas and Indian Ocean. Next year, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has teamed up with astronomy organisation Go Stargazing for a series of cruises to Norway, Iceland, the Azores and the Canary Islands. fredolsencruises.com
Marella Cruises
The newest ship in TUI’s fleet, Marella Voyager, launched in June and will continue to sail from Palma, Mallorca on four itineraries; Magic of Spain, Treasures of the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Secrets and Mediterranean Medley. Marella Cruises has also launched its summer 2025 itineraries on board Discovery 2 from Limassol, Cyprus. Aegean Gems, and Grecian Discovery will call in at ports including Kusadasi, Mykonos Town, Piraeus, Souda, Crete and Rhodes. In addition, Marella is offering guests 10 Cruise & Stay destinations providing a combined package holiday. tui.co.uk
Princess Cruises
The 4,000-passenger Sun Princess, slated for February 2024, is the first of Princess’s Sphere-class ships. Families can look forward to a slew of new features for young ones and teens in an area called Park19. Plus, the ship is debuting Sea Breeze, the first rollglider at sea. The area will also have a ropes course and Coastal Climb, an obstacle-course-meets-ladder adventure spanning two decks. Those who enjoy the suite life will want to check out the Signature Collection and the Reserve Collection. princess.com
Avalon Waterways
If river cruising is your thing, Avalon is cruising on the Douro in Portugal in 2024. The 102-passenger Avalon Alegria has 14 deluxe staterooms and two full decks, home to 37 Panorama Suites and onboard amenities such as complimentary wi-fi, versatile FlexDining venues and onboard fitness classes and activities. Another staple of Avalon are their excursions which include a guided bike ride along the quaysides of Porto and a visit to one of the Douro Valley’s oldest farms to sample local foods. avalonwaterways.co.uk
