Queen prepares to set sail with Princess and two Vikings
It’s been 14 years since this popular cruise line launched a new ship but the wait is almost over. Discover the prime cruising debuts for 2024.
A new river cruise in South America, Cunard’s first ship launch in more than a decade, and luxurious newcomers from Silversea, Ritz-Carlton and Explora Journeys are among this year’s prime cruising debuts.
Queen Anne
Cunard fans have waited 14 years for a fourth vessel, due in May. Queen Anne finely balances the brand’s heritage with some modernised aspects. The Bright Lights Society is a 1920s-style music lounge attended by waiters in dinner jackets. There will be a top-deck wellness studio with more fitness and spa facilities, plus a cafe. Other culinary additions are the Artisans’ Food Hall, Sir Samuel’s (steakhouse and seafood), Aji Wa (Japanese), Aranya (Indian), and Tramonto (Mediterranean), while Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux has developed menus for old favourites Queens Grill and the Golden Lion pub. The theatre, ballroom, library and cabins will also see upgrades.
Silver Ray
In July, Silversea’s 728-passenger Silver Ray joins its identical sister, last year’s Silver Nova. The asymmetric design turns attention to the ocean; for example, the outward-facing pool area is on the starboard side of the ship, instead of plonked in the centre. New outdoor bars and restaurants will also have unobstructed sea views. Silversea’s highlights include all-inclusive fares, butler service and eight great dining experiences, such as S.A.L.T. Kitchen’s 14-course tasting menu.
Sun Princess
In February, Princess Cruises introduces Sun Princess, carrying 4300 passengers at double occupancy. The biggest in its fleet and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the ship boosts the line’s range of activities to bring together multi-generational families. A multi-deck family zone has several obstacle courses and the first “rollglider” at sea, where harnessed riders zip around an overhead track while enjoying panoramic views. Live entertainment arenas include a poolside stadium inside a glass dome and a shapeshifting stage surrounded by seats “in the round” for circus-style acts. Two upgraded suite categories, Signature and Reserve Collection, have exclusive areas and restaurants so guests can avoid the throng.
Explora II
Explora Journeys drew rave reviews last year for its beautiful first vessel, but it’s also family friendly, which is rare for a luxury line. Discounted fares are offered for under-18s, and 78 of the 461 suites are interconnecting. Launching in August, the second ship has a supervised club with games, sports, arts, crafts and tours for children and teenagers. Other passengers, or parents seeking downtime, can rest assured there are adults-only spaces among the 12 bars, four pools, upscale dining venues and the wellness area’s indoor and outdoor spa and fitness facilities.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma
As you would expect from a luxury hotel brand, Ilma is a floating five-star resort. Due to launch in September, it offers the highest space-to-guest ratio at sea, which means up to 456 passengers have more room to spread out compared with other ships with the same capacity. This second superyacht in the fleet has a larger bow for cocktail parties, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, five restaurants, two pools, cigar and piano bars, and other all-inclusive lounges. An expanded aft marina, offering direct access to the sea for water sports, has a new mezzanine to enjoy snacks and drinks. Families are welcome, but the Ritz Kids activities program incurs a fee.
Viking Vela
A slight tweak of the same design of Viking’s nine other ocean-going ships, Vela has 17 more balcony cabins to carry up to 998 passengers versus the usual 930. The Scandinavian aesthetic remains across its elegant accommodation and living room-style spaces, along with an infinity pool and Nordic Spa where guests can use the complimentary sauna, steam room and snow grotto. All dining is included in fares; launch due in December.
Viking Hathor
This 82-passenger riverboat will join its sophisticated siblings, Osiris and Anton, on the Nile in August. Egyptian crew and cuisine enhance the experience on board, while a team of Egyptologists leads all excursions. A library, two restaurants and bars are bathed in natural light. Outdoors, an infinity pool keeps guests cool, while the top deck has shaded sections with comfortable seating from which to admire riverside views.
American Liberty and American Legend
American Cruise Lines’ twin-hulled catamarans are a new type of boat designed to handle almost any domestic cruise itinerary along rivers, lakes, bays and protected coastlines within the US. The ships are equipped with a marina platform, kayaks and a tender for exploration via Zodiac craft. The hybrid vessels will visit islands such as Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and the Florida Keys. Liberty sets sail in June with a date to be announced for Legend.
Alegria Panorama
Avalon Waterways’ 102-passenger longboat will explore Portugal’s Douro River from March. The suites, with view-facing beds and floor-to-ceiling windows, are 30 per cent larger than the industry standard. Amenities include free Starlink wi-fi, an adventure centre with complimentary active gear for hire, gym, Club Lounge, casual bistro, dining room, plus an al fresco grill and pool on the top deck.
AmaMagdalena and AmaLilia
Colombia is an exciting new destination in river cruising. From November, AmaWaterways will operate a 60-passenger, 30-crew vessel on the Magdalena River. Owned by Metropolitan Touring, this new build has departures from Cartagena and Barranquilla. The American company is also expanding in Egypt, with the 82-passenger AmaLilia set to sail on the Nile.
Disney Treasure
More than a playground for kids, Disney Cruise Line’s 4000-passenger ship has adults-only lounges, including a spooky cocktail bar, the Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Periscope Pub, with porthole windows and a glass “underwater” ceiling. Palo Steakhouse and Enchante are exclusive to guests over 18 for an additional fee. A blue, turquoise and gold lobby is a tribute to Aladdin. Cabins have artwork from movies such as Pocahontas, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and The Jungle Book. The Tomorrow Tower Suite, in the forward funnel, has a private lift, two-storey window, kitchen, and sleeps eight guests. For children, there’s the AquaMouse water ride, Jumbeaux’s Sweet Shop, the Worlds of Marvel dinner-and-show restaurant, interactive dining and a Broadway-style musical. Disney Treasure’s maiden cruise departs December 21.
