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The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Nearly 1,200 Feet Long

Scheduled to debut in January, the vessel can accommodate 5,600 guests and 2,350 crew members

Daily Correspondent

The world’s largest cruise ship is almost ready to set sail.

Royal Caribbean’s massive new ship, Icon of the Seas , passed its inaugural round of sea trials with flying colors, bringing it one step closer to hitting the open ocean with passengers, the cruise line  announced late last month. If all goes as planned, the record-breaking vessel will begin sailing in the Caribbean in January 2024.

Just how big is Icon of the Seas ? Really big. As Jalopnik ’s Ryan Erik King writes, it’s the size of five Titantics. More specifically, Icon of the Seas measures 1,198 feet long—nearly a quarter of a mile—and has a gross tonnage of 250,800. All that space means it can accommodate 5,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

The cruise line is positioning the vessel as “the ultimate family vacation,” as CEO Michael Bayley told reporters earlier this year, per  CNN ’s Maureen O’Hare.

“When you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship, it is mind-blowing,” he added.

The previous world’s largest cruise ship was also a Royal Caribbean vessel, Wonder of the Seas , which spanned 1,188 feet long and featured 18 decks.

Crews in Turku, Finland, began work on Icon of the Seas in 2021. Last month, the vessel sailed the open ocean for the first time, as staffers spent four days testing the main engines, hull, brakes, steering system and other components. They also measured noise and vibration levels. 

The vessel will undergo another round of sea trials later this year before officially launching in Miami early next year, according to Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas will primarily take cruisers to the islands of the eastern and western Caribbean on seven-night itineraries.

With progress on Icon of the Seas moving along, Royal Caribbean has already started building another large “icon class” ship. The cruise line expects that unnamed vessel to launch in 2025, per a  statement .

Icon of the Seas has 20 total decks, 7 swimming pools and 8 “neighborhoods,” or distinct areas with entertainment and dining. Another noteworthy feature is Category 6, which will be the largest waterpark at sea when Icon of the Seas sets sail.

The ship will be equipped with a special grooming robot that will clean the hull whenever it’s in port to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by 3 to 4 percent, reports  TTG Media ’s Charlotte Cullinan.

Icon of the Seas will also be the first ship in the cruise line’s fleet to run on liquefied natural gas and  fuel cells , which are similar to batteries but do not need to be recharged. Water is the main byproduct of fuel cells—which combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce energy—which should help the ship reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Liquefied natural gas , meanwhile, is a controversial energy source that involves cooling natural gas to a liquid state to make it easier to transport. The liquid version is “actually worse than ordinary gas,” writes the  Natural Resources Defense Council . “The energy required to chill, ship and regasify the fossil fuel makes it far more carbon-intensive and increases the potential for leakage of dangerous methane,” according to the organization.

Royal Caribbean’s leaders say they view liquified natural gas as a “ transitional fue l,” and that they hope to continue to  reduce the environmental impact of their ships moving forward. 

"[Liquefied natural gas] is about 20-30 percent better for the environment [than heavy fuel oil], but it’s still not going to be the solution,” Bayley tells TTG Media . “We don’t know the answer, but the whole industry is working towards the answer.”

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

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The World’s Largest Cruise Ship is Almost Ready to Set Sail

The construction of what will eventually become the world’s largest cruise ship has been completed at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The impressive vessel, named the Icon of the Seas , recently embarked on its anticipated maiden voyage into open water, marking the beginning of extensive sea trials. These trials are a crucial step before the ship’s scheduled delivery in October of this year, and they will ensure that all systems and functionalities are tested and optimized.

With its awe-inspiring length of 1,200 feet and an estimated weight of 250,800 tons, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is an absolute marvel. To put its size into perspective, it’s equivalent to trying to balance two CN Towers , an astonishing feat of engineering.

The Icon of the Seas completed its initial round of sea trials on June 22, according to a recent press release by Royal Caribbean. Throughout these trials, the vessel traveled hundreds of miles, subjecting its main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise levels and vibration levels to rigorous testing. Despite a slight delay in departure due to adverse wind conditions, all testing was conducted within the scheduled timeframe, ensuring the ship’s adherence to the highest standards of safety and performance.

A Capacity of up to 5,610 Passengers

In a few short months, the Icon of the Seas will cruise through the picturesque Caribbean waters, welcoming a capacity of up to 5,610 passengers and accommodating a dedicated staff of 2,350 members. The ship also will be the largest floating water park in the world boasting an impressive array of six record-breaking water slides. However, passengers seeking a more leisurely vacation experience also can indulge in the ship’s seven sparkling pools and nine inviting whirlpools.

The current world record holder for the largest cruise ship is Wonder of the Seas, another vessel from Royal Caribbean, which, despite being 1,188 feet shorter and consisting of only 18 decks, completed its inaugural voyage last year. The Icon of the Seas has been positioned by Royal Caribbean International as the pinnacle of cruise ship technology, combining cutting-edge features with the extensive expertise amassed over the company’s remarkable 50-year history.

“We are presenting it as the ultimate family vacation, and when you step back and contemplate the immense energy and dedication poured into creating this ship, it is truly mind-blowing,” Royal Caribbean International’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, told CNN.

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World's largest cruise ship to set sail as industry rebounds

Turku (Finland) (AFP) – With cruise bookings seeing a resurgence after the Covid pandemic caused luxury liners to mothball, a Finnish shipyard is putting the final touches on what will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Issued on: 09/08/2023 - 06:10 Modified: 09/08/2023 - 06:11

Royal Caribbean's luxurious new vessel Icon of the Seas is nearing completion in the Turku shipyard on Finland's southwestern coast, its maiden voyage scheduled for January 2024.

"This ship is as of today, as far as we are aware of, the biggest cruise ship in the world," said Tim Meyer, CEO of shipbuilder Meyer Turku tasked with the construction.

While some have labelled the colossal structure a "monstrosity", citing its vast climate footprint, others are in awe of the sophisticated engineering integrated into this floating holiday destination and flocking to buy tickets.

Resembling a village more than a ship, the mammoth vessel boasts colourful waterparks, more than 20 decks and can carry nearly 10,000 people.

A distinct feature of the new ship, which went into construction in 2021 and entered sea trials in June, is a gigantic glass dome that covers part of its front section.

The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the industry, raising questions about whether it would ever recover.

Cruise companies are now seeing customers return.

The Cruise Lines International Association has predicted that passenger volume will surpass pre-pandemic levels with 31.5 million passengers in 2023.

"After the restrictions are gone and the situation has eased up, we are seeing that the market is coming back very strong," Meyer said.

Bigger is better?

With a gross tonnage of 250,800 -- five times the size of the Titanic -- Icon of the Seas will snatch the title of the world's largest cruise ship from Royal Caribbean's current flagship, Wonder of the Seas.

Meyer Turku also has two more similar sized Icon-class vessels in their order books.

"We have seen over the last decade that cruise ships have become bigger," said Alexis Papathanassis, professor of Cruise Management at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences.

Papathanassis noted that "there are obvious economic benefits" to mega-sized ships, reducing the cost of individual passengers.

With its seven pools, a park, waterslides, shopping promenades, ice skating rink and "more venues than any other ship", larger vessels like the Icon of the Seas also offer more options for spending money on board.

This "in turn enables cruise companies to be more profitable," he added.

The extra income is welcomed by the cruise lines -- in order to survive Covid lockdowns the cruise lines "had to take a lot of credit" they now have to pay back.

"It's going to be a challenging time with financial austerity for cruise companies," Papathanassis said, adding that he expected ticket prices to rise.

What is too big?

While "the tendency towards increasing the size of the ship is not going to stop", Papathanassis believes "it will certainly be slowed down".

The reason behind this is not engineering but rather the financial equation.

"The bigger the ships are, the higher the investment cost and the required technology know-how. And technological know-how does not come cheap," Papathanassis explained.

Similarly, larger vessels come with their own unique challenges, such as port overcrowding, he noted.

As passenger numbers have grown, popular cruise destinations like the modest Arctic town of Longyearbyen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, for example, have voiced concern over the lack of infrastructure to accommodate such large crowds.

Moreover, as cruise companies aim to increase passenger capacity, they also reduce the ratio of crew to passengers, which can pose challenges in case of unexpected events.

"Regarding accidents or crises onboard, with larger ships it's a much greater challenge to take care of the evacuation," Papathanassis explained.

Climate impact

From a climate perspective, some argue that one large ship is more energy efficient than several small ones.

But others disagree.

"If we followed that logic, we would be building bigger cruise ships, but less of them," argued Constance Dijkstra, Shipping Campaigner at the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E).

"But that's not what's happening. We are witnessing more and more vessels that are bigger than ever."

And while modern ships are taking steps to mitigate emissions with technology -- the Icon of the Seas will run on liquified natural gas (LNG) -- environmentalists are not convinced.

Often hailed as a bridge towards more climate-neutral options, LNG has lower emissions than traditional marine fuels, but T&E has voiced concern over potential methane leaks.

"LNG does have dramatic consequences for the climate because it leaks methane," Dijkstra said.

A typical component of LNG, methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that can have a much worse impact on the climate than carbon dioxide.

"The problem is when you use LNG as a marine fuel, you are encouraging the development of the gas industry."

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World’s new largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas sails in Finland

Thomas Bywater

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At over 250,000 Gross tonnage, Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship. Photo / Supplied, Royal Caribbean

Are we ever going to need a bigger boat? The world has a new largest cruise ship , and her name is Icon of the Seas.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines vessel was sailed for the first time in inaugural sea trials, close to the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland, where she was built.

Completing four days of at-sea testing, the Icon was put through her paces last week, with key systems, engines and hull tested under the strains of 250,800 gross tonnage.

Operators Royal Caribbean report that the preliminary tests have been a success. However, to say all was “ship shape” would be inaccurate. The Icon is the shape of a small city.

Spread across 20 decks and 365 metres long, fully weighted, she will carry up to 7600 guests when she sails into Miami at the end of the year. At the prow an impressive 25-metre-tall glass structure - the ‘Aquadome’ - containing the tallest ‘waterfall at sea’. As possibly the only waterfall at sea, that didn’t stop them from reaching for the stars.

The ship is so large the builders refer to each section of the Icon as “neighbourhoods”, of which there are eight. This includes ‘Central Park’ - a landscaped, green space in the central cavity of the ship - furthering comparisons to a city at sea . Throughout these districts are a choice of 40 different diners and restaurants.

She is around five times the size of the Titanic. Her required crew alone is more than the famous liner - with a combined total of 2350 workers.

The Finnish shipyard first floated the enormous vessel in January this year, but this is the first time Icon has been out to open water.

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, earlier this year.

During the trials, last week, she was operated by a team of just 450 specialists and four enormous tugboats. Royal Caribbean says these were the preliminary tests with a second set of sea trials scheduled that “will push Icon to its limits later this year”.

The Icon will be joined by a sister ship Utopia of the Seas, which is scheduled to go into service later next year. However, at a projected 236,860 Gross Tons for the second Oasis-class ship, the Icon still clinches the record as the world’s largest cruise ship.

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Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the lead ship in the Oasis Class. It was constructed by MEYER TURKU in Finland and delivered to Royal Caribbean in October 2009. The luxury liner is still considered one of the largest cruise ships in the world alongside its sister ship, Allure of the Seas.

When Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas were completed, they became the largest and most expensive cruise ships ever built, measuring around 360 metres in length, rising 16 decks into the skies and accommodating almost 6,300 passengers. Apart from their impressive size, the ocean liners also stood out with a huge selection of highlights, such as the Royal Promenade for expansive shopping experiences, an ice rink, three-dimensional climbing walls and a zip wire. They also feature the “Flowrider” surfing simulator and a water park designed in the style of a beach. The luxury liners in the Oasis Class also became the first ever cruise ships with an on-board carousel and park – the “Central Park” on the top deck even features real plants and trees.

The Oasis Class was followed by the Quantum Class, which was constructed by MEYER WERFT in Papenburg from 2014 onwards.

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Video: World's Largest Cruise Ship Taking Shape in Finland

Eric Haun , Editor

Eric Haun is editor of Marine News. He has covered the commercial maritime and...

May 12, 2023

Icon of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas—the world's largest cruise ship—is taking shape at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The 250,800 GT vessel, the first in Royal Caribbean's new Icon-class, has been under construction since June 2022. The fully assembled ship was floated out in December and is now undergoing final outfitting ahead of scheduled delivery in October or November 2023.

First announced in 2016, the 1,198-foot-long Icon of the Seas will have 20 decks (including 18 guest decks) and will be bigger than the world's current largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class Allure of the Seas. With 2,805 staterooms, the ship will be able to carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 7,600 passengers if every cabin is maxed out. It will have capacity for a crew of 2,350.

In addition to being the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas will also be Royal Caribbean's most environmentally friendly. The vessel will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and utilize fuel cell technology. Other notable green features include air lubrication to reduce hull friction, shore power connection and an advanced waste heat recovery system to turn waste heat into up to 3 megawatts of extra energy.

The ship will also feature the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides, as well as nine whirlpools and seven pools on board, including the first suspended infinity pool at sea. The vessel will have eight distinct "neighborhoods" that offer a variety of experience options for passengers.

Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami starting in January 2024, offering both Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.

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World's Largest Cruise Ship Nears Completion In Finland

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In Finland’s Turku shipyard, a luxurious cruise ship known as The Icon of the Seas is nearing its maiden voyage. The vessel commissioned by Royal Caribbean is intended to sail the scenic waters of the Caribbean Sea, docking in Miami.

World's Largest Cruise Ship Nears Completion In Finland

In Finland’s Turku shipyard, a luxurious cruise ship known as The Icon of the Seas is nearing its maiden voyage.

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21 Facts About The World's Biggest Cruise Ship You Won't BELIEVE

Posted: June 7, 2024 | Last updated: June 7, 2024

Onboard the world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean's latest marvel,  Icon of the Seas , set sail on its maiden voyage in January. The mammoth vessel currently holds the record as the world's largest cruise ship and has captured the imagination due not only to its sheer size but also its outrageous opulence.

Read on to explore the staggering numbers behind the super-sized ship and discover the fantastic facilities passengers enjoy. 

All dollar amounts in US dollars. 

The size, scale, and staggering cost

Construction on Icon of the Seas began in 2021 at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The juggernaut vessel is almost 1,200 feet long and weighs a staggering 250,800 gross tons, surpassing the measurements of all other cruise ships to date. To put that into some kind of perspective,  Icon is around five times larger than the Titanic .

Unsurprisingly, its construction price tag was a dizzying $2 billion.

Incredible capacity of 9,950

Icon is effectively a floating town and can accommodate close to 10,000 people when at maximum capacity, including 7,600 guests and a dedicated crew of 2,350.

Its diverse team of workers hail from 80 different countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, the Philippines, Jamaica, and Australia. Their roles range from hospitality and performing arts to gardening and maintenance, with the overarching goal of ensuring a seamless experience for guests at all times. 

Breaking booking records

In October 2023, tickets went on sale for seven-day voyages to the Caribbean aboard the boat, with prices starting at around $1,537 per person.

The sales resulted in Royal Caribbean achieving its "single largest booking day in the company's 53-year history," neatly underscoring the excitement surrounding this gigantic new cruise ship.

Room prices start at $1,851

While room prices have since increased for week-long voyages, you don't need to be super-rich to board this super-sized ship. Icon offers 28 different room types, giving guests options to suit all needs, whether they're looking for affordability, stunning sea views, or a family-oriented vacation experience.

According to  Forbes , interior rooms now range between $1,851 and $3,300, while exterior rooms span from $2,061 to $4,119. Balcony rooms, which offer a more premium guest experience, start at $2,249 and can reach up to $5,245.

Meanwhile, luxury Sunset Suites (pictured) cost a staggering $10,864 per week per person for those looking to splurge. Costs vary depending on the time of the year, with March to September the peak time to travel. 

The most expensive suite costs $75,000

The most expensive accommodation is the all-new Ultimate Family Townhouse (pictured). The spacious pad, which can accommodate eight guests, spans 2,523 square feet across three levels.

Perfect for families with young kids to entertain, it features a multilevel slide, a movie and karaoke area, two private balconies, a whirlpool, and an outdoor dining area.

However, renting out this fun-filled suite for one week is far from cheap and will cost you an eye-watering $75,000, according to  Business Insider.

20 fun-filled decks

Icon boasts 20 decks brimming over with activities and attractions to keep guests entertained. 

Highlights include an adrenaline-pumping surf simulator, a rock climbing wall that offers stunning sea views, a family-friendly mini-golf course, laser tag, arcades, a sports court, a luxurious casino, and a water park.

Eight unique neighborhoods

Across the 20 decks, the ship is divided into eight unique "neighborhoods," each offering guests a different experience. Let's delve into each neighborhood and their standout features...

First up, the Thrill Island neighborhood, spanning decks 16 and 17, is designed for daredevils. It includes a pulse-racing waterpark (more on that soon) and Crown's Edge (pictured), a heart-pounding ride that allows brave passengers to swing 154 feet above the ocean.

Surfside neighborhood

The colorful Surfside neighborhood (pictured) is the ultimate hotspot for families.

Located on deck seven, activities include swimming areas appropriate for both babies and children, as well as a charming beach-themed carousel, arcades, and family-friendly events and eateries.

The Hideaway

The Hideaway neighborhood, situated on deck 15, is a designated adult-only area and offers guests an exclusive beach club vibe. 

It features the first-ever suspended infinity pool at sea (just one of the record-breaking pools aboard the ship, but more on that soon), a dedicated bar, and a DJ. 

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Central Park

The open-air Central Park neighborhood, located on deck eight, is packed with restaurants and nightlife, including numerous live music spots and trendy jazz bars.

But the most impressive feature of this lush area is the four living plant walls, boasting more than 30,550 plants in total.

Chill Island

The sprawling Chill Island neighborhood spans decks 15, 16, and 17 and is filled with spots where guests can sit back and bask in the sunshine, complete with breathtaking ocean views.

Stand-out features include the Royal Bay, which, at 5,813 square feet, is the largest pool at sea, and Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean's first-ever swim-up bar at sea.

The AquaDome

The most visually jaw-dropping neighborhood is arguably the AquaDome, located on decks 14 and 15. This section of the ship boasts wraparound ocean views and features a show-stopping 55-foot-tall waterfall. 

AquaDome is also home to Royal Caribbean's first food hall and provides guests with the opportunity to watch fantastic water shows at the AquaTheater.

Royal Promenade

Located on decks five and six, the Royal Promenade neighborhood is the first to feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

The area is positively buzzing with bars and restaurants, but its most impressive feature is Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea. Here, guests can watch dazzling live performances or take to the ice themselves. 

The Suite neighborhood

Last but by no means least, the Suite neighborhood is reserved purely for passengers staying in the Royal Suite Class. Spanning decks 16 to 19, it offers high-paying guests an additional slice of luxury during their time aboard.

The area is equipped with a multi-level sun deck with its own pool and whirlpool, while the VIP guests can enjoy a range of exclusive bars and dining options.

40 bars, restaurants, and lounges

Neighborhoods aside, the cruise ship caters to all appetites, with more than 40 bars, restaurants, and lounges to choose from.

Among them are the likes of Pier 7, which offers beachside brunches; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, serving up classic Italian-style favorites; and SurfSide Bites, which provides family-friendly options like hotdogs and popcorn chicken.

One truly wow-worthy dining spot is the opulent Empire Supper Club (pictured), where guests can devour dishes such as oysters and Wagyu beef with shaved truffle while sipping on premium cocktails and enjoying live jazz.

50 entertainers aboard

Icon sails with a cast of 50 musicians, actors, and comedians who keep passengers entertained with live shows.

Among the entertainment headline acts is a 16-piece orchestra and the first-ever at-sea performance of  The Wizard of Oz .

Seven incredible swimming pools

Icon boasts seven different pools, each designed with its own unique vibe. As mentioned,  Icon  is home to the Royal Bay (pictured), which is currently the largest pool at sea. There's also the Hideaway Pool, the first-ever suspended infinity pool at sea, and Swim and Tonic, the first-ever swim-up bar at sea. So what about the incredible pools we haven't covered yet?

The Water's Edge Pool is a family-friendly swim spot, Cloud 17 offers a super-chilled atmosphere, while Cove Pool is located portside, providing stunning views. And finally, there's The Grove, located in the Suite Neighborhood, which is exclusive to Royal Suite Class guests.

In addition to the seven swimming pools, guests also have access to nine whirlpools. 

Six record-breaking slides

A key attraction aboard Icon is the Category 6 waterpark. With six record-breaking waterslides (pictured), it's – you guessed it – the largest at sea.

The adrenaline-pumping Frightening Bolt is the tallest slide at sea at 46 feet tall, while the daring Pressure Drop is the first freefall waterslide to set sail. What's more, the waterpark features two family raft slides, as well as two exhilarating mat racer slides.

The Wonder of the Seas

Prior to the launch of  Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean's fleet already boasted the world's largest cruise ship.

Wonder of the Seas (pictured) first set sail in 2022 and is only fractionally shorter than Icon . It can carry a total of 7,084 guests, with an international crew of 2,204 people. The vessel boasts 18 decks, just two fewer than its larger (yet younger) sister.

Environmental credentials

Royal Caribbean claims Icon  is 24% more energy efficient than required standards, making it the company's most sustainable ship yet. It's powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the dual-fuel engines work alongside various energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs, such as the first waste-to-energy system at sea.

The ship also produces 93% of its fresh water onboard via a reverse osmosis/desalination plant and is landfill-free. The company has plans to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

A negative impact?

However, critics have argued that using LNG as fuel contributes to emissions of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Bryan Comer, director of the International Council on Clean Transportation’s marine program, told The Guardian : "[Royal Caribbean] is doubling down by calling LNG a green fuel when the engine is emitting 70 to 80% more greenhouse gas emissions per trip than if it used regular marine fuel. Icon has the largest LNG tanks ever installed in a ship. It is greenwashing.”

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Carnival Cruise Line Growth Update: Ten Ships in Seven Years

• June 5, 2024

With recent newbuild orders and vessels transferring from sister brand P&O Australia and previously Costa, Carnival Cruise Line will see the addition of 10 ships over seven years by 2028.

Since adding the Mardi Gras into revenue service, the company has already welcomed another six ships to its fleet while having retired older and less efficient smaller ships.

Cruise Industry News looks into the company’s growth plans, which include newbuilds and vessels transferred from the fleet of two sister brands. For a complete overview of supply growth, past present and future in the cruise industry, see the new 2024 Annual Report.

Ship: Mardi Gras Origin: Newbuild Debut Date: July 2021 Capacity:  5,200 guests Tonnage:  183,900

The new Mardi Gras officially entered service for Carnival Cruise Line in Port Canaveral in mid-2021 .

Built by the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the LNG-powered ship also became the largest vessel ever operated by the company.

Ship: Carnival Luminosa Origin: Transferred from Costa Cruises Debut Date: November 2022 Capacity:  2,260 guests Tonnage:  92,700

Transferring from the fleet of Costa Cruises, the Carnival Luminosa made its debut for Carnival Cruise Line in late 2022 .

Now offering winter seasons in Australia and summer programs in Alaska, the 2009-built ship underwent a complete rebranding before debuting for Carnival Cruise Line.

Ship:  Carnival Celebration Origin: Newbuild  Debut Date: November 2022 Capacity:  5,200 guests Tonnage:  183,900

Following the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Celebration entered service as Carnival Cruise Line’s second Excel Class ship.

Sailing from Miami on a year-round basis, the 5,200-guest ship kicked off its inaugural season in November 2022 .

Ship:  Carnival Venezia Origin: Transferred from Costa Cruises Debut Date: May 2023 Capacity:  4,232 guests Tonnage:  135,000

The Carnival Venezia entered service for Carnival Cruise Line in May 2023. Previously operated by Costa Cruises, the Vista class ship launched the company’s Carnival Fun Italian Style concept.

Currently sailing from New York City , the ship offers a new take on Carnival’s experience.

Ship:  Carnival Jubilee Origin: Newbuild Debut Date: December 2023 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  183,900

Carnival Cruise Line welcomed its third Excel Class ship in 2023 with the Carnival Jubilee. Now sailing year-round from Galveston, the 183,900-ton ship welcomed its first guests in late December .

Initially ordered for AIDA Cruises, the ship was transferred to Carnival while still under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Ship:  Carnival Firenze Origin: Transferred from Costa Cruises Debut Date: April 2024 Capacity:  4,232 guests Tonnage:  135,000

Following the Carnival Venezia, the Carnival Firenze joined the Carnival Fun Italian Style concept in April 2024 .

Now cruising to Mexico from Long Beach, the 135,000-ton ship was originally designed to sail for Costa Cruises in Asia.

Ship:  Pacific Adventure Origin: To be transferred from P&O Cruises Australia Debut Date: March 2025 Capacity:  2,600 guests Tonnage:  109,000

With the P&O Cruises Australia brand being absorbed by Carnival Cruise Line, the Pacific Adventure is set to join the company’s fleet in March 2025.

While additional details of the transfer are still to be confirmed, the 2001-built ship, which was originally designed for Princess Cruises, is expected to continue to sail from Australia on a year-round basis.

Ship:  Pacific Encounter Origin: To be transferred from P&O Cruises Australia Debut Date: March 2025 Capacity:  2,600 guests Tonnage:  109,000

A second P&O Cruises Australia ship is also being transferred, the Pacific Encounter. The 2002-built vessel is set to enter service for Carnival Cruise Line in 2025.

A sister to the Pacific Adventure, the 2,600-guest ship was also built for Princess cruises and is expected to continue to offer itineraries from Australia.

Ship:  Unnamed Origin: Newbuild Debut Date: 2027 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  183,900

A fourth Excel Class ship was ordered by Carnival Cruise Line in February 2024. The ship, which will be built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany , is scheduled to enter service in 2027 and will accommodate 5,400 guests.

Ship:  Unnamed Origin: Newbuild Debut Date: 2028 Capacity:  5,400 guests Tonnage:  183,900

Carnival Cruise Line placed a second newbuild order in late March 2024 . As part of the deal, the company is set to receive a fifth Excel Class ship from the Meyer Werft shipyard sometime in 2028.

Ship Retirements

While the company has added new ships and transferred in tonnage from sister brands in Carnival Corporation, it has also exited less efficient older and smaller vessels.

In 2020, Carnival retired four ships: the Carnival Fantasy, the Carnival Fascination, the Carnival Inspiration and the Carnival Imagination.

Carnival Cruise Line also retired the 1991-built Carnival Ecstasy and the 1993-built Carnival Sensation. The Fantasy-class vessels were withdrawn from the fleet in 2022.

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater The Peninsula London

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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Key takeaways

• While Baby Boomers once formed the core consumer base for the cruise industry, an increasing number of younger travelers and first-time passengers are now coming on board.
• Cruise operators are investing in new hardware, including mega-ships and private destinations, to acquire new customers.
• Against a tighter consumer spending backdrop, cruise voyages — which often work out cheaper than land-based vacations — are growing in popularity.
• Looking ahead, J.P. Morgan Research estimates the cruise industry will capture ~3.8% of the $1.9T global vacation market by 2028.

The cruise industry has markedly picked up speed after taking a major hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), about 35.7 million passengers are expected to set sail in 2024, 6% more than in 2019. Indeed, major cruise lines have enjoyed a successful 2024 wave season — the period from January to March, when operators offer their best deals.

“An important point underscoring our more constructive view of the cruise industry post-pandemic is market share gains from the larger $1.9T global vacation market and accelerated new-to-cruise customer acquisition,” said Matt Boss, Head of Leisure and Retailing (Department Stores & Specialty Softlines) at J.P. Morgan. “Demand remains robust, with not a single historical lead indicator in the business, notably booking curve and on-board spend, signaling any softening.”

Ahead of the summer travel season, what is the outlook for the cruise industry, and what’s driving its rebound? 

The number of cruise passengers is growing 

The annual number of cruise passengers from 2023 to 2027 is expected to exceed pre-COVID levels. 

Positive demographic shifts

In the past, Baby Boomers formed the core consumer base for the cruise industry. Today however, an increasing number of younger travelers are coming on board. According to the CLIA, 73% of Millennials and Gen X travelers say they would consider a cruise vacation. And during its first-quarter earnings call, Royal Caribbean International noted that half of its cruise customers are Millennials or younger.

This is in part due to rising affluence. “Importantly, the spending capacity of the Millennial customer has grown ~49% since 2019, with the average net worth today for an individual aged 40 or under now standing at ~$259K,” Boss observed. 

Cruises are also attracting more first-time passengers. During its first-quarter earnings call, Carnival Cruise Line noted there was a healthy mix of “new-to-cruise” in its 2025 bookings to date, with the customer group increasing by over 30% versus a year ago. 

Elevated product and destination offerings

Cruise operators are overhauling their offerings in order to appeal to consumers. “Key operators are investing in new hardware, notably mega-ships and private destinations. This is driving more eyeballs to the industry, accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition,” Boss said.

In April 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line placed the largest ship order in its history to meet rising demand for cruise travel. The company will receive eight new vessels between 2026 and 2036.

Investments in land-based offerings are burgeoning, too. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is expected to draw over 3 million visitors in 2024. In the same vein, Carnival Cruise Line is developing a private beach destination, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama. Opening in 2025, it will feature five areas, each with its own distinct amenities. “Investments in such attractions provide the cruise industry with the improved ability to give customers an experience that is better able to compete with land-based alternatives,” Boss added. 

“Key operators are investing in new hardware, notably mega-ships and private destinations. This is driving more eyeballs to the industry, accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition.”

Head of Leisure and Retailing (Department Stores & Specialty Softlines), J.P. Morgan

Consumers favor cruises over land-based activities

According to J.P. Morgan Research’s recent Cost of Living survey conducted in April, only 29% of respondents still have excess savings, and 45% expect to spend less in discretionary categories over the next 12 months. This illustrates an increasingly cautious spending environment even in the face of moderating inflation.

This puts cruise voyages, which often work out cheaper than land-based vacations, in good stead. “We see the consumer increasingly focused on value within discretionary categories, with the value spread between cruises and land-based alternatives standing at 25–30% today versus 10–15% pre-pandemic,” Boss noted. “Cruise lines have focused on improved experiences with no step down in quality or service despite inflation, further amplifying their value.”

Despite the tighter consumer spending environment however, both ticket and onboard prices have increased in recent months. Royal Caribbean International cited that in addition to record ticket pricing, consumer spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases continue to exceed prior years. In the same vein, Carnival Cruise Line’s onboard revenue in the first quarter of 2024 was +17.6% versus the first quarter of 2019. 

Overall, the demand backdrop remains robust for the cruise industry. “We estimate that 85%+ of tickets have been booked for 2024, and the focus is turning to 2025, with bookings to date already ahead of historical levels,” Boss said. “Looking ahead, we see the industry growing revenues by high-single digits over the next five years, capturing ~3.8% of the global vacation market by 2028.” 

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Vladimir Putin repeats warning he could send weapons to adversaries of the West

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin also says he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but adds he could not rule out a change to it.

Friday 7 June 2024 17:15, UK

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• Russia economically strong despite 'illegitimate sanctions'
• Ukraine has right to strike targets in Russia - NATO chief
• Russian vessels to make port in Cuba in 'hopes of invoking memory of missile crisis'
• Biden to discuss $225m package with Zelenskyy in France
• Ivor Bennett:  Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Andy Hayes and  Ollie Cooper

Thank you for reading.

We will be back soon with more updates from the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but added he could not rule out a change to the doctrine.

"We have a nuclear doctrine which states that the use of nuclear arms is possible in an exceptional case, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country is threatened," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But the doctrine can be changed.

"The same applies to nuclear tests. We will carry out tests if needed, but so far there is no such need."

Russia could send weapons to adversaries of the West, Vladimir Putin has warned for a second time.

The Russian president repeated the warning from earlier this week during the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

He did not say what countries or entities he was referring to, and he stressed that Moscow is not doing it currently.

"If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?" he told the crowds. 

"But I'm not ready to say that we will be doing it tomorrow, either."

On Wednesday, Putin told international journalists that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.

Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the recent delay in approving new US aid for Ukraine.

Last month, following months of political disagreements, the Senate passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan .

"I apologise for those weeks of not knowing," the US president said.

"Some of our very conservative members [of Congress] were holding it up. 

"But we got it done, finally. We're still in - completely, totally." 

The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for American assistance.  

"It's very important that you stay with us," he said. 

"It's very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two - how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe." 

The two men were speaking in Paris, the day after D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Russia needs to boost its use of non-Western currencies, Vladimir Putin said as he addressed the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He also said his country needs to reduce imports while calling for a major expansion of its domestic financial markets.

Trade with Asia is soaring, he told delegates, adding that almost two fifths of Russian external trade is now in roubles.

The share conducted in US dollars, euros and other Western currencies has declined.

Russia will try to boost the share of settlements conducted in the currencies of BRICS countries - which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Putin said.

"Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so–called 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states halved, while the share of the rouble in export and import transactions is growing - it is approaching 40% today," the president said.

Russia has referred to nations that imposed sanctions on it as "unfriendly".

 The session begins with an address by the Russian president. 

Vladimir Putin says there is a race among world powers to establish sovereignty. 

He speaks of the need for countries to both establish partnerships and also to look internally to tackle challenges presented by the current global economic landscape. 

Despite all the "obstacles and illegitimate sanctions", Russia remains one of the world's economic leaders, he says. 

He adds that "friendly countries" - those that have not joined sanctions against Moscow - account for three quarters of Russia's mutual trade turnover, and praises them for that. 

Countries including India and China have strengthened economic ties since Mr Putin launched his war in Ukraine. 

Vladimir Putin has taken to the stage in St Petersburg to address the International Economic Forum there.

He's joined by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwais and Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. 

Chairing the session is Sergey Karaganov - a Russian political scientist. 

We'll bring you any key lines here in this live blog. 

A T-shirt is on sale at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum printed with a phrase attributed to Vladimir Putin, Sky News has discovered. 

"If a fight is inevitable, throw the first punch," it says.

The Russian president reportedly said it in 2015.

He apparently explained that it was something he had learned while growing up on the streets of Leningrad - a former name of St Petersburg. 

The Russian defence ministry has accused Ukraine of injuring 20 people, including children, in a missile attack on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, using US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

Four of five missiles were shot down by air defence systems, the ministry said in a statement.

However, one of the missiles damaged two residential apartment blocks, it added, claiming it was deliberate.

Sky News is unable to verify the allegations.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. 

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country's prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations. 

"Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month," Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. 

Earlier (7.43am post) we reported that the commission was reportedly ready to recommend that accession talks get underway.

It is part of an attempt to signal support for Kyiv before Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU next month, the Financial Times reported.

The EU announced earlier this year that it was sending an additional £42bn in aid to Ukraine - but only after  weeks of resistance from Hungary , which reportedly has concerns about minority rights in Ukraine. 

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