By
Alex Smith |
While the beginning of 2024 saw a series of major additions to the fleets of Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Cunard and TUI Cruises, the order book for the rest of the year is filled with several smaller vessels that will bring new experiences to both the luxury and river cruise markets.
Among the new additions will be Explora Journeys’ Explora II, the second ship to join the cruise brand’s fleet. The 14-deck vessel will be largely identical to the first Explora ship, though the cruise line has increased its use of lighting solutions from Flos and introduced bespoke Davos outdoor furniture from interior designer Matteo Nunziati in the Helios Pool & Bar area. It will set sail from Civitavecchia, Italy, on 16 September following its delivery by Fincantieri. A third Explora ship is set to be delivered by the Italian shipbuilder in 2026, followed by a fourth and fifth in 2027 and 2028.
Viking Cruises, meanwhile, will be adding two newbuilds to its fleet of Nile River ships – Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek. The 82-guest vessels, named after ancient Egyptian gods, are both under construction at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. Viking Hathor will begin sailing in August, while Viking Sobek will follow in the autumn. Alongside its new vessels in Egypt, Viking Cruises’ European river cruise fleet is set to grow further in 2025, with five ships set for delivery across next year and a further five throughout 2026.
The cruise line will also continue to expand its ocean fleet with the introduction of Viking Vela in December 2024. Built by Fincantieri, the ship will be longer and wider than its 10 predecessors due to the introduction of new stability regulations by the International Maritime Organization. The updated design will also increase the ship’s capacity to 998 passengers. Viking has nine further ocean ships planned in the coming years, all of which will be identical to Viking Vela.
“Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant ocean vessels, and it is always a proud day when our newest ship meets water for the first time,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “We look forward to welcoming Viking Vela to our award-winning fleet and introducing even more curious travellers to the Viking way of exploration.”
Viking Cruises upcoming Nile River cruise ship, Viking Hathor, was floated out at the Massara shipyard in Cairo in March
Returning to the river, Viva Cruises will add a third newbuild to its fleet with the debut of Viva Enjoy in September 2024. Built at Vahali Zasavica shipyards in Serbia, the vessel will feature 95 cabins with capacity for 190 passengers. Other onboard amenities include three restaurants, an open-plan lounge, a sun deck and a fitness and wellness area.
The largest ship still yet to debut in 2024 is Disney Treasure, which is set to begin sailing in the Caribbean on 21 December. Disney Treasure is the second of Disney Cruise Line’s Wish-class vessels to be built by Meyer Weft and has been designed by Walt Disney Imagineering around the theme of adventure. The 4,000-passenger ship will be the first in the fleet to feature venues inspired by Disney’s theme parks, including the Tomorrow Tower Suite, which will be situated in the ship’s forward funnel and accessible by a private elevator. Other highlights will include an adult lounge themed around the 1970 film The Aristocats, a dining and entertainment venue inspired by the Pixar film Coco, and a sweet shop reminiscent of the ice cream parlour in Disney’s Zootopia.
“Disney Treasure will bring brand-new stories to life, blending one-of-a-kind experiences with the extraordinary entertainment, world-class dining and unparalleled hospitality that make every sailing so memorable,” says Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “As we chart a course for adventure, we’re so excited for families to discover the excitement and exploration that awaits onboard the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.”
Moving into the start of 2025, TUI Cruises is set to introduce Mein Schiff Relax, the first of the cruise line’s new InTUItion-class ships. Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, Mein Schiff Relax will be the first TUI Cruises ship to operate using LNG fuel and will also be capable of sailing using biofuel and e-LNG fuel if they become widely available. The ship is also being equipped with a combined exhaust gas treatment system consisting of an exhaust gas scrubber and catalysts, which will reduce sulphur emissions by up to 99 per cent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 75 per cent and particulate emissions by up to 60 per cent. The focus on sustainable technology in the new class is part of TUI’s goal to offer its first climate-neutral cruises by 2030.
“Guests can discover this new class of ship, which has tried and tested features on every deck and in every area,” says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. “But intuitively exploring this ship also offers guests a completely new perspective, providing the opportunity to find their favourite place with more space and options.”
TUI River Cruises is also expanding its fleet in 2025 with its first ever newbuild, TUI Alma. Designed to sail on Portugal’s Douro River and built by the Portuguese West Sea Viana shipyard, the ship will have four decks, 62 cabins and accommodate up to 123 guests onboard. The top deck will feature a shallow pool with seating areas, sun loungers, a bar and food service, while other dining venues will include a main restaurant and a Portuguese-inspired al fresco dining space.
“This is a huge moment for TUI River Cruises and a defining moment in our journey,” says Chris Logan, managing director of specialist business at TUI River Cruises. “Given we only launched back in 2021 it’s a testament to the response of our customers that we’re able to deliver a newbuild ship. We’re so excited to create something amazing for our guests.”
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.