Cruise Industry Expands with Over 35 New Ships Ordered in 2024

The cruise industry continues its remarkable growth trajectory with over 35 new ships ordered in 2024, ranging from intimate expedition vessels to massive megaships for top-tier brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

These new orders signal robust confidence in the sector, which is poised to see a surge in passenger numbers and demand for diverse cruising experiences.

Several of the newbuilds are game-changers in their respective categories, offering innovation in design, sustainability, and passenger experiences.

In February, Carnival Cruise Line placed orders for its fourth and fifth Excel Class vessels, each accommodating 5,400 guests and weighing in at 183,900 gross tons.

Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, these ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, continuing Carnival’s commitment to LNG-powered ships.

Royal Caribbean International added to its groundbreaking Oasis and Icon Class fleets with a seventh Oasis Class ship (231,000 gross tons) from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, due in 2028, and a fourth Icon Class ship (250,800 gross tons) from Meyer Turku in Finland, set for 2027.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings made headlines with a multi-billion-dollar order in April, commissioning eight new ships for Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent.

With deliveries staggered from 2026 to 2036, the fleet will cater to diverse audiences, including Norwegian’s 5,100-guest megaships and Regent’s 850-guest luxury vessels.

The expedition cruise segment also saw significant investments, with Antarctica21 ordering the Magellan Discoverer (100 guests) for delivery in 2026 and Emerald Cruises announcing the Emerald Kaia, an 11,000-ton luxury ship, also slated for 2026.

American Cruise Lines, a leader in small-ship cruising, expanded its coastal and river fleet with two coastal ships and two riverboats, with deliveries planned for 2026 and 2027.

Expanding fleets and future opportunities

Luxury cruise brand Crystal announced a trio of newbuilds in June and November, featuring smaller, more exclusive ships designed for just 690 guests.

These vessels, built by Fincantieri, are expected to elevate the brand’s premium offerings with the first delivery in 2028.

In the family cruising space, Disney Cruise Line revealed plans for four new 160,000-ton ships featuring a fresh design. Deliveries will be between 2027 and 2030, enhancing Disney’s fleet with advanced features catering to families.

Even with global economic uncertainties, the cruise industry’s expansion underscores sustained confidence in its resilience and growth potential.

The diverse range of vessels, from expedition ships to record-breaking megaships, reflects the broadening appeal of cruising as a preferred holiday option.

This wave of ship orders also aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability, with many newbuilds incorporating LNG propulsion systems and other green technologies to reduce environmental impact.

With the first of these ships expected to debut as early as 2026, passengers can look forward to more choices, destinations, and onboard innovations in the coming years.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.