Top 5 High Tech Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are gearing up to unveil groundbreaking vessels, while Cunard is preparing for the debut of its first new ship in over ten years.

Additionally, Disney Cruise Line is adding another ship to its fleet, catering specifically to families, but with some pretty special design features.

Luxury enthusiasts and aficionados of smaller ship lines can anticipate new additions from Silversea, Explora Journeys, Ritz Carlton, and Viking Ocean among others.

Although these ships make huge leaps forward in design, it’s the technological advancements that really catch the eye. They represent a much welcome step on the road towards sustainability. On board biodigesters, waste management systems, and cleaner fuel options are all steps in the right direction.

5 High Tech Cruise Ships Being Built in 2024

Here’s a look at five of the most noteworthy and technologically advanced cruise ships set to make their maiden voyages in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s ‘Utopia Of The Seas’

In July 2024, Royal Caribbean will unveil Utopia of the Seas, adding to its Oasis-class fleet.

Accommodating 6,700 passengers, Utopia of the Seas will feature signature elements such as the Central Park and Boardwalk neighbourhoods, along with the exhilarating Ultimate Abyss slide.

Utopia of the Seas presents an exceptional voyage with captivating Caribbean routes. Abounding with captivating experiences, from sensational live shows at the Aqua Theater and Music Hall to an array of over 40 delectable dining and beverage choices, alongside beloved attractions like the FlowRider and diverse accommodation options. The ship really does offer an abundance of delights.

While sharing similarities with previous Oasis-class ships, Utopia boasts so many unique features and design advancements, including an immersive restaurant themed around a train journey.

In its inaugural year, Utopia will specialise in short three and four-day cruises departing from its base in Port Canaveral. However, it’s the technology that sets this ship apart.

Utopia will make waves when it debuts in July 2024 as the first Oasis Class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is the cleanest-burning marine fuel to date.

As the cruise line’s second LNG-powered ship, following Icon of the Seas , Utopia will advance Royal Caribbean’s decades-long commitment to the environment by combining LNG technology with a lineup of the brand’s already-established environmentally friendly initiatives and features, from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection.

Royal Caribbean’s ‘Icon Of The Seas’

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, slated for an early 2024 launch, is poised to become the world’s largest cruise ship, marking the inauguration of the line’s new Icon class.

Boasting a tonnage of 250,800 and accommodating up to 10,000 passengers and crew, it surpasses the current record holder, Wonder of the Seas, in both size and capacity.

The mammoth vessel will feature eight distinct neighbourhoods, including five innovative concepts and the largest family-centric accommodations in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Notable highlights include the largest water park on any cruise ship and a cutting-edge indoor venue for acrobatic and diving performances.

Despite its scale, Icon of the Seas prides itself on sustainability, also utilising liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology.

The vessel is designed to appeal to families and adults alike. Attractions range from the two-deck Royal Promenade and family-oriented Surfside neighbourhood to the AquaDome for performances and Chill Island with its pools and hot tubs.

Adult-focused spaces include the serene Central Park, the Empire Supper Club, and The Hideaway featuring a suspended infinity pool.

Icon of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage from Miami in January 2024, and will run a series of Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, ‘Perfect Day at CocoCay’. Following Icon, Royal Caribbean has plans to introduce its sister ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025.

Cunard’s ‘Queen Anne’

Next month, Cunard Line will debut Queen Anne, its first new vessel in over a decade.

Blending Cunard’s rich heritage with contemporary design, Queen Anne accommodates nearly 3,000 guests and 1,200 crew members, embarking on voyages to diverse destinations including Spain, Portugal, Mediterranean cities, Caribbean islands, and Norwegian fjords.

The ship is rich in beautiful design features, showing off an Art Deco-inspired Grand Lobby, a lavish Royal Court Theatre, and a diverse array of dining options, from traditional venues like the Britannia Restaurant to revamped offerings such as the Golden Lion pub (overseen by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux).

Modern amenities include a late-night cabaret club, a DJ-hosted pool area with a retractable roof, and a wellness area featuring a Himalayan salt sauna.

Sadly, Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in May 2024 is already sold out. However, there are plans for a maiden world voyage in 2025 spanning 111 nights and featuring destinations such as Honolulu, Sydney, Penang, and the Suez Canal. Start saving your pennies!

Disney’s ‘Disney Treasure’

December 2024 will see the launch of Disney Treasure, a sister ship to the Disney Wish. These vessels undoubtedly cater to families seeking an enchanting cruising with magical experiences.

Disney Treasure will deliver this, and whilst some of the technology doesn’t match the vessels mentioned above, as you can imagine (if you’ve ever seen DisneyLand before) the design features are out of this world.

Accommodating 4,000 passengers, the ship boasts an atrium themed around Aladdin and an adventure motif throughout. New onboard attractions include Plaza de Coco, an interactive dining experience inspired by the movie Coco, and Jumbeaux’s Sweet Shop, drawing inspiration from Zootopia.

For children, highlights include the AquaMouse slide with a new Mickey and Minnie adventure story, along with casual cafes named after Disney princesses Moana and Mulan. Adults can enjoy themed lounges inspired by Disney park attractions.

Following its launch, Disney Treasure will embark on week-long cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, departing from Port Canaveral.

Princess Cruises’ ‘Sun Princess’

February 2024 will witness the launch of Sun Princess, the first vessel in Princess Cruises’ Sphere-class.

Designed to host 4,000 passengers, the ship heralds a new era for Princess, transitioning away from smaller vessels while introducing cutting-edge technology.

Sun Princess is particularly family-friendly, featuring Park19, a dedicated area for children and teenagers. Highlights include the Sea Breeze rollglider, the first of its kind at sea, as well as a ropes course and a two-deck high obstacle course.

For adults, the ship offers a sprawling 9,000-square-foot casino, the largest of its kind at sea. Additionally, Sun Princess introduces two new suite categories catering to luxury seekers: the Signature Collection and the Reserve Collection, each offering exclusive amenities and experiences.

Again, this ship oozes technological advances rooted in the drive towards sustainability. It’s the first LNG vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Not only that, but it features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising. Of particular note is the onboard food waste biodigester and waste management system.