August 2024 Cruise News: New Ships and Key Updates

As summer winds down, the cruise industry is still buzzing with activity. August 2024 has been a month full of significant developments, from new ship announcements to exciting plans for future voyages.

Royal Caribbean Orders Fourth Icon Class Ship

In late August, Royal Caribbean Group announced a new addition to its fleet—a fourth Icon Class ship. Set for delivery in 2027, this vessel is part of a broader plan to expand the Icon Class series. The agreement with Meyer Turku also includes options for two more ships, highlighting Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation and growth. The first ship in this series, Icon of the Seas, debuted in January as the world’s largest cruise ship, setting a high bar for future vessels.

Disney Cruise Line Unveils Details About New Ships

Disney Cruise Line revealed exciting new details about its upcoming ship, Disney Destiny. This “heroes and villains”-themed vessel will feature Marvel-inspired experiences, a “Pirates of the Caribbean”-themed bar, and many other Disney-themed attractions. The 4,000-passenger ship is scheduled to debut on November 20, 2025, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with its first voyage to Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay. Additionally, Disney offered a sneak peek at the Disney Adventure, set to launch from Singapore next year, showcasing its central hub, the Disney Imagination Garden.

Amadeus River Cruises Expands Fleet

Amadeus River Cruises announced the addition of a new ship, the Amadeus Amara, set to debut in July 2025. This eco-friendly, three-deck vessel will accommodate up to 164 guests, further enhancing the line’s reputation for luxury river cruising.

Cruise Lines Announce Total Solar Eclipse Sailings for 2026

Following the success of the April 2024 total solar eclipse voyages, several cruise lines are gearing up for the next eclipse event in 2026. Carnival Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, and Virgin Voyages are among the companies offering specialized cruises to witness this astronomical phenomenon. Other lines, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Atlas Ocean Voyages, have also announced similar itineraries.

Windstar Cruises Reveals Details of New Ship, Star Seeker

Windstar Cruises shared additional insights into its upcoming ship, Star Seeker. This 224-guest vessel will feature luxurious accommodations, with nearly all 112 suites offering either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, providing guests with stunning ocean views.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Four New Ships

In a major announcement at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Cruise Line revealed plans to build four new ships between 2027 and 2031. These ships will join the four currently under construction, further expanding Disney’s growing fleet.

New Safety Rules at Grand Turk Cruise Port

New safety and security rules were implemented at the Grand Turk cruise port on August 15. While these regulations won’t affect cruise passengers, locals wishing to visit the port must now obtain a one-day ID badge.

American Cruise Line Christens New Ship

American Cruise Line has introduced its latest vessel, the American Liberty. This 100-passenger ship is the third Coastal Cat vessel in the Project Blue Series, which will eventually add 12 new small ships to the line’s fleet.

Princess Cruises Introduces New WiFi and Updates Packages

Princess Cruises launched a new premium WiFi service called MedallionNet Max, included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. Additionally, the Princess Premier package saw an upgrade, now offering unlimited drinks, premium fitness classes, specialty meals, and more for $90 per person per day. The line also quietly increased its daily crew gratuity charges by $1 across all stateroom categories.

Port Canaveral Halts New Terminal Plans

Port Canaveral has scrapped plans to build a new cruise terminal at North Cargo Berth 8 after receiving a warning from Florida state officials about potential loss of funding. The port’s Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to halt the project.

Travel Executives Honored in Forbes “50 Over 50” List

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line; Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue; and Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, were named to Forbes “50 Over 50” list, recognizing influential women in their respective industries.