By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
The mantra for the new year is “travel more in 2024,” and if 2023 is any indication, that may very well come true. With the pandemic causing two, three or in some cases four-year delays in booking that special trip, more people are traveling and more people are traveling on longer vacations.
The other trend we are seeing is more people traveling with other people – be it friends or family. The multigenerational cruise is back, and more couples are traveling with other couples – whether it’s on land, sea or rivers.
Although new cruise ship expansion has slowed down a bit since the 2022/2023 post-pandemic explosion, there are still at least 11 new ships on the horizon for 2024. Here are some of the highlights.
Arguably, one of the most highly anticipated new cruise ships this year will be the Icon of the Sea, first in an all-new class of ship for Royal Caribbean. It will feature the largest waterpark at sea and a new neighborhood dedicated to kids younger than 6 years old. Guest capacity is 5,610, with its inaugural sailing on Jan. 28 to Eastern Caribbean.
A second new ship, Utopia of the Seas, will be the sixth ship in the Oasis class, but first in its class to be powered by environmentally friendlier liquified natural gas. Utopia of the Seas launches July 22 from Port Canaveral for three and four-day Bahamas cruises.
Princess Cruises also offers a first in an all-new class of ships. Sun Princess launches Feb. 8 with a Mediterranean sailing. Princess will be debuting The Dome, a geodesic dome that offers an indoor pool by day and entertainment stage by night. It will also be the first Princess ship to offer a ship within a ship – a suites-only complex. Guest capacity is 4,300.
Cunard is introducing its first new ship in 12 years – the Queen Anne – which will have a completely redesigned interior blending traditional Cunard with a more modern design element. It will feature a two-deck theater and 15 restaurants. Debuting May 3 in Europe, it has a guest capacity of 2,996.
American Cruise Lines, one of three cruise lines to operate on US rivers, will be featuring American Liberty and Legend, new catamaran-style cruise vessels designed for coastal sailing. These are all-balcony ships with outdoor space for scenic cruising and a water sports platform at the back with kayaks. Guest capacity is only 100. Liberty debuts June 17 for an eight-day Chesapeake Bay itinerary from Baltimore.
Disney Treasure, debuting for the holiday season on Dec. 21, is the second in the line’s new Triton class. Carrying up to 4,000 guests, Treasure will feature some of the popular features on Disney Wish, such as Worlds of Marvel and 1923. New to Disney Treasure will be a dining venue and entertainment inspired by the Disney film “Coco.”
With something for everyone, the cruise industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds providing some of the best value vacations you can find.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.