Iglu Cruise News - End of Year Roundup
This month, we’re doing something a little bit different; rounding up the top highlights of this year, from the wide variety of ships that set sail, to exciting updates and more!
Keep reading to find out the top things that happened in the world of cruise!
A Roundup of the Biggest Cruise News This Year
Top Ships That Set Sail
This year, 14 new ships set sail from a range of popular cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. These incredible ships featured a huge selection of extraordinary onboard features, from world-class cuisine to activities that the whole family will love. We’ve rounded up our top ships that set sail this year and the top features of each of them.
Icon of the Seas - January
Guest Capacity: 5,610
In January, Icon of the Seas set sail out of Miami. This spectacular ship tops the list of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with Category 6 (the largest waterpark at sea), eight different neighbourhoods (including one dedicated to families), over 20 ways to dine and over 15 bars and live music venues, it truly is an icon during the day and night.
Sun Princess - February
Guest Capacity: 4,300
Setting sail in February, Sun Princess is an exciting addition to Princess Cruises’ fleet, with a selection of dazzling entertainment, the exclusive Sanctuary Collection suites and amenities and elevated dining throughout. Sailing to a variety of international destinations, another highlight onboard Sun Princess includes The Dome- that features a pool, lounge space and entertainment in the evening.
Queen Anne - May
Guest Capacity: 3,000
In May, Cunard’s latest addition set sail – Queen Anne. Effortlessly combining Cunard’s beloved White Star Service with modern touches, Queen Anne not only features amenities that are popular throughout the rest of the fleet (including the Britannia Restaurant and Grills suites), but new spaces and activities- including the Bright Lights Society Bar, Room 1840 and the Experience Lounge.
Other Ships That Set Sail This Year Include:
- Silver Ray - June
- Utopia of the Seas - July
- Explora II - September
- Disney Treasure - December
Disney Adventure: Remarkable Dining and Entertainment Revealed
This year it was revealed that Disney Adventure, which is due to set sail in 2025, will feature a selection of magical dining and entertainment. From meet and greets with all your favourite pals from Disney, Pixar and Marvel to action-packed kids clubs and 7 themed areas- including San Fransokyo Street and the Disney Imagination Garden.
Perfect Day Mexico - Royal Caribbean’s New Private Island Destination
Set to open in 2027, Perfect Day Mexico is an exciting addition to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination portfolio. Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, this stunning destination will feature everything from a waterpark to a selection of restaurants and more.
Promising ‘non-stop thrills to next-level chills’ its unrivalled family favourites will undoubtedly prove to be popular with multi-generational families stopping off here during their cruise.
A Variety of Ship Refurbishments
Not only has this year introduced a host of new cruise ships, but an array of ships have also gone under refurbishment. Whilst the extent of these refurbishments differ, these upgrades to amenities have given an assortment of ships everything from enhanced decoration to new spaces onboard for guests to enjoy.
Ships that went into drydock for refurbishment include Scarlet Lady, Norwegian Encore, Disney Dream and Balmoral (to name a few). Top highlights of these refurbishments include:
Scarlet Lady
- New dining concept - ‘Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle’
- 24 new Seriously Suite RockStar Quarters
- Ground Club Too - introducing cocktails in the evening
- A new mermaid on the bow
- New VIP cabanas in the Aquatic Club
Norwegian Encore
- Debut of Spice H20 - an adults-only sun deck area
- Updates to the Haven’s Premier Owner’s Suites
- 24 new balcony cabins
- Expansion of Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki
Disney Dream
- New funnel suite
- Revamped youth spaces and a refreshed spa
- New Concierge Lounge inspired by Hercules
- New Mexican restaurant
Balmoral
- The Palms Café renamed to the Thistle Restaurant
- Technical refurbishment of The Neptune Lounge
- Refreshed seating areas
Throughout this year, we’ve released a variety of editions of Iglu Cruise News. To read these monthly news roundups, see each edition listed below:
- Iglu Cruise News - May 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - June 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - July 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - August 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - September 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - October 2024
- Iglu Cruise News - November 2024
From everyone at Iglu Cruise, we hope you have a magical and safe new year!
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