6 new cruise ships launching soon

New ships from some of the world's biggest cruise lines are getting ready to set sail in late 2023 and 2024, including Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Icon of the Seas. Come aboard for all the details:

Celebrity Ascent from Celebrity Cruises

The Celebrity Ascent offers a new twist on cruising. Ready to hit the high seas in November, the Ascent has an innovative Resort Deck with a rooftop garden that extends over the water. There's also the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered floating platform where guests can have a drink, listen to live music or just chill, 13 stories above the sea. The Ascent has more room for solo travelers, with double the number of Edge Single Staterooms, while The Retreat offers suite accommodations with butler service and access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge.

Seven Seas Grandeur from Regent Seven Seas

The Seven Seas Grandeur promises luxury at all levels. On this 10-deck ship, set to debut in November, each of the 373 suites comes with a furnished private balcony. The Grandeur has a multimillion-dollar art collection, with a one-of-a-kind Fabergé egg called the Journey in Jewels as its sparkling centerpiece. The opulence continues with four new over-the-top shows set to premiere in the Constellation Theater and 130 new dishes being prepared in the ship's restaurants, including several plant-based options.

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Sun Princess from Princess Cruises

The Sun Princess is for all ages. The top deck of the ship, launching in February 2024, holds Park19, a family entertainment zone featuring the Sea Breeze Rollglider and Infinite Horizon leaning tilt walls. Young cruisers will have three clubs and lounges to explore based on age, while adults looking to relax can explore the Lotus Spa and dive into the infinity pool at Wake View Terrace. The Sun Princess' centerpieces are The Piazza, home to lounges, cafes and bars, and The Dome, where guests can watch three shows created in collaboration with Cirque Éloize.

Icon of the Seas from Royal Caribbean

It doesn't get bigger than the Icon of the Seas. When this behemoth starts sailing in 2024, it won't only be the world's largest cruise ship, it will also boast the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-setting slides, including the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on the ocean) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise). For those seeking chill rather than thrill, there will be seven different pools to choose from (the Royal Bay is the largest at sea) and 15 nightlife and live music venues.

Queen Anne from Cunard

Cunard's new queen will be crowned in May 2024. The Queen Anne is the cruise line's 249th ship, and its accommodations range from the comfortable Britannia staterooms to the luxe Queens Grill Suites, which come with butler service, access to the exclusive Queens Grill restaurant, a pillow concierge menu and a well-stocked complimentary mini bar. The Pavilion is where guests will gather for pool time, movie screenings and wellness activities like yoga and meditation. A new Cunard offering is the Bright Lights Society show bar, which plans to have different entertainers and musicians on stage every night to ensure that no two performances are the same.

Silver Ray from Silversea

The Silver Ray aims to let in the light. There are walls of glass everywhere, including in the new Otium Suites. Each of these suites has a balcony with a whirlpool and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer 270-degree views. The pool deck also has a fresh new layout, with more sunbeds and the largest pool on any Silversea ship. The ship is set to go on its first voyage in summer 2024.