Cruise news: 2024 round-up

2024 was a busy year in the world of cruising. From highly-anticipated cruise ship launches to exciting new partnerships, let’s take a look back at the last year: 

Dry January wasn’t a thing where Fred Olsen Cruise Lines was concerned. Its cruise ship, Borealis, embarked on its 103-night world cruise with an additional passenger: a nine-year-old whisky cask. The gentle movement of the ocean helped the liquor reach optimal flavour, which has since been decanted and hand-bottled for sale on Fred. Olsen’s ships. 

January was a busy month for Cunard, with three announcements. The first was the cruise line’s most extensive Insight Speaker programme, which promised the appearance of 430 notable experts onboard. Next up was the launch of the 2024 Cunard Showcases, a programme of entertainment in collaboration with award-winning theatre producers, directors, writers, choreographers and performers. Lastly, Cunard announced its partnership with Harper’s Bazaar, a collaboration that introduced the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea initiative, offering three lavish spa packages. 

More news in February from Cunard, and this time, it was all about Queen Anne. The cruise line announced that the newest addition to its fleet would be officially named in a spectacular ceremony in Liverpool. The event was set to feature an impressive line-up of eminent entertainers, unforgettable live performances and surprise celebrations. 

Mid-month, we announced our exclusive partnership with More Trees, an organisation dedicated to reforestation. 

In March, HX launched its all-inclusive offering. The transition to all-inclusive meant that, from October 2024 onwards, HX included a whole host of amenities such as daily expeditions and activities, Starlink Wi-Fi and gratuities.  

Later in the month, Oceania Cruises appointed new Executive Culinary Directors, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale. They succeeded Jacques Pépin, legendary chef and founding father of Oceania Cruises’ culinary philosophy, The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. 

Finally, Cunard announced Queen Anne’s impressive line-up of entertainment. With an ever-changing bill of exclusive performances, immersive experiences and returning favourites, Queen Anne’s entertainment was set to impress. 

April was a very busy month for Princess Cruises. The cruise line began rolling out a fleetwide dining revolution designed to give guests the ultimate flexibility and choice when it comes to their dining experience. Princess Cruises also announced the introduction of the exclusive and next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, providing an all-inclusive oasis for their guests. The end of the month saw award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcome the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship, Sun Princess, serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony. 

Two weeks before Queen Anne made her debut in Liverpool, Cunard revealed details of the cruise ship’s naming ceremony. The timeline of events included Queen Anne’s arrival into the River Mersey, her official naming ceremony and an evening filled with celebrations. 

Just in time for her 10th birthday, P&O Cruises’ flagship Britannia was refitted. Her major makeover added even more elegance and stylish enhancements with new designs, colours and textiles bringing her in line with the lighter and brighter contemporary touches of the newest ships in the fleet, Arvia and Iona. 

Likewise, Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, welcomed its ship Marina back into service after undergoing an all-encompassing refurbishment. 

June saw the launch of one of the most anticipated cruise ships ever, Queen Anne. Cunard’s newest ship made her historic maiden call to Liverpool ahead of her naming ceremony. Her arrival attracted large numbers of spectators to various vantage points along the banks of the River Mersey as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her first call to Liverpool. Speaking of Liverpool, Cunard announced the city as the Godparent to Queen Anne. The announcement was in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home. 

Later in the month, Regent Seven Seas Cruises proudly unveiled the seventh ship in The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet, Seven Seas Prestige. As the first of two Prestige Class ships, Seven Seas Prestige will embark on her maiden voyage in 2026, followed by her sister ship in 2029. 

Princess Cruises had two very exciting announcements in July. Firstly, the cruise line unveiled an exclusive celebrity culinary collaboration with pizza chef Tony Gemignani, the 13-time World Pizza Champion and undisputed greatest pizza maker in modern history. As part of the collaboration, Chef Gemignani created five unique pizzas, each with an exciting blend of savoury flavours and premium ingredients. To celebrate the new partnership, Princess Cruises and Chef Gemignani set out to establish a new Guinness World Records title. And they did it! The cruise line set the record for the “World’s Largest Pizza Party” at multiple venues aboard its fleet of Love Boats, with guests devouring more than 60,000 slices of fresh-from-the-oven pizza. 

Hurtigruten became the first travel brand to receive the Made in Norway trademark. To be awarded Norway’s official mark of origin, Made in Norway, a company must adhere to a rigorous application process that includes stringent criteria focusing on product excellence and a clear commitment to sustainability, ensuring that only the highest standards of Norwegian quality are upheld under the new Made in Norway brand. 

More news from Princess Cruises as they announced changes to the Princess Premier package. 

September started off strong with Ambassador Cruise Line announcing its membership with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Through its CLIA membership, Ambassador Cruise Line is committed to supporting CLIA’s efforts to shape the future of the cruise industry. 

Later in the month, a major construction milestone was commemorated for Star Princess. The second Sphere Class vessel celebrated its maritime float-out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship transferred to the outfitting quay, where construction continued in anticipation of her autumn 2025 debut. 

Oceania Cruises unveiled details of its new culinary venue, the Crêperie, debuting on Allura, its newest ship. It was revealed that the Crêperie would offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes from mid-morning throughout the afternoon. 

Emerald Cruises announced the launch of its new ship, Emerald Astra, alongside the news that extensive updates would be made to the entire river fleet across Europe. These developments are designed to enhance the guest experience by blending the brand’s hallmark features with luxury yacht-inspired design elements. 

In other news, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn made a historic discovery during a submarine dive off the coast of Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago. Seabourn Pursuit located the Titania, a German supply ship that had been lost for 110 years. Resting 95 metres beneath the waves, the extraordinary find represented the first sighting of the Titania since it was intentionally sunk in 1914. 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced several important business updates, including the new Freedom Fare Price Promise, included gratuities and the transition to adults-only on Borealis. 

Research on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, proved that just five days at sea can boost cognitive abilities like memory, logical thinking, perception and problem-solving. The neuroscience study proved that Cunard’s iconic transatlantic cruises have significant benefits for mental and emotional well-being. 

Lastly, Cunard announced its partnership with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to help guests explore the stunning art collection aboard Queen Anne. As part of the collaboration, Russell and Robert created an immersive, self-guided Art Tour. 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was awarded ‘Best for Solo Travellers’ at Cruise Critic UK’s Best in Cruise Awards 2024. Praised for its outstanding programme for solo cruisers, including dedicated welcome drinks parties, mixed dining tables, solo traveller meet-ups and a wide range of solo cabins, the cruise line was recognised for its commitment to solo travellers. 

The final piece of news for the year came from Cunard. The cruise line revealed that acclaimed musician and Hootenanny host Jools Holland OBE and Britain’s best-selling jazz artist and BBC Radio 2 present Jamie Cullum will spend time onboard Queen Victoria in 2025.