Royal Caribbean International is reaching a significant milestone next year when it debuts its two largest cruise ships in the world in 2024, the Icon of the Seas and the Utopia of the Seas.
Here are some quick facts comparing the cruise line’s two newest ships:
Launch Date: Icon of the Seas: January 2024 Utopia of the Seas: July 2024
Class: The Icon of the Seas: Icon Class The Utopia of the Seas: Oasis Class
Powered by: Icon of the Seas: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Utopia of the Seas: Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Capacity: Icon of the Seas: 5,610 passengers Utopia of the Seas: 5,668 passengers
Sailing from: Icon of the Seas: Miami, Florida Utopia of the Seas: Port Canaveral, Florida
Itineraries: Icon of the Seas: Seven-day sailings Utopia of the Seas: Three-and-four-night weekend getaways
Vacation style: Icon of the Seas: Dubbed “the world’s best family vacation” Utopia of the Seas: Dubbed “the world’s biggest weekend”
MSC Cruises will be temporarily closing its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in 2024, to help prepare the island for the company’s growth plans.
“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be temporarily closed to MSC Cruises guests from April 7 to May 22, 2024, in order to make necessary guest experience enhancements and support the island’s future growth plans,” the company said in a statement.
“We are in contact with impacted guests and travel advisors to share updated itineraries and travel options,” MSC added.
Of note, the new World America debuts from PortMiami in early 2025 and will be the largest MSC ship to visit Ocean Cay.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is introducing the Caledonian Sky to its fleet. Acquired from APT Cruises earlier this year, the 114-guest expedition ship will debut for the Fiji-based brand in November 2023.
According to a statement available on Captain Cook’s website, the 1991-built vessel will replace the Reef Endeavour, ushering in a “new era of high-end cruise experiences never seen before in Fiji.”
Currently, the company’s sole vessel, the 168-guest Reef Endeavour has been in service for the company since 1996.
The arrival of the Caledonian Sky “elevates and expands the pioneering expeditions” that its original ship has undertaken since entering service, the company added.
Described as a “luxury expedition small ship,” the Caledonian Sky will sail to destinations that are otherwise unreachable, Captain Cook said, including the most remote parts of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
The program includes different three- to 14-night expeditions, all accompanied by a team of Marine Biologists and cultural experts.
The schedule also includes new itineraries for the 2024-25 season, such as a seven-night cruise to Southern Lau and Kadavu.
Sailing from Port Denarau, the expedition explores the remote southern Lau and Kadavu island groups and allows guests to witness the great sea reef while visiting islands including Dravuni, Moala, Fulaga, Mutuku, Beqa and Vatulele.
Also new is the 14-night Southern Lau and Tonga Whale Migration Cruise.
According to Captain Cook, the itinerary sails to the southern portion of the Lau group of islands before embarking on an expedition to the outer islands of Tonga during the whale migration period.
Originally built for Renaissance Cruises, the Caledonian Sky has sailed for several operators during its three-decade cruising career, including Noble Caledonia and Star Cruises.
According to Captain Cook, the vessel is “tailor-made” for the “adventurous sophisticated traveller” and offers “spacious boutique comfort” with just 57 ocean-view staterooms.
The ship also carries a fleet of ten zodiacs, the company said, in addition to a team of 70 crew members.
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