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In the ever-evolving landscape of travel and leisure, 2024 promises a wave of excitement with the unveiling of stunning new cruises, opulent hotels, and breathtaking resorts. Join me as I embark on a tour of the most anticipated openings, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences on land and sea.
Sailing in Style: The Hottest New Cruise Ships
The cruise industry is thriving, and this year brings a number of new ships into service. From cutting-edge amenities to immersive itineraries, these vessels redefine the cruising experience. Get ready to cruise in style with the latest additions to the high seas with these new ships:
Ocean Cruises
The Viking Vela is a small ship that is due to set sail in December. The ship will spend its inaugural season offering winter cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe
Princess Cruise Line's Sun Princess will debut this spring in the Mediterranean. This sleek ship will include a family activity area and a multi-use geodesic dome, which changes function from day to night.
Ilma, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's newest yacht, is set to welcome 456 guests this fall. Each bright luxurious room features a private terrace, and guests can choose between five restaurants, six bars and a wine vault offering culinary experiences to please every palate. The yacht’s aft Marina includes space where you can dine alfresco or enjoy watersports directly from the yacht.
The Explora II is Explora Journey's ultra-luxury ship that will be selling the Mediterranean starting this August. With 461 Ocean-front suites, 9 culinary experiences, 3 outdoor and1 indoor pool, and five-star service,
Silversea's stunning Silver Ray will be one of the world's most environmentally friendly ships, and is set to sail the Mediterranean this summer.
While Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is currently making waves as the largest cruise ship ever, Utopia of the Seas is right on her heels. The last ship in the Oasis class will spend her days with 3 and 4-night sailings to Nassau, Bahamas and Coco Cay.
The new Queen Anne is entering service for Cunard Line on May 3, 2024. As the first newbuild commissioned for the British brand in over ten years, the 3,000-guest vessel is scheduled to spend its maiden season offering itineraries to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and more.
The much anticipated Disney Treasure will be sailing the Caribbean and the Bahamas for her inaugural season. A new show based on Moana will be features, and the same memorable experiences are to be expected.
Virgin Voyages will finally be receiving the Brilliant Lady, which was originally slated to sail in 2023. While details are not available yet, I do know she is set to sail this spring!
River Cruises
AmaWaterways will debut the AmaMagdalena this November (followed by her sister, AmaMelodia in 2025) and will sail a new 7-day itinerary on Colombia's Magdalena River, between Barranquilla and Cartagena.
Avalon Waterways will be sailing the Douro in Portugal with its newest ship, the Alegria. The eight day itinerary will be available starting this April.
Luxury Redefined: Unveiling 5-Star Hotels in 2024
Step into a world of sophistication and indulgence as I highlight a few of 5-star hotel grand openings that promise nothing but the best. Discover architectural marvels, exquisite interiors, and impeccable service as we showcase the epitome of luxury accommodations.
Banyan Tree Veya, in Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, is just 90-minutes from the U.S. border, and will offer 30-villas on sixteen acres of Grenache vineyards, botanical gardens, and natural landscape. The spa is rumored to be amazing!
The Corinthia Rome, a 60 room property, will be opening on Parliament Square, putting you in an incredible location to explore the city.
The Mandarin Oriental is opening a second location in London's highly desirable Mayfair neighborhood. The newly built hotel will feature a large indoor pool and Japanese cuisine by Michelin star chef Akira Back.
Montego Bay by Montage Hotel & Resorts will be is the Bahamas' newest "it" accommodation. Each of the 50 rooms has a private pool, and there will be access to a 46-slip dock. Those wanting to experience this 48-acre property should be ready for an adventure, as the only way to get here is by boat or sea plane.
One&Only Resorts will be opening two beachfront locations in Greece...one on the Athenian Riviera and the second on Kea Island (Cyclades). These ultra-luxury properties have spectacular views and offer exceptional service.
If you want to stay in a lakefront fortress, look no further than the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. Rosewood has restored the historic 15th century property, while updating the rooms and amenities. The hotel is approximately 25 minutes from Salzburg.
The St. Regis Cap Cana is a beachfront resort with 200 rooms and 70 residences. Thanks to the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada Golf Club, the St. Regis Cap Cana is slated to be one of Dominican Republic's top golf destinations in 2024.
Resort Escapes: The Pinnacle of Relaxation in 2024
Escape to paradise with these new resorts in 2024. Whether nestled in tropical havens or perched on scenic mountainsides, these resorts offer an unparalleled blend of comfort and adventure.
Sandal's Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Resort is set to open this March. The 50-acre property will consist of 301 rooms, suites and villas, including its first-ever two-story overwater villas, as well as sixteen food and beverage concepts that utilize local produce and seafood.
Wellness travelers will enjoy the Six Senses La Sagesse in Granada. The 38-acre resort will offer 71 suites and villas that were built using repurposed materials, locally grown and sourced food, and various excursion opportunities.
Those looking for a lively, adults-only atmosphere will love the Royalton CHIC Antigua. The resort features 235 rooms and suites, five bars, seven restaurants, the Royal Spa, and four pools. Daily activities will keep you active and entertained.
Hyatt is expanding it's all-inclusive presence in Cancun with two new properties: the adults-only Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, and the family friendly Dreams Grand Island. While not all details have been confirmed, this is what I have:
The Hyatt Vivid Grand Island will have 11 restaurants, 6 bars, 3 pools, and access to a nearby beach club.
The new Dreams property will have a minimum of 8 additional restaurants plus multiple bars. Dreams Grand Island is supposed to have its own rooftop pool as well.
The Hyatt Vivid Grand will have one of the largest rooftop pools in Cancun.
Both resorts will share a spa and gym
Marriott International is opening it’s first-ever all-inclusive property, the Marriott Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort. Marriott Cancun will be family friendly and include modern rooms and international cuisine.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is a new adults-only all-inclusive resort that includes 79 luxurious suites, a two-star Michelin consulting chef with creative dining experiences, a wine selection inspired by the proximity to Mexico’s fine wine region, and innovative spa treatments inspired by Mexican culture, and more. Guest will have complimentary access to sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos’ gourmet restaurants and bars.
This year promises an exciting array of new ships, hotels, and resorts that will be waiting for you on your travels. If you're ready to start planning your first getaway of the year, give me a call or click the link below to get started. The world is waiting!