If you've been on a cruise recently, you understand the feeling of your vacation passing in the blink of an eye. While it's important to live in the moment, photos can help us relive unforgettable moments and capture details we might otherwise forget.
The most memorable cruise photos of 2024 ranged from breathtaking aerial shots to pictures that showcase the variety of destinations you can visit on a ship, such as Alaska and Norway.
Each photo shared just one moment of a traveler's journey, highlighting natural landscapes and marvelous ships that act not just as a floating resort but also as a gateway to unforgettable adventures.
Over 5 new ships launched in 2024, including the massive Icon of the Seas
One shot by @htwoimages displays the vibrant Surfside Neighborhood onboard Icon of the Seas. This brand-new area highlights family-friendly fun and breathtaking ocean views.
While cruising is often about exploring new ports of call, sometimes, the best part about the story is the journey itself. While en route to tropical destinations, families can take advantage of all the amenities in Surfside, including splash zones, an arcade, climbable Playscape, and more.
Plus, there are places to grab a bite to eat, so you never have to stray far from the fun. Surfside also features a bar with carefully crafted cocktails for adults and kid-approved mocktails.
Another photo of Icon of the Seas shows how gigantic the 248,663 gross registered ton vessel is
Sometimes, it's hard to conceptualize how large a cruise ship is. However, this photo taken by @cruiselifematt shows Icon of the Seas next to a smaller Vision Class ship, highlighting the sheer scale of Icon.
The image captures the cutting-edge design of the first-ever Icon Class ship and serves as a visual reminder that Icon isn't your average cruise vacation.
With features like the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, the largest ice skating rink at sea, and the first-ever enclosed AquaTheater, it is a floating destination in and of itself.
Read more: Icon of the Seas to MSC Seaside: Our favorite ships and itineraries of 2024
Sun Princess made waves as the newest ship for Princess Cruises
After entering service and beginning her career in Europe, Sun Princess headed across the Atlantic for a seasonal stint in Florida, offering cruises to the Caribbean. A photograph taken by @cruise_for_life shows the 177,882 gross registered ton vessel, along with the Enchanted Princess, departing from Port Everglades, Florida.
Sun Princess is unlike any ship in Princess' fleet, thanks to its innovative design and luxurious amenities. Everything from upscale cabins with glass shower doors to the jaw-dropping Dome featuring aerial shows and even brand-new specialty restaurants will impress cruisers loyal to the Princess brand and those embarking on a "Love Boat" for the first time.
Disney Treasure is the newest ship to enter service
One standout shot from the Disney Treasure captured by @mickeytravels showcases Walt Disney's "thirst for adventure." When you step foot onboard, guests are transported to the land of Agrabah, home of Aladdin and Jasmine.
The color scheme and design derive from the Magic Carpet. And if you think the layout looks familiar, it's because it's meant to bring to mind Jasmine's courtyard and the animals from the beloved film.
What else is new? Disney The Male of Moana Broadway-style show, Plaza de Coco, a fresh take at the Worlds of Marvel dining experience, 1923 adventure-themed restaurant, a Haunted Mansion-inspired bar, and more.
Speaking of Disney, the family-friendly cruise line welcomed guests to its new private destination in The Bahamas this year
What's better than spending time with Mickey and Minnie on a cruise ship? Getting to hang with them at a tropical island paradise!
This year, Disney welcomed guests to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point for the first time, and @destinationsbydara captured the magic perfectly in a stunning photo of the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
Located on the island of Eleuthera, Disney's Lookout Cay offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, cultural experiences, and plenty of Disney magic. You'll find exclusive merchandise, adults-only areas, local artisans, and more!
While not a brand-new ship, Carnival Jubilee entered service in December 2023 with most of her inaugural season happening in 2024
Carnival Jubilee features the latest innovations that continue the Carnival tradition of fun, family-friendly voyages. The third Excel Class in Carnival's fleet, Jubilee sails exclusively from Galveston, Texas, to the Western Caribbean, stopping at ports like Mahogany Bay, Honduras, where @luv_to_cruise took this amazing photo of the ship surrounded by palm trees and clear blue waters.
The 183,521 gross registered ton ship has a sleek and modern design—a stark departure from older Carnival ships. She boasts an exciting array of amenities, including the third-ever roller coaster at sea and elevated dining options like Rudi's Seagrill.
Because Jubilee sails of Texas, you can expect tons of tributes to the Lone Star State, from the state's star proudly displayed on the ship's bow to the Lone Star Tailgate where you can learn line dances and listen to tunes by Texan artists.
If you're debating an Alaska cruise, this is your sign to start planning!
Is there a better way to cruise through Glacier Bay National Park than sipping a bottle of wine from your stateroom's private verandah? @durstockdestinations doesn't think so.
Alaska is the perfect cruise destination for those who love stunning landscapes and adventure. From watching tours to exploring historic gold rush towns, every port of call offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich history of The Last Frontier.
Your time onboard offers plenty of opportunities to gaze at the snowcapped mountains and towering fjords, whether from your stateroom's balcony or one of the ship's decks.
Read more: 14 lessons learned after I tried my first Alaska cruise
Norway is another scenic destination that can't be missed
Norway’s coastline is famous for its dramatic fjords, such as the Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, which are often narrower and more rugged than the fjords of Alaska. @cruisequeendee ventured to Norway with P&O Cruises, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Hjørundfjorden.
Earlier this year, Norway delayed the cruise ship ban that was supposed to go into effect in 2026. Now, ships measuring over 10,000 gross registered tons will be allowed to sail through the fjords until 2032.
This extension allows cruise lines to continue offering incredible voyages through some of the world’s most pristine and protected landscapes to explore places like Pulpit Rock, Briksdal Glacier, and more via cruise ship.
Some cruisers opted for an adults-only getaway
Virgin Voyages is unlike any other cruise line, offering a bold take on cruising for adults. @kalialexandria sailed onboard the beautiful Valiant Lady to the Southern Caribbean and snapped a picture of the ship off the coast of Martinique.
Unlike other mainstream cruise lines, you won't find massive dining rooms on Virgin ships. Instead, Virgin wanted to create a variety of intimate restaurants that feel more like exploring a city’s best restaurants. They also got rid of the traditional cruise ship buffet in favor of food halls with made-to-order dishes.
The onboard atmosphere focuses on adult travelers, meaning you'll find activities like drag queen bingo, pajama parties, and more.
Read more: I've been on 15 cruises, but my first Virgin Voyage was different from any other
You can't go wrong with a cruise to Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island
This aerial shot of CocoCay taken by @kaupo.kalda captures the beauty of this tropical paradise. While the island boasts exciting attractions and amenities, the high vantage point showcases the stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches that make Perfect Day at CocoCay a true gem.
Aside from the beaches, the island offers a range of experiences for every type of traveler, such as Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, the massive Oasis Lagoon pool, and the adults-only Hideaway Beach.
Because of its popularity, you can find itineraries to CocoCay on a variety of ships, such as the brand-new Icon and Utopia of the Seas to the more intimate Vision of the Seas.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
