The Biggest Cruise News Stories of September 2024

From the end of Royal Caribbean International’s viral 9-month cruise to a major industry player stepping down, these were the biggest cruise news stories of September 2024.

More Solar Eclipse Cruises Added for 2026

The April 2024 total solar eclipse captivated millions of people—and cruise lines are hoping to capitalize by offering special sailings during the August 2026 total solar eclipse. 

This month, several cruise lines unveiled additional eclipse departures, including Princess Cruises, Azamara Cruises and Seabourn.

Royal Caribbean International's Viral World Cruise Came to an End

For nine months, travelers have been sailing around the world aboard Royal Caribbean International’s ship Serenade of the Seas—and sharing viral videos of their life at sea. The cruise came to an end this month as passengers disembarked in Miami on September 10 after visiting 160 destinations. 

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas cruise ship heading to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/NAN)

Viking Returns to China

Viking returned to China this month, with the Viking Yi Dun (formerly the Viking Sun) making its first voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong (Shenzhen). The line will offer ocean cruises in China from now through November aboard the 930-guest ship.

Next year, the company will expand its footprint in Asia and offer new itineraries that visit Japan.

Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Food and Drink Offerings at Celebration Key

Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s highly anticipated new private destination on Grand Bahama. This month, the cruise line shared more details about the food and drink offerings that will be available when Celebration Key officially opens in July 2025.

Travelers who visit the destination can choose from more than 30 venues, some of which will offer free lunch menus. 

Avalon Waterways Celebrates Record River Cruise Sales

The year isn’t even over yet and, already, 2024 has been Avalon Waterways’ strongest sales year ever. The river cruise line also revealed that 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50 percent year-over-year.

Avalon Waterways' Avalon Illumination on the Rhine River. (photo via Globus family of brands) (Photo Credit: globus family of brands Media License)

Explora II Sets Sail

September was a big month for Explora II, the newest ship from Explora Journeys. Marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni was selected to be the ship’s godmother. A few days later, the line took delivery of the new ship from Fincantieri. Then, after a christening ceremony, the ship set sail for the first time from Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome. 

Kelly Craighead to Step Down from CLIA

The cruise industry is preparing to say goodbye to a long-time industry advocate. Kelly Craighead, the president and chief executive officer of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), announced this month that she’ll be stepping down at the end of the year.

Disney Treasure Moves Ahead

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, marked a key milestone this month. The 4,000-guest vessel left the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and headed down the Ems River toward the North Sea, where it will undergo sea trials. The ship is scheduled to debut in December.

Riviera River Cruises to Launch New Ship in 2026

Amid continued strong demand for European river cruises, Riviera River Cruises announced this month that it will launch a new ship in 2026. Called the Riviera Resplendence, the vessel will accommodate up to 178 passengers.

This month, the company also shared an important policy update: Travel advisors will receive their full commission if clients cancel a booking within 15 days of departure. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces the Norwegian Luna

Also this month, Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the name of its newest ship: the Norwegian Luna. The Prima Plus Class vessel will begin sailing from Miami on April 4, 2026.

The ship’s hull will be decorated with a piece of art called “La Luna” by California-based street artist ELLE, who has worked with brands like Nike, Reebok and Ralph Lauren. 

Travel Advisors Boosted Their Knowledge

September was a busy month for many travel advisors as they boosted their knowledge of several cruise brands. 

More than 300 advisors from the U.S. and Canada joined a HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) sailing from Vancouver to Seattle aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen—the line’s largest FAM trip to date.

Travel advisors also learned more about Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination on Grand Bahama, during the company’s “Your Peek at Paradise” event series.

Prince Tribute Show Coming to Sea

When the new Norwegian Aqua debuts in April 2025, guests will be able to attend a Prince tribute show called  “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.” 

The immersive show will pay homage to the late performing artist, with popular songs like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “Purple Rain” and more. 

Richard Branson Officiates Weddings

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, officiated three weddings this month as Virgin Voyages kicked off its nuptials offerings.

Starting this fall, travelers can book their wedding with the cruise line for dates in April 2025 and beyond. The company will also help guests celebrate engagements, honeymoons and vow renewals.

Virgin Voyages Weddings officiated by Sir Richard Branson (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

Quark Expeditions Takes to the Skies

Cruising isn’t just about hitting the water—it’s also about taking to the skies. At least that’s the case for guests of Quark Expeditions, which recently completed flightseeing excursions over the remote Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic. This month, the expedition line also unveiled a new Antarctica itinerary that gives travelers an opportunity to soar over the White Continent in a helicopter. 

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