Nothing beats being one of the first to sail on a new ship. This year will provide plenty of opportunities to see the world differently with the arrival of 10 new cruise ships.
We’ve compiled a list of the new arrivals below. Whether you’re looking for a luxury cruise holiday with classic lines like Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn or non-stop fun with family favourites MSC, NCL or Royal Caribbean, you’ll find it in 2023.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent joins Celebrity Cruises as the fourth and final addition to the revolutionary Edge Series. Like her sisters (Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond), she boasts a range of features that set her apart from other ocean-going vessels, like the Magic Carpet – a cantilevered bar that moves up and down the side of the ship. Celebrity Ascent will also offer the widest range of staterooms and suites across the fleet, including options for solo travellers.
Capacity: 3,260 guests
Launches: December 2023
Maiden voyage: Eastern Caribbean – Fort Lauderdale roundtrip
Included with Celebrity Cruises: Meals and drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi
Explora Journeys – Explora I
Explora I is the first of six planned vessels for up-and-coming ultra-luxury ocean journey provider Explora Journeys. Taking inspiration from the world’s finest hotels, the all-suite flagship will feature nine distinct restaurants and some of the best wellness facilities at sea, with the ocean at the centre of the experience.
Capacity: 900 guests
Launches: July 2023
Maiden voyage: A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords & the Arctic Circle – Southampton to Zeebrugge
Included with Explora Journeys: Meals and drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi
MSC Cruises – MSC Euribia
In the summer, MSC Cruises will continue to fuel the line’s growth with the addition of MSC Euribia. The new ship will join MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa as the third Meraviglia-Plus Class vessel and the second in the fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas.
Capacity: 6,300 guests
Launches: June 2023
Maiden voyage: Northern Europe – Kiel roundtrip
Included with MSC Cruises: Meals and drinks, entertainment and activities
Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva joins Norwegian Cruise Line as the second Prima Class ship. Like her sister ship, she is designed for guests to live life to the fullest, featuring the first three-level race track and the first free-fall dry slide at sea. When Norwegian Viva launches in the summer, she will become the largest cruise ship to homeport in San Juan.
Capacity: 3,200 guests
Launches: August 2023
Maiden voyage: Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain – Lisbon to Rome
Included with NCL: Meals and drinks, entertainment and activities
Oceania Cruises – Vista
See the world from a new perspective with the arrival of Oceania Cruises’ sixth ship, Vista, in the spring. In a first for the line, Vista will offer a new category of Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms designed for solo travellers. She will also serve up a fresh perspective on “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” with the addition of three new dining venues.
Capacity: 1,200 guests
Launches: May 2023
Maiden voyage: Founder’s Cruise – Rome to Venice
Included with Oceania Cruises: Flights and transfers, meals and drinks and Wi-Fi, plus your choice of complimentary shore excursions, onboard credit or a beverage package for two guests
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Seven Seas Grandeur
“The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet” is set to expand this winter with the addition of Seven Seas Grandeur. The third Explorer Class ship offers all-suite, all-balcony accommodation and promises one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry. Step aboard Seven Seas Grandeur in 2024 to enjoy an unforgettable all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise holiday.
Capacity: 750 guests
Launches: November 2023
Maiden voyage: A Magnificent Crossing – Barcelona to Miami
Included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Flights and transfers, meals and drinks, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions
Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas
Fans of Royal Caribbean International have been anticipating the arrival of Icon of the Seas since her construction began in 2021. At the end of the year, the family-friendly cruise line will introduce its most innovative vessel yet. As the world’s largest cruise ship, children can look forward to the most expansive waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides. Book the Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-storey suite with an in-room cinema – for the complete Icon of the Seas experience.
Capacity: 7,600 guests
Launches: Late 2023
Maiden voyage: Eastern Caribbean – Miami roundtrip
Included with Royal Caribbean International: Meals and drinks, entertainment and activities
Seabourn Cruises – Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn Pursuit joins Seabourn Cruises as the second expedition vessel. Like her sister ship, Seabourn Venture, she is purpose-built for exploring the world’s most remote regions, featuring an ice-strengthened hull and mission-ready facilities, including 24 Zodiacs, two submarines and various watersports equipment. Explorers will also benefit from having one of the most experienced Expedition Teams onboard. Get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime when Seabourn Pursuit launches towards the end of the year.
Capacity: 260 guests
Launches: October 2023
Maiden voyage: Wild Guianas to Amazon Basin – Barbados to Tobago
Included with Seabourn Cruises: Meals and drinks, gratuities and 24-hour room service
Silversea Cruises – Silver Nova
Silver Nova will redefine sustainable luxury cruising when she enters service in the summer and debuts as the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship. She will also boast one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry and offer the widest choice of bars and restaurants across the fleet. Silver Nova will also become the first Silversea Cruises ship to offer all-balcony suites and feature an outward-facing swimming pool with an infinity edge whirlpool.
Capacity: 720 guests
Launches: August 2023
Maiden voyage: Mediterranean – Venice roundtrip
Included with Silversea Cruises: Meals and drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Some voyages also include flights and transfers and daily shore excursions.
Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Saturn
Expand your horizons with the arrival of Viking Saturn, the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet. Like her sisters, the classified “small ship” will take guests to explore Europe and America’s less-visited regions, docking in small, hidden ports that larger ships can’t access. She will be ready to welcome guests over the age of 18 onboard in the spring.
Capacity: 930 guests
Launches: May 2023
Maiden voyage: Iconic Western Mediterranean – Rome to Barcelona
Included with Viking Ocean Cruises: Flights and transfers, meals and drinks, daily shore excursions and Wi-Fi
