Cruising an ocean liner is a great experience, no matter the ship’s age. Some people even prefer older ships because they like the layout and features better. But just like a new car, it’s exciting to cruise on a new ship. You won’t be short on choices, as several major cruise lines have scheduled maiden voyages for their new cruise ships in 2023.
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Resilient Lady – March
When it debuts in the spring of 2023, Resilient Lady will be the third “lady ship” from Virgin Voyages. The ship, which can hold 2,770 people, will look and act like her sister ships, the Scarlet Lady and the Valiant Lady. As a result, you can look forward to exciting gatherings, mouthwatering cuisine, and many chances to detox and retox.
After her maiden season in the Greek Islands, Resilient Lady will sail to Australia for the Down Under’s warmer months. Third of Virgin Voyages’ “lady ships,” Resilient Lady will launch with adult-only cruises in spring. Carrying 2,770 passengers, the ship will have a similar design and attitude to Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady.
Itineraries: the Mediterranean and Australia/New Zealand
Viking Saturn – March
Viking Ocean Cruises has found a recipe for success with its tiny 930-passenger ships, and Viking Saturn will follow suit. When she debuts in early 2023, Viking Saturn will have all the hallmarks of the line’s previous successes. Such as specialized dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and at least one shore excursion available at each port of call.
Viking Saturn is a terrific option for adults (no one under 18 allowed) who like learning and enrichment in a stylish setting. Viking Saturn will also have the best-featured thermal spa at sea with a chic Scandinavian design.
Itineraries: the Mediterranean and Northern Europe
Oceania Vista – April
With it being the first brand-new ship for Oceania Cruises since 2012, the Vista, the first of the line’s Allura Class ships, will naturally debut several exciting new dining options and other amenities. Oceania’s Vista, set to debut in April 2023, will continue the line’s emphasis on exceptional cuisine with new locations, including Ember, serving American food. In addition, Aquamar Kitchen focuses on healthy fare (not surprising for a line that pioneered a plant-based menu).
Oceania is catering to people traveling alone or simply like their own company by adding a new type of balcony stateroom to the Vista: solo cabins. In addition, the Owners Suites and Vista Suites, the ship’s most luxurious accommodations, include Ralph Lauren Home furnishings and provide round-the-clock butler service.
Itineraries: Various
Seabourn Pursuit – April
The Seabourn Pursuit, scheduled to debut in September 2023, will bring the luxury of a Seabourn ocean cruise ship along with the exploration spirit of an expedition vessel. Just what does that signify? It combines PC6 Polar Class specifications, cutting-edge technology to reach distant places, and two submarines to complement the Zodiac trips and kayaking already available on deck.
Suites with double-height windows and telescopes for wildlife watching are unique to Seabourn Pursuit. They will not be available on the next Seabourn Venture adventure ship. However, all passengers are welcome to attend the Discovery Center’s and Excursion Lounge’s daily lectures, briefings, and enrichment events, presented by the ship’s naturalists and expedition guides.
Itineraries: Various
Explora Journeys Explora I – May
The new cruise line that MSC Cruises is launching, known as Explora Journeys, won’t have its first ship in service until 2023. Not much is known about Explora I at this time, but it is sure to be one of the biggest luxury cruise ships, with a capacity of 922 people. (That isn’t always negative since it means there will be more venues to explore and activities to indulge in.)
The ship has nine different dining “experiences,” and the smallest rooms are spacious at 377 square feet. In addition, there will be three outdoor pools, each with its own private cabana for guests to relax in. A fourth pool will feature a retractable glass canopy so guests may swim regardless of the weather.
Itineraries: Various
MSC Euribia – June
With the launch of two new cruise ships in 2023, MSC Cruises continues its impressive growth. One of these ships will be the first of a new premium expedition cruise line (see Explora Journeys).
Scheduled to arrive in June of 2023 is the MSC Euribia. The ship will be the third in the line’s Meraviglia-Plus Class and have a capacity of 6,334. It will be fueled by liquefied natural gas. While specifics are still sketchy, the ship will likely look similar to the MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa, sister ships.
Itineraries: Northern Europe and the Mediterranean
Silver Nova – July
Silver Nova will be the first premium Silversea ship to include all balconies when it debuts in the summer of 2023. In addition, the Silver Nova, which can carry up to 728 passengers, will be Silversea’s first hybrid-powered vessel to be completely emission-free while docked.
The Silver Nova will be the first ship to include an outside pool rather than an inside one. In addition, the ship’s S.A.L.T. culinary program, which has received widespread praise, will likely take center stage amid the ship’s seven other fine dining establishments.
Itineraries: Various
Norwegian Viva – August
The Norwegian Viva will be the second ship in NCL’s Prima Class and won’t debut until August 2023. However, its features will be similar to the Norwegian Prima’s in 2022. Drop-dry slides will make you scream, and a more extensive and better go-kart racetrack that snakes around the ship’s funnel is sure to please thrill-seekers.
The Haven, NCL’s ship-within-a-ship complex, will be located in the same aft location on Norwegian Viva as it is on Norwegian Prima. Suite-only amenities, including a pool, sundeck, restaurants, and bars, can be centralized in this manner, creating a more intimate atmosphere for guests of The Haven.
Itineraries: Mediterranean and Caribbean
Icon of the Seas – Fall
When a new line of Royal Caribbean ships debuts, it makes headlines. When the first Icon Class ship appears in the fall of 2023, it will make a splash thanks to the pioneering line that delivered you ships full of superlatives and the world’s biggest ships.
Icon of the Seas will carry fewer passengers than the biggest ship in the Oasis Class, Wonder of the Seas, with 5,600. As a first for Royal Caribbean, this vessel will use liquified natural gas as its primary fuel source.
But the big revelation will likely be the enormous sphere that has been hinted at. The orb, known as The Pearl, has a diameter of 50 feet and a height of 46 feet. A venue is expected to be located in the sphere due to lighting and air conditioning ducts. Royal has remained silent.
Itineraries: TBA
Carnival Jubilee – October
When it arrives in Galveston in October 2023, Carnival Jubilee will immediately overtake Carnival Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022) as the largest Carnival ship docked in Texas.
Bolt, the ship’s roller coaster, the larger Guy’s Burgers, Deck 6’s al fresco Patio, and the Red Frog tropical bar, which covers two levels, make the Carnival Jubilee exciting. Also, onboard this Carnival ship class are themed areas, and you can be sure that the Jubilee will feature at least one that is unique among its sister ships.
Itineraries: Caribbean
Seven Seas Grandeur – November
The third of a series of new ships for Regent, Seven Seas Grandeur will likely compete with sister ship Seven Seas Explorer for the title of “world’s most opulent cruise ship.” The Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Grandeur will cost $11,000 per night when it debuts in November 2023. The cruise line has already boasted that the ship would feature the largest cabins and the most attentive staff in the business.
Regarding gastronomy, Regent hopes to challenge sister line Oceania for top honors. The ship’s main dining room, Compass Rose, will be redesigned and join the ship’s four other eateries. The cuisine will highlight the most decadent dishes. In addition, you can count on eye-catching sculptures to decorate the space.
Itineraries: Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Panama Canal
Celebrity Ascent – December
Celebrity Ascent, the famous Edge Class’s last ship, will debut in December 2023. However, features like the Magic Carpet moveable deck, which serves as a restaurant, bar, and boarding area, first seen on the Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, are sure to return.
The limitless terraces will also be included. The first ships designed with solitary voyagers in mind will be those of the Celebrity Ascent fleet. In addition to the spacious Retreat, the more private Icon Villas and Edge Villas (including individual plunge pools) are available.
Itineraries: Caribbean
Brilliant Lady – December
Even though Virgin Voyages is a new player in the cruise industry, it doesn’t make it any less impressive. The line’s adult-only cruises offer a high-end, party-like environment that you won’t find on any other cruise line.
Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, will look similar to the others in the fleet. Though relatively little is known about the ship, guests may have several meal options. The ship will forgo the traditional buffet (and main dining rooms) standard on other cruise lines.
A substantial number of cabins will have a rock star motif and several fitness options. In addition, even the most basic fare packages will include amenities like WiFi and a beverage package.
Itineraries: Caribbean
Princess Sphere Class – Unknown
The first ship in the Princess Sphere Class will debut in the fall of 2023. At over 175,000 tons, it will be the largest ship in the fleet and the largest ship ever built in Italy, with a capacity of 4,300 passengers. Although work began in September 2021, little information about the ship, including its name, has been made public. The ship now goes by the anonymous shipyard identifier C-6310.