The Most Exciting New Ships Setting Sail in 2023

by Donna Heiderstadt

The Most Exciting New Ships Setting Sail in 2023

by Donna Heiderstadt

Like your ships shiny and new? You’re in luck because almost a dozen options — from yacht-inspired luxury vessels to crowd-pleasing megaships — will debut in 2023, offering incredible amenities and globe-spanning adventure. Here are 11 exciting new ships setting sail soon, plus two that are set to relaunch.

Like your ships shiny and new? You’re in luck because almost a dozen options — from yacht-inspired luxury vessels to crowd-pleasing megaships — will debut in 2023, offering incredible amenities and globe-spanning adventure. Here are 11 exciting new ships setting sail soon, plus two that are set to relaunch.

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Explora 1 / Courtesy of Explora Journeys
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Viking Saturn — April 2023

Viking’s river and ocean cruise business is based on the concept of offering a consistent experience for guests — and that includes building all of its 930-passenger ocean vessels exactly the same. The newest, Viking Saturn, debuts in April as the 9th ship in its ocean fleet. She'll feature the line’s signature serene Scandinavian-inspired décor and Liv Nordic Spa, which boasts a soothing thalassotherapy pool.

Viking’s river and ocean cruise business is based on the concept of offering a consistent experience for guests — and that includes building all of its 930-passenger ocean vessels exactly the same. The newest, Viking Saturn, debuts in April as the 9th ship in its ocean fleet. She'll feature the line’s signature serene Scandinavian-inspired décor and Liv Nordic Spa, which boasts a soothing thalassotherapy pool.

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Oceania Vista — May 2023

As the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Allura Class, the 1,200-guest Oceania Vista will debut in May in the Mediterranean and offer residential-style, all-veranda accommodations. The dining options — including the gleaming Grand Dining Room, Ember (which serves up inventive American cuisine), and the fan-favorite Red Ginger (where you'll find pan-Asian specialties) — are just as impressive, as is the onboard culinary center.

As the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Allura Class, the 1,200-guest Oceania Vista will debut in May in the Mediterranean and offer residential-style, all-veranda accommodations. The dining options — including the gleaming Grand Dining Room, Ember (which serves up inventive American cuisine), and the fan-favorite Red Ginger (where you'll find pan-Asian specialties) — are just as impressive, as is the onboard culinary center.

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Resilient Lady — May 2023

When Richard Branson entered the cruise industry with the 2020 debut of his first Virgin Voyages ship, Scarlet Lady, he offered an adults-only vibe with an onboard tattoo parlor, 20 restaurants (all included), and edgy entertainment. Resilient Lady, Virgin’s third ship in three years, will set sail in May from Piraeus, Greece; come winter, she'll cruise the Caribbean and Australia.

When Richard Branson entered the cruise industry with the 2020 debut of his first Virgin Voyages ship, Scarlet Lady, he offered an adults-only vibe with an onboard tattoo parlor, 20 restaurants (all included), and edgy entertainment. Resilient Lady, Virgin’s third ship in three years, will set sail in May from Piraeus, Greece; come winter, she'll cruise the Caribbean and Australia.

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MSC Euribia — June 2023

Named for ancient sea-faring goddess Eurybia, the massive MSC Euribia (which can hold up to 6,327 guests!) will debut in northern Europe in June before cruising the Mediterranean. The LNG-powered vessel continues MSC’s plan to reduce environmental impact while offering all the hallmarks of a Meraviglia-class ship: five pools, intricate water parks, colorful kids clubs, and an LED-domed Galleria lined with shops and specialty restaurants.

Named for ancient sea-faring goddess Eurybia, the massive MSC Euribia (which can hold up to 6,327 guests!) will debut in northern Europe in June before cruising the Mediterranean. The LNG-powered vessel continues MSC’s plan to reduce environmental impact while offering all the hallmarks of a Meraviglia-class ship: five pools, intricate water parks, colorful kids clubs, and an LED-domed Galleria lined with shops and specialty restaurants.

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Explora 1 — July 2023

Explora Journeys, a new, small-ship luxury line (which also happens to be a division of MSC Cruises), will debut in July with the christening of Explora 1. The 922-passenger ship is the first of six planned environmentally conscious vessels that will sail seven- to 35-night-long itineraries in regions from northern Europe to South America. Amenities include nine inclusive dining experiences, four pools, and 10 bars and lounges.

Explora Journeys, a new, small-ship luxury line (which also happens to be a division of MSC Cruises), will debut in July with the christening of Explora 1. The 922-passenger ship is the first of six planned environmentally conscious vessels that will sail seven- to 35-night-long itineraries in regions from northern Europe to South America. Amenities include nine inclusive dining experiences, four pools, and 10 bars and lounges.

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Silver Nova — August 2023

Marking the debut of a novel asymmetrical design that orients the pool deck toward the starboard side for panoramic views — plus aft suites offering 270-degree vistas — the 728-guest Silver Nova is the 11th ship in Silversea’s fleet. Slated to set sail in August, the vessel will cruise the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America. Passengers can take their pick of eight restaurants, including the beloved S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which offers destination-inspired menus.

Marking the debut of a novel asymmetrical design that orients the pool deck toward the starboard side for panoramic views — plus aft suites offering 270-degree vistas — the 728-guest Silver Nova is the 11th ship in Silversea’s fleet. Slated to set sail in August, the vessel will cruise the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America. Passengers can take their pick of eight restaurants, including the beloved S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which offers destination-inspired menus.

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Norwegian Viva — August 2023

As the younger sister of 2022’s Norwegian Prima, the 3,219-passenger Norwegian Viva will feature the same dining innovations and eye-catching contemporary décor in its airy staterooms (some of which are specially designed for solo cruisers), a dazzling atrium, and inviting bars and lounges. Both sophisticated and family-friendly, this ship will offer ample deck space with sleek infinity pools, corkscrew slides, and a three-level Viva Speedway. 

As the younger sister of 2022’s Norwegian Prima, the 3,219-passenger Norwegian Viva will feature the same dining innovations and eye-catching contemporary décor in its airy staterooms (some of which are specially designed for solo cruisers), a dazzling atrium, and inviting bars and lounges. Both sophisticated and family-friendly, this ship will offer ample deck space with sleek infinity pools, corkscrew slides, and a three-level Viva Speedway. 

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Seabourn Pursuit — September 2023

Luxury expedition cruising has become increasingly popular as travelers continue to seek out bucket-list destinations. What's more, with the September debut of Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn will have two 264-passenger vessels exploring remote locales such as Antarctica and the Amazon. Pursuit will offer world-class amenities, spacious staterooms, and relaxing lounges— along with a 26-person expedition team, two submarines, and 24 Zodiacs.

Luxury expedition cruising has become increasingly popular as travelers continue to seek out bucket-list destinations. What's more, with the September debut of Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn will have two 264-passenger vessels exploring remote locales such as Antarctica and the Amazon. Pursuit will offer world-class amenities, spacious staterooms, and relaxing lounges— along with a 26-person expedition team, two submarines, and 24 Zodiacs.

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Carnival Jubilee — November 2023

Carnival Cruise Lines has mastered the art of fun: The 5,374-guest Carnival Jubilee, which will sail the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas come November, is the third megaship in the festive Mardi Gras-class (the other is 2022’s Celebration) to promise a giant party at sea. Onboard amenities and entertainment offerings abound, including two-dozen-plus restaurants and bars, a WaterWorks aqua park, Family Feud Live, and a top-deck BOLT rollercoaster.

Carnival Cruise Lines has mastered the art of fun: The 5,374-guest Carnival Jubilee, which will sail the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas come November, is the third megaship in the festive Mardi Gras-class (the other is 2022’s Celebration) to promise a giant party at sea. Onboard amenities and entertainment offerings abound, including two-dozen-plus restaurants and bars, a WaterWorks aqua park, Family Feud Live, and a top-deck BOLT rollercoaster.

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Regent Seven Seas Grandeur — November 2023

Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of Regent’s Explorer-class ships, will debut in November with a trans-Atlantic crossing followed by a slew of Caribbean sailings. This vessel will also feature the most expensive art collection at sea, anchored by the first Fabergé egg to permanently reside on a cruise ship. Other highlights include seven gourmet dining venues, sophisticated lounges, a gleaming spa, and luxurious balcony suites.

Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of Regent’s Explorer-class ships, will debut in November with a trans-Atlantic crossing followed by a slew of Caribbean sailings. This vessel will also feature the most expensive art collection at sea, anchored by the first Fabergé egg to permanently reside on a cruise ship. Other highlights include seven gourmet dining venues, sophisticated lounges, a gleaming spa, and luxurious balcony suites.

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Celebrity Ascent — December 2023

The evolution of Celebrity’s Edge-series ships continues with the December debut of Celebrity Ascent, the fourth vessel in the class known for the tangerine-hued Magic Carpet bar and lounge. Guests aboard this brand-new, 3,260-passenger ship can also expect signature martini-shaped hot tubs and 32 food and beverage experiences, including the Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar.

The evolution of Celebrity’s Edge-series ships continues with the December debut of Celebrity Ascent, the fourth vessel in the class known for the tangerine-hued Magic Carpet bar and lounge. Guests aboard this brand-new, 3,260-passenger ship can also expect signature martini-shaped hot tubs and 32 food and beverage experiences, including the Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar.

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Bonus: The Relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

The countdown is on: Fans of Crystal Cruises can look forward to the return to service of both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony for the 2023-2024 cruise season. Both vessels are currently undergoing refurbishments after being purchased in mid-2022 by British travel company A&K Travel Group Ltd. and holding company Heritage Group. Itineraries are expected to be announced shortly.

The countdown is on: Fans of Crystal Cruises can look forward to the return to service of both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony for the 2023-2024 cruise season. Both vessels are currently undergoing refurbishments after being purchased in mid-2022 by British travel company A&K Travel Group Ltd. and holding company Heritage Group. Itineraries are expected to be announced shortly.

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