United Kingdom
USACruise ships may already be plentiful in number but 2023 heralds the arrival of many more exciting new vessels across multiple cruise lines and cruising styles. Here’s the full list of upcoming ocean ships.
Cruise ships may already be plentiful in number but 2023 heralds the arrival of many more exciting new vessels across multiple cruise lines and cruising styles. Here’s the full list of upcoming ocean ships.
Number of passengers: 192
Launch date: March
The first of the new cruise ships launching in 2023 is from Swan Hellenic which was revived in 2020, marking the return of the 70-year-old British discovery cruise brand under new ownership and with new ships.
The third boutique expedition vessel is the largest and has been designed with an ice-strengthened hull to explore some of the world’s most remote regions. Multiple observation points will provide passengers with the best views of passing scenery and wildlife.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 228
Launch date: April
Two helicopters and a submersible are the highlights on Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ second discovery ship. Technological enhancements, such as an ice-strengthened hull, will enable it to navigate all seas, including the polar waters of Antarctica and the Arctic.
With eight restaurants, dining options are extensive for a ship of its size and if you’re staying in the top suites there’s the invitation-only Chef’s Table.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 2,700
Launch date: May
The third of Virgin Voyages’ head-turning vessels continues to redefine mainstream cruise ship design. Cabins have hammocks on the balconies and beds that turn into sofas by day.
For the ultimate bragging rights sailors (as passengers are called) should check out the Mega RockStar suites complete with electric guitars and vinyl turntables.
Sexy shows and an onboard drag queen replace traditional song and dance routines on this adult-only ship.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 1,200
Launch date: May
Offering value-for-money cruises for British passengers, Ambassador Cruise Line is welcoming its second vessel. The classic-style Ambition was built in 1999 and has undergone several renovations since its last sailing as the AIDAMira.
It will be given another facelift before sailing for Tilbury-based Ambassador which is mainly targeted at the 50-plus market.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 1,200
Launch date: May
Solo travellers can sail in style on Oceania Cruises’ first two Allura Class vessels. The line’s officers and crew members put forward ideas for the ship’s design and new features include balcony cabins for single passengers.
Swanky Owner’s Suites have been styled by Ralph Lauren Home. Elsewhere, the grand dining room has a high ceiling lit by chandeliers and the lobby will showcase a sweeping staircase and crystal pillar.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 930
Launch date: May
A snow grotto is among the Scandi-cool – quite literally in this case – features you’ll find on board the latest in Viking’s near-identical fleet of ocean ships.
The huge Owner’s suite even has its own private sauna. Unlike many other cruise lines, speciality restaurants are included in the fare and include Italian Manfredi’s, the Chef’s Table with tasting menus and Mamsen’s showcasing Scandinavian fare.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 1,904
Launch date: June
Brit-friendly line Marella Cruises welcomes its fifth ship to the fleet. Previously sailing as
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Herz, the vessel is being completely renovated ahead of sailing
under its new name.
The family-friendly ship will feature familiar Marella favourites, such as Nonna’s Italian restaurant, plus an all-new Mexican eatery and speakeasy bar. Marella
Voyager will sail in the Mediterranean during the maiden season before relocating to the
Caribbean in winter 2023.
Number of passengers: 4,888
Launch date: June
You can’t miss MSC’s latest addition to its growing fleet. Artists were invited to enter a competition to create the artwork adorning the entire hull and Alex Flamig won with his striking marine-themed design reflecting the line’s commitment to the environment.
Youngsters will love splashing around in the Coral Reef Aquapark, one of the largest at sea, while adults can chill in the serene Zen zone.
The ship will be named at a christening ceremony in Copenhagen on June 8 before embarking on its inaugural season in Northern Europe on June 10.
Set Sail
Launch date: August
An exciting newcomer on the luxury cruise ship scene is Explora Journeys. An offshoot of the giant MSC Group, the line’s first ship EXPLORA I will depart from Copenhagen on its maiden voyage.
Worldwide journeys will take passengers to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Americas and more. Itineraries will feature longer stays and overnights in ports to provide more time to explore ashore.
Number of passengers: 3,219
Launch date: August
Move your cruise holiday up a gear on the latest ship to join Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. Zip round the three-level go-kart track which is NCL’s largest and can accommodate up to 15 racers at a time.
Thrill-seekers can also get their adrenaline hit on the two dry slides, The Rush and The Drop, which swoop down ten decks. Or simply relax on the spacious pool deck.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 100
Launch date: August
The next best thing to having your own yacht is setting sail on Emerald Cruises’ second superyacht Emerald Sakara. OK, you will have to share it with other passengers, but that’s hardly a hardship on this sleek vessel which has an infinity pool and marina platform with fun toys including a water trampoline.
Itineraries include the Seychelles, which is a new destination for the line.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 728
Launch date: August
Ticking off a list of first for Silversea, this ship will the first to feature all-balcony cabins, it will be the largest and most spacious in the fleet and the most environmentally friendly.
Large areas of glass have been incorporated into the design, including lifts with glass walls overlooking the sea. The pool will be on one side of the ship to have uninterrupted views.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 264
Launch date: October
Taking expedition sailing to thrilling new depths, Seabourn’s expedition ship will have two submersibles. Each will carry six passengers and the pilot on underwater expeditions to depths of 984 feet.
With levels of luxury found on the line’s other small ships, this latest addition will offer high levels of comfort and personal service as it embarks on adventurous voyages in remote destinations.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 732
Launch date: November
Live (and sail) the luxe life aboard the sixth ship to join the Regent Seven Seas fleet. The fittingly named Grandeur is the sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer, described as the world’s most luxurious cruise ship when it first launched.
Expect plenty of eye-catching features such as the cascading waterfall sculpture at the entrance to the restaurant leading to a ‘forest’ of illuminated crystal-covered trees inside.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 3,260
Launch date: December
Completing the quartet of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships, this classy vessel has been shaped by celebrity interior designers including Kelly Hoppen.
Sip tempting hand-crafted cocktails in the multi-venue restaurant, bar and entertainment area Eden or hang out on the Magic Carpet (pictured). The glass-enclosed platform is on the outside of the ship and a highlight is a special dinner held there once or twice per cruise.
Set SailNumber of passengers: 5,400
Launch date: December
Brits will be among the first to get on board this new cruise ship as it will leave Southampton on a maiden voyage crossing the Atlantic to sunnier climes.
As well as the white-knuckle BOLT rollercoaster, which debuted on sister ships Mardi Gras and Celebration, Carnival has promised there will be some all-new “surprises” on its third Excel Class vessel.
Set Sail
Number of passengers: 2,700
Launch date: December
Not content with launching one ship in 2023, Virgin Voyages founder Richard Branson pushes the proverbial and literal boat out with the fourth vessel in the fleet.
Set Sail
