The 7 New Cruise Ships Debuting Next Year TMR Is Most Excited About

As will be the case for the next few years, there’s lots for cruisers to look forward to in 2023, including 13 brand new ocean-going cruise ships. Ships run the gamut from large to small and include the very first vessel from Explora Journeys and a first-in-class ship for Oceania Cruises. Other cruise ships entering service in 2023 include next-in-class ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and more.

With so many options, it’s hard to decide which is the most exciting, but Travel Market Report cornered each member of our team to find out which cruise ship has us the most jazzed.

Anne Marie Moebes, publisher & co-founder – Vista (April 2023)
When it launches in April of 2023, Oceania Vista will be the first new cruise ship for Oceania Cruises in more than a decade (the last was Oceania Riviera in 2012.) The all-balcony Oceania Vista will hold 1,200 passengers at double occupancy and feature the line’s first cabins designed for solo travelers.

Highlights

• Dining: With 12 dining experiences onboard, the 1,200-passenger ship will rival some of the largest ships out there for dining variety. Options will include the all-new Ember restaurant, along with the wellness-inspired Aquamar Kitchen, Polo Grill, Toscana, Red Ginger and others.
• New Cabin Category: Recognizing the growing number of solo travelers, Oceania Vista will introduce Concierge Solo Veranda staterooms, created specifically for cruises who travel on their own. The six cabins in this category will measure 270 square feet, have a sitting area, a full bath and special perks including free laundry service, unlimited use of the Aquamar spa Terrace and access to the Concierge Lounge.
• Customer Service: Two to three crew members for every three guests, one of the best crew-to-guest ratios in the premium cruise category.

Brian Israel, Co-Publisher – Explora I (July 2023)
Ever since MSC Group announced its new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, we at Travel Market Report have been waiting for the launch of the first ship, Explora I. The all-balcony ship will feature mostly-inclusive fares, staterooms starting at an industry-leading 377 square feet and a crew-to-passenger rating of one to 1.25.

Highlights

• Dining: Six restaurants included in the cruise fare, ranging including a unique anthology-themed venue showcasing global cuisines from all over the world, along with restaurants serving Pan Asian, Mediterranean, French and more.
• Outdoor Space: Like sister brand MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys will outfit Explora I with large swaths of outdoor space (27,000 square feet total) including four swimming pools, hot tubs, private cabanas and more.
• Luxury Accommodations: Even the most “basic” suites onboard Explora I will feel luxurious with all having a private balcony (with daybed and al fresco dining space), walk-in wardrobe, heated bathroom floors, personal minibar replenished according to guest preferences and amenities like a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, binoculars for on-ship use and personal refillable water bottles to take home.

Jennifer Arango, regional director of sales – Silver Nova (August 2023)
The first in Silversea's Nova Class, the all-balcony Silver Nova (a first for Silversea) will be the largest ship in the Silversea fleet. It will feature an all-new asymmetrical design designed to create more exterior views and will have the Silversea fleet’s higher space-to-guest ratio and a crew-to-guest ratio of one-to-1.3.

Highlights

• Hybrid Technology: Silver Nova will feature a unique hybrid technology that combines liquid natural gas, fuel cells and batteries, and shore power (where available). At select ports, Silver Nova will run exclusively on the fuel cells and batteries, making it 100% emissions free.
• Suite Choices: With 13 staterooms categories, Silver Nova will offer the largest choice of suites in the Silversea fleet, ranging in size from 357 to 1,323 square feet. All come with a private balcony, walk-in closet and Silversea’s signature butler service.
• Signature Silversea Dining: There will be eight restaurants on Silver Nova including signature Silversea venues such as La Terrazza, La Dame and S.A.L.T. Kitchen, along with The Marquee, an all-new concept for Silversea that is divided into two al fresco eateries – The Grill and Spaccanapoli.

Daniel McCarthy, editor-in-chief – Resilient Lady (June 2023)
Originally scheduled to debut in 2022, Virgin Voyages pushed back the launch date of its third "lady" ship to 2023 because of supply chain issues. Except for some minor changes, the ship will likely be a near carbon copy of sister ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady.

Highlights

• Included Dining: An astonishing variety of dining will be available onboard Resilient Lady – all included in the cruise fare. Choices range from Korean, Italian and Mexican to Tapas and American steakhouse.
• Nightlife: Virgin’s ships come to life at night, with live music throughout the ship and interactive entertainment to bring out the extrovert in every cruiser.
• Fitness: With two fitness centers onboard and an outdoor Athletics Club, there’s plenty of opportunity for cruisers to burn off the previous night’s indulgences.

Louis Intreglia, director of marketing & sales, Emerald Sakara (February, 2023)
One of the first news ships to launch in 2023, the 100-passenger Emerald Sakara will be the second ocean-going superyacht for Emerald Cruises. Like sister ship Emerald Azzurra, which debuted in 2022, the yacht is designed to sail in warm-weather destinations.

Highlights

• Marina Platform: Opened to passengers once or twice per cruise, the platform will give guests off-the-back-of-the-ship access to snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking.
• Casual Lounging: The yacht lifestyle is all about taking it easy and Emerald Sakara will provide plenty of space for relaxation from the aft hot tub to the forward infinity pool and sundeck, as well as a small spa and cozy library.

Tom McCarthy, marketing coordinator – Norwegian Viva (August, 2023)
Twin to one of the most anticipated new ships in 2022, Norwegian Viva will share everything that has quickly made Norwegian Prima Norwegian Cruise Line's most popular ship, including expansive dining options and some of the best entertainment at sea.

Highlights

• Adrenaline-Pumping Fun: Like Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva will boast a three-level, quarter-mile racetrack, as well as the 10-story freefall The Drop slide and Tidal Wave inner tube waterslide.
• Food Hall: One of the coolest dining venues in the entire cruise industry (introduced on Norwegian Prima), the Food Hall will offer seven distinct, complimentary, mini-eateries for lunch and dinner. Choices range from Indian to noodles to barbecue and more.
• Expanded Haven: The Haven on Norwegian Prima will be one of the largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, representing 6% of the ship’s capacity, and spread across eight categories. The Haven Sundeck, like on Norwegian Prima, will boast an infinity pool and outdoor spa area with sauna and cold room.

Dori Saltzman, Editor – Seabourn Pursuit (March, 2023)
Another second-in-class ship debuting in 2023, Seabourn Pursuit will be the second expedition-style vessel for Seabourn, following Seabourn Venture, which launched in 2022.

Highlights

• Expedition Gear: What’s an expedition ship without all the high-tech and adventure gear? On Seabourn Pursuit, this includes a fleet of 24 Zodiacs, two six-person submarines and an underwater camera that will stream footage into the onboard Discovery Center.
• All Suite, All Balcony: All 132 suites onboard feature expansive balconies. Seabourn Pursuit will be only the second ship in the fleet to offer the line’s Grand Wintergarden Suites, which feature two decks of space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies.
• Constellation Lounge: When it’s too cold to be out on the open decks, cruisers can see all the action from this lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 270-degree view.

For the complete list of ships debuting in 2023, see Here Are the New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2023.