Any launch of a new cruise ship is exciting. Whether it has a brand new feature that’s never been seen before at sea, a new take on an old favourite, or just an expansion of a fleet that sees it opening up new itineraries. There’s always something worth paying attention to when a new cruise ship launches.
What New Cruise Ships Launched in 2023?
In 2023 there were 16 new cruise ships. These include MSC Euribia, Norwegian Viva and Explora I, the first ship for the new cruise line Explora Journeys.
The launch of Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Icon of the Seas, which became the biggest cruise ship in the world, was delayed from December 2023 to January 2024.
Suggested read: 15 Exciting New Cruise Ships Launching in 2024
Now, let’s take a look at each of the new ships in 2023 and why you should be excited about their debut on the waves…
1. Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn Pursuit is the second Seabourn expedition ship for the cruise line, following the launch of her sister Seabourn Venture in 2022. While Seabourn is known for its outstanding luxury cruises, these expedition ships take things to another level when it comes to destination cruising.
She has 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and even two custom-built submarines on board to help you get closer to nature than you’ve ever been on cruises to some of the most remote parts of the northern hemisphere. And you’ll be guided by a team of expedition experts, as you create memories to last a lifetime.
2. Emerald Sakara
Less a cruise ship and more a luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara provides guests with the ultimate in peaceful luxury aboard a ship that’s just 361 feet long. With 50 cabins she has a passenger capacity of just 100, with 68 crew on board able to take care of every personal need you might have.
Despite the luxurious small size of this ship, she has some great features including an Aqua Pool and fine Mediterranean dining. This is apt, as she’ll be sailing throughout the Med, as well as offering itineraries amongst the beautiful Caribbean islands.
3. Oceania Vista
Oceania Cruises is known for its incredible dining, and so it’s no surprise that the headline attractions of the new Oceania Vista are two new restaurants for the fleet – Ember and Aquamar Kitchen.
Staterooms and suites are taken to a new level for the cruise line too, with every room having an opulent bathroom with an oversized rainforest shower and decadent decor. And in a first for the cruise line, there are Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms designed for solo passengers.
If you’re looking for an ultra-luxury voyage on your own, Oceania may just have delivered something special.
4. Viking Saturn
The latest addition to the growing fleet of Viking Ocean Cruises ships, Viking Saturn has been built for Mediterranean and Scandinavian itineraries. Expect the same high-class accommodation and features as Viking’s other ocean ships, with every cabin having a balcony, and tasteful decor throughout.
There are a selection of dining venues, including some that offer speciality dishes based on the region that the ship is sailing. But it’s Viking’s commitment to enrichment that will take the fore – expect fascinating talks to be held by the cruise line’s resident historians, as well as cookery classes, wine tastings and more.
5. SH Diana
The SH Diana became the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet when she launched in 2023, although she still retains the small size that the cruise line is known for – 192 guests are able to enjoy luxurious sailings while being attended to by an attentive crew of 141.
Designed for expedition cruising, she has a reinforced hull and extra-large stabilisers to make exploring icy waters a lot smoother, as well as two specially designed tenders that offer the exploratory abilities of a Zodiac but with a lot more comfort.
6. Explora I
Not just a new cruise ship – a whole new cruise line. Explora I is the first ship for this luxury line and she offers a contemporary ‘superyacht’ experience that blends “Swiss precision” with modern craftsmanship.
The whole experience on-board is designed to be very personalised, from a guest-to-crew ratio of just 1.25:1 and the option to enjoy completely flexible dining times at nine unique restaurants.
Wellness is also a key theme, with cutting-edge equipment and bespoke experiences in every destination, as well as plenty of spa treatment options for those who just want to unwind.
7. Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady is the third ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, which has started strongly as a contemporary adults-only cruise brand.
Originally due to launch in 2022, she was pushed back to 2023 and followed her sister ship Valiant Lady in offering exciting Mediterranean itineraries, with a particular focus on the Greek Isles, before spending winter in the Caribbean and Australia.
Guests can expect the same modern facilities as her sister ships, including modern dining venues and some fantastic nightlife – if you want a party cruise then Resilient Lady could be the perfect choice.
8. MSC Euribia
MSC Cruises’ new ship for 2023, MSC Euribia, is built on the principles of environmental stewardship – she is one of the most eco-friendly cruise ships sailing the oceans.
With advanced energy-saving technologies and waste management systems, guests that are conscious of their impact on the environment can rest assured that every effort is made to provide a stunning cruise with minimal impact.
The ship has plenty to see and do as well, including 5 pools and an intricate waterpark, while the indoor promenade has an incredible LED dome.
Read more: MSC Euribia Review
9. Norwegian Viva
The latest ship in Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Prima Class, the Norwegian Viva is designed with larger open spaces to help you relax and get close to the ocean. The Infinity Beach pool, the cosy Indulge Outdoor Bar and the Oceanwalk are all perfect examples of modern spots where you can soak up the view.
Fancy something a little more exhilarating? The ship has a three-storey kart race track, as well as an epic waterslide called The Drop that is not for the faint of heart. She al.so has NCL’s usual array of excellent dining venues and comfortable, contemporary stateroom choices.
Read more: NCL Ships by Age and Size
10. Scenic Eclipse II
The heavily anticipated – and heavily delayed – Scenic Eclipse II was scheduled to make her debut in 2021 but instead launched in 2023.
The second of Scenic Ocean Cruises’ Discovery Yacht fleet, she’s designed to be a versatile exploration ship – rather than being dedicated to trips in the Antarctic region, she also offers itineraries amongst the smaller ports of the Mediterranean and Baltic regions.
Expect outstanding luxury during your adventure, with 10 restaurants to choose from offering stunning and diverse cuisine. And every room is a suite with a veranda, offering some of the most spacious, luxurious accommodation at sea.
11. Silver Nova
Silver Nova is the next step for luxury cruise line Silversea and the first of the new Evolution-class ships. She’s the first ship in the world to use advanced hybrid technology, which means there will be zero harmful emissions while the ship is in port, leading the way in eco-friendly cruising.
But while the environmental developments are important, they haven’t come at a cost to the luxury of the ship. Expect a revolutionary asymmetrical design with breath-taking outdoor spaces offering incredible views, and some outstanding dining venues to match. And all with Silversea’s renowned butler service too.
Read more: Silversea Ships Compared
12. Seven Seas Grandeur
Often, new cruise ships try to reinvent cruising by adding a load of new features, but Seven Seas Grandeur is a little bit different. She has taken the established excellence of Regent Seven Seas’ existing ships and refined it to create a luxury experience like no other at sea.
Expect some of your favourite Regent dining venues, jaw-dropping decor throughout suites and the public areas, and of course, some of the finest service on the ocean, with every guest treated like the ultimate VIP.
This may not reinvent luxury cruising, but Seven Seas Grandeur is magnificent.
13. Carnival Jubilee
The third ship in the Excel Class for Carnival Cruises, Carnival Jubilee offers a true party at sea for sailings from Galveston in Texas.
She was actually originally ordered for the AIDA Cruises brand, but has been transferred to Carnival instead and is packed with the same great features as the Mardi Gras and the Carnival Celebration.
So that includes Bolt, the rollercoaster at sea, Family Feud Live, Playlist Productions and more.
Read more: Newest Carnival Ships
14. Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Cruises’ fleet was already a pinnacle of premium cruising before the launch of the magnificent Edge class in 2018, and now the fourth Edge ship launched in 2023 as the Celebrity Ascent.
Sister ship to the Celebrity Beyond, she features newly-expanded open spaces on decks to allow guests to relax and feel even closer to the surrounding world.
She also offers the widest range of accommodation in the entire Celebrity Cruises fleet, with Iconic Suites, Infinite Verandas and Edge Villas some of the spectacular highlights. And of course, guests will enjoy fine dining in innovative venues.
Read more: Celebrity Cruise Ships by Age, Size and Class
15. Adora Magic City
Adora Cruises is an off-shoot cruise line founded in conjunction between the Carnival Corporation, the China Investment Corporation and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The company has so far taken on two Costa ships, but the first brand-new ship launched in 2023.
With the ship being heavily aimed at the Chinese market, I don’t have many details of what she’s like onboard, but she is similar to Carnival’s Vista Class.
To Conclude
So many new cruise ships arrived in 2023, but which is your favourite? It’s a hard choice!
Here’s a reminder of which ships launched in 2023:
What’s fascinating is just how many ships are really focussing on eco-friendly technologies. It’s clearly become the next big thing, and it’s great to see cruise lines try to minimise their impact on the planet.
If you’re interested in which ships are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, I also have a list of all LNG-powered cruise ships so be sure to check that out.
But with new family ships, new luxury ships and new expedition ships all on the horizon, 2024 and beyond is shaping up to be a fascinating year for cruising, and I can’t wait to see the new ships in all their glory once they have launched.
Take a look at the list of cruise ships launching in 2024 and 2025 to see what else you can expect.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Hi Jenni, you have obviously cruised every cruise line imaginable and are clearly an expert when in comes to the perfect cruise experience. I have am pretty new to cruising having been on several Royal Caribbean ships, Allure of the Seas, & Freedom of the Seas, & Norwegian’s Encore. I am looking for advice on which ship & cruise line you would recommend for our first ever family cruise for myself age 69, 4 adults in their 40’s and children ages 7, 9, 14, 15, & 17. Obviously activities for the on ship are very important for the kids. We have all been to the Bahama’s many times, so looking to find a new and exciting venture. My daughter & her family will soon be cruising on the new Royal Caribbean ship, possibly the Icon? Anything you can offer or suggest would be greatly appreciated. Travel agents are great, but most of them do not have the experience I know you do. I am a follower! Thank you & Happy New Year!
Hi Janet. I have some suggestions here which would be good for your family: https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/best-cruise-ships-for-kids/ I hope that helps. Jenni