New Cruise Ships for 2023
31.01.23 | Oliver2023 is an exciting time for the world of cruises, here is a quick roundup for the highlights our team have selected.
Explora Journeys first foray into the luxury sector by shipping giant MSC who aim to transform ocean cruising through fresh, new immersive itineraries that are all-inclusive. Set to provide the new generation of luxury cruisers an alternative to the likes of Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Cruises – the ships look stunning with Italian design and cuisine playing a central role.
Explora I (pictured above) sets sails in July and will carry just 922 guests, boasting the ‘ambiance of a luxurious, grand European hotel with oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences.’
Seven Seas Grandeur is the third new ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises in recent years and will set sail in November. Grandeur will join Explorer and Splendour as the final ship in this latest series. Regent’s main point of difference is their ‘Ultra All Inclusive’ programme which includes premium drinks, Wifi, gratuities and excursions.
Silversea’s Silver Nova (pictured below) will join the fleet in July around the Mediterranean as the worlds first “multi-hybrid” ship. Nova will host only 728 guests with as fresh new design and an asymmetrical, outward facing design.
As clients seek a more authentic and adventurous holiday experience, expedition ships are starting to prove popular.
Seabourn Pursuit, the second of the lines two purpose-built, ultra-luxury expedition vessels, has oceanfront veranda suites and fine dining, including menus by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. The 264 guests can enjoy explorations aboard 24 Zodiacs, kayaks and two six-passenger submarines (set to launch April 2023).
Hurtigruten has launched the first of seven battery-hybrid-powered ships in its Coastal Express fleet. Spanning 11 to 19 days, the company has added seven new adventures in the Arctic which take in some of the most spectacular areas beyond the Arctic Circle onboard the small-size expedition cruise favourite Maud.
Silversea Expeditions’ new 200-guest flagship, Silver Endeavour, has recently been christened in Antarctica. It features onboard lectures and nature films; an observation lounge with wraparound windows; and a glass-enclosed solarium. Silver Endeavour will visit 116 of the planet’s most remote cold-weather destinations across Northern Europe, the Arctic and Antarctica (May 2023-March 2024).
Oceania Cruises is on the radar for those seeking culinary excellence. The company’s first new-build in 11 years – Vista (launching May 2023) – is a hot ticket. The first of two 1,200-guest Allura-class ships, it will feature culinary options from informal to extravagant. Unprecedented for a ship of its size, there will be 12 dining venues; four of which are new to this ship. Guests can expect contemporary American dishes at Ember and wellness-focused Vitality Cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen alongside favourites such as Polo Grill, Toscana and Red Ginger.
The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class series is also set to raise the culinary bar. Celebrity Ascent has four dining rooms and eight speciality restaurants – all with menus by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, the company’s vice-president, food and beverage operations (launching December 2023).
The second 228-guest vessel in Scenic Ocean Cruises’ Discovery fleet will continue the company’s culinary quest across its 10 restaurants. Guests aboard Scenic Eclipse II will savour fine French gastronomy in Lumiere; private dining in Chef’s Table @ Elements; as well as culinary masterclasses from resident chefs in Epicure (launching April 2023).
Your Cruise Experts
As a reminder, we have experienced many of the popular cruise lines ourselves including Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Celebrity Cruises, P&O, NCL and Virgin Voyages – so we are well versed on the ins and outs of cruise holidays.