2nd January 2023

There are lots of new ships arriving in 2023 for us to explore. Here is a selection of the ones we're most looking forward to.

Virgin Voyages Brilliant & Resilient Lady

Virgin is launching not one, but two new ships next year. Resilient Lady was postponed from earlier in the year and will be in the Med offering Adriatic and Greek Island itineraries whilst Brilliant Lady will join Scarlet Lady in the Caribbean. 

Since debuting with Scarlet Lady in October 2021, Virgin Voyages has upheld the vision of providing a non-standard style of cruising that does away with traditional elements. Both new ships will drop the buffet and main dining room set-up of most cruise lines. Sailors can expect about 20 dining venues, ranging from steakhouses and Korean BBQ to elaborate brunches and an international food market.  

Celebrity Ascent

The fourth and final of Celebrity's Edge class cruise ships, Celebrity Ascent, will launch in autumn 2023 and will feature several of the innovations debuted on her sister ships. 

She will push the innovative outward-facing design further than ever, creating an even closer connection between passengers, the sea, and every exciting place on the horizon. Soak up the sun, salt breezes, and stunning scenery in newly expanded open-air spaces with even more ways to relax and renew.

Ambassador Ambition

Launching in March 2023, Ambition is the second cruise ship to join the Ambassador Cruise Line and will be a sister to Ambience, which launched in 2022. The 1,200-passenger ship will offer no-fly sailings from Tilbury, Essex, as well as operate a series of regional departures from UK ports including Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and Falmouth. 

Carnival Jubilee

When it debuts in October 2023, the 5,400-passenger Carnival Jubilee will become Carnival Cruise Line's third Excel-class vessel and sister to ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It will homeport in Galveston, becoming the largest Carnival ship based at the Texas port. The ship will share features from its two siblings which include six themed indoor areas, BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, 20 different cabin categories and a three-deck atrium overlooking the ocean that converts to an entertainment venue at night. The ship will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of Carnival's commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction. Carnival has said the ship will also feature some "surprises" that will be revealed at a later date.

Norwegian Viva

The Norwegian Viva deck plan features plenty of restaurants, outdoor space, plus a racetrack and a slide. The ship will follow the pattern set out by Norwegian Prima, where The Haven – the line's more upscale "ship within a ship" – is laid out at the back of the ship. This makes Norwegian Viva look more like a Miami condo building than a typical cruise ship. Thrill-seekers will be happy to know that the popular top deck go-cart track will reappear on Norwegian Viva; the Viva Speedway will span three levels. 

Norwegian Viva will also have two freefall drop dry slides, The Rush and The Drop. Other notable features include Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire ship with pools and restaurants, The Concourse outdoor sculpture garden, Indulge Food Hall with 11 different eateries, the Oceanwalk glass bridges and Infinity Beach.

Oceania Vista

Named to reflect the dawn of a new age in travel, Vista will exemplify all the hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises experience that guests have come to expect.  ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’, exceptional, personalised service (with two staff members for every three guests) plus a warm and welcoming ambience as a result of the ship’s luxurious residential furnishings.  The Oceania Vista will also introduce several unique firsts for the cruise line in terms of dining and guest experience. 

MSC Euribia

Instantly recognisable design features from the Meraviglia and Meraviglia Class ships will be found on MSC Euribia, most notably a 305-feet LED screen running along the ceiling of the central indoor promenade. Changing images and light shows will be projected on the screen, within the ship's social hub of restaurants, bars and shops. Elsewhere, MSC Euribia will have an Aurea Spa, Broadway-style theater and the MSC's exclusive ship-within-a-ship Yacht Club with its own staterooms, pool deck and dining room. In a break from the norm, MSC Euribia will be the first in the 22-strong fleet to boast colourful artwork across its hull.