Top 10 new cruise ships coming in 2023

Author: Dave Monk

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From a priceless Fabergé egg to super submarines, and secret speakeasies to an arty mega-ship, there’s so much to see and do on board 2023’s new ships.

1. SEVEN SEAS GRANDEUR

CRUISING’S MOST EXPENSIVE EGG

If you’re asked how you’d like your egg done on Seven Seas Grandeur, you can always answer: ‘Encrusted in jewels’.

Regent Seven Seas’ new ship, due to set sail in November 2023, will house the first Fabergé egg to reside permanently at sea. Hand‐crafted in England, the 18cm‐tall masterpiece, called ‘Journey in Jewels’ and based on a Fabergé Winter Egg of 1913, will be the star of a multi‐million‐pound art collection.

The outer egg ‘shell’ is composed of seven blades, representing the seven seas, which will unfurl to reveal a surprise hidden inside.

Elsewhere on the 732‐passenger ship, the top-tier, two‐bedroom Regent Suite – which even has its own spa – has gained a skylit, glass‐enclosed parlour with two chaise lounges.

2. SILVER NOVA

A NEW LOOK AT OUTDOOR SPACE

Silversea’s eleventh and most revolutionary ship has put a new slant on the top deck space.

The new asymmetrical design will give the 728‐passenger newcomer an outward‐facing pool deck, al fresco dining area and a sky bar with views from the stern.

Shaped like a horseshoe, the pool area on deck 10 will be starboard, offering views of the destination whether you’re swimming, relaxing at the bar or sunbathing.

For diners, The Marquee will host up to 220 guests, incorporating two of Silversea’s existing signature venues: The Grill, with its ‘hot rocks’ cooking, and Spaccanapoli, which serves pizza.

The Dusk Bar provides an elegant space for up to 70 guests, with 270‐degree, panoramic views from Silver Nova’s stern. Deck 11 will have a quieter viewing area around an infinity‐edge whirlpool.

Oceania Cruises: Discover more on and off board. Credit: Oceania Cruises.

3. VISTA

SMOKING, NOT STIRRED...

Fancy a ready‐made Negroni from a wooden barrel or cocktails topped with bubbles filled with aromatic vapours?

Then head to the Casino Mixology Bar on Oceania’s new 1,200‐passenger ship Vista, which launches in May 2023. The bar will also stock a selection of bourbons and ryes as well as cocktails prepared at your tableside.

Elsewhere on the ship you’ll find The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar as well as the The Bubbly Bar beverage cart serving champagne cocktails.

The Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience, making its debut on Vista, is a three‐ course menu paired with rare vintages.

That’s as well as Oceania’s signature Dom Pérignon Experience involving a six‐course meal, and the familiar Martinis bar. For non‐drinkers, there are non‐alcoholic ‘wines’ and spirits in the new Aquamar Kitchen.

Enjoy small ship cruising with both American Eagle and American Glory. Credit: American Eagle & Glory

4. AMERICAN EAGLE & AMERICAN GLORY

COOL FOR CATS

A lounge with 270‐degree views will give spectacular views on a new series of coastal catamarans launching in 2023 with American Cruise Lines.

The first two 109-passenger ships, American Eagle and American Glory making their debut in 2023, will be followed by 10 more identical sisters which will all sail around the shores of the US.

It’s not only the front that’s impressive – at the stern will be an adventure deck with kayaks, a tender and other activity equipment.

There will also be two dining venues, as well as room service, a rarity for ships this small.

Opt for the Yacht Club onboard MSC Euribia. Credit: MSC Cruises

5. MSC EURIBIA

A FLOATING ARTWORK

Other ships carry paintings, but new ship MSC Euribia will be a giant floating artwork in itself.

The 4,888-passenger vessel has a striking hull design called #SaveTheSea by artist Alex Flämig that reflects MSC Cruises’ commitment to the marine ecosystem.

Five finalists in the competition to design the hull – including Briton Daniel Weatheritt – will have their artwork displayed on board.

Euribia will also host original shows in the theatre and have one of the biggest waterparks at sea, as well as boast five pools, ten dining venues and 21 bars.

The ship is the second in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel, after the launch of MSC World Europa.

The indoor pool, with its retractable roof, allows swimming and relaxation whatever the weather. Credit: Explora Journeys

6. EXPLORA I

A POOL FOR ALL SEASONS

From the same parent company as MSC Cruises comes the first in a fleet of ultra-luxury small ships in a spin-off line called Explora Journeys.

With only 922 passengers onboard, Explora I will still pack in plenty of features, including three outdoor pools and an inside one for whatever the weather, plus plenty of indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

Guests will be able to choose from six restaurants, plus in-suite dining – that’s room service to you and me – and 12 bars and lounges (eight outdoor and four indoor).

Add to all that a spa and entertainment for a luxurious holiday at sea. After Explora I will come five more ships, two powered by hydrogen.

Scenic Eclipse II is Scenic’s newest ‘Discovery Yacht’ features two battery-powered subs on board. Credit: Scenic

7. SCENIC ECLIPSE II

THE SUPER SUB HAS ARRIVED

The sister to Scenic Eclipse (launched in 2019) will take to the seas with a bigger, better submarine able to carry up to eight passengers to depths of 650ft.

Scenic Neptune II, as the submersible is called, promises guests an ‘optimal sightseeing experience that will be truly unforgettable’.

The spa area on board the 228-passenger ship has been expanded too, with a bigger steam room area, an ice fountain and experience showers, plus a salt therapy lounge with heated beds that emit scents designed to benefit the mind, body and soul.

On deck 10, a new panoramic bar will allow guests to enjoy the views with a drink in hand, as they cruise through Antarctica, the Arctic or the Med. A large, oval pool, great for sailaway parties, will be another new feature.

Restaurants onboard Ambition offer British as well as international cuisine. Credit: Ambassador Cruise Line

8. AMBITION

MED FOOD TO SHARE

A new 70-seat restaurant is coming to Ambassador Cruise Line’s second ship, Ambition – a Mediterranean- style venue where friends and families can share food together.

Olympic Taverna will have a relaxed, al fresco feel, with a communal vibe including sharing platters and flexible seating, fulfilling one of the line’s core values of being able to meet like-minded people and make long-lasting friendships.

On longer cruises, the restaurant will offer food inspired by local tastes and cultures. Elsewhere, the 1,200-passenger ship will be very much like her forerunner, Ambience, in offering ex-UK sailings, though now more regional ports will be served

Marella Voyager is the newest ship in Marella Cruises' fleet. Credit: Marella Cruises

9. MARELLA VOYAGER

PROHIBITION NEVER TASTED AS GOOD

Hidden away on Marella’s new ship, Marella Voyager, will be the Speakeasy Bar, based on those found in Prohibition-era America.

The 1,912-passenger ship – formerly Mein Schiff Herz – is also introducing a Mexican eaterie for the first time in the fleet, alongside familiar favourites such as Surf and Turf, Nonna’s and Snack Shack.

Families will be able to enjoy everything from children’s clubs to the pool and the entertainment in the Broadway Show Lounge, as well as the 10 all-inclusive bars and 10 restaurants.

SH Diana launches in spring 2023. Credit: Swan Hellenic

10. SH DIANA

EXCLUSIVE DINING ROOM

A private dining room for around 20 people is being added to Swan Hellenic expedition ship SH Diana.

The newcomer is bigger than previous two sisters SH Minerva and SH Vega, so there’s also space for a multifunctional room next to the observation lounge, as well as more suites.

In total, Diana will carry 192 passengers, 40 more than her forerunners.

The ship will also have two tenders, adding to the fleet of Zodiacs for expedition landings.