It’s a big year for cruise ship launches with a throng of new premium and contemporary ships, but there is a massive lineup of luxury vessels.

Some of the highlights include the last of the Celebrity Edge class of vessels as well as the second Prima class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Viva.

The luxury space will also see beautiful new ships with the Seven Seas Grandeur which aims to raise the bar in opulence. Silversea will also launch the Silver Nova and Oceania Cruises has the Oceania Vista slated to start service, the first new build from the line in 10 years.

And Crystal Cruises will emerge under new ownership with fabulous itineraries and refurbished luxury ships.

Take a look at the new launches for 2023.

More luxury and small ships are launching this year

Oceania’s first new ship in 10 years

The Oceania Vista is the first of the line’s Allura Class which will have a range of new restaurants and features. What guests will find onboard are new dining venues like Ember which serves American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for those looking for healthy specialties.

For solo travellers, there will be more balcony cabins dedicated to cruisers who want their own space. In the higher level of suites, the Vista Suites and Owners Suites will be adorned in Ralph Lauren Home décor and have 24-hour butler service.

The ship is slated to launch in April 2023.

Opulent luxury on Seven Seas Grandeur

Regent Seven Seas will try and top the title of the “world’s most luxurious cruise ship”, the Seven Seas Explorer. Coming in November this year, the Regent Suite is priced at US$11,000 a night and the line is touting the ship will have the highest space and crew per passenger ratio.

The ship itself with an architectural masterpiece with plenty of crystal chandeliers and sculptures. The ship will have four restaurants and also debut a new version of Compass, the line’s main dining room.

The first Nova Class ship from Silversea

The Silver Nova will debut in the Northern Hemisphere summer. The ship will accommodate 728 passengers, making it the biggest ship for Silversea, and will also have the line’s first hybrid technology – the goal is to be totally emissions-free in port.

The Silver Nova will have the line’s acclaimed S.A.L.T. culinary program; eight bars onboard and the pool will be on the side of the ship.

Viking Saturn launches

The newest ship from Viking Cruises shows the continuing success of the line. The 930-passenger vessel was just launched in Los Angeles and the ship will have the same features as its sister ships. Part of the Viking package is that guests will be offered wine and beer at lunch and dinner, at least one shore excursion in every port and included specialty dining.

The ship has a sophisticated thermal spa and does not accept passengers under 18. And true to Viking’s ethos, the ship is designed for those who love learning and enrichment on their holiday.

The return of Crystal Cruises

Luxury travel group Abercrombie & Kent is the new owner of the luxurious Crystal Cruises with former Silversea head Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio at the helm. The company will relaunch with the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, but A&K has refurbished the beloved ships.

There is little detail revealed about what is planned for onboard the ships but announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Adventure ahoy

Explora 1 from Explora Journeys to launch

MSC Cruises has ventured into the luxury space with a brand-new company called Explora Journeys. The first ship from the line, Explora 1 will be launched in July 2023. The 922-passenger ship will have nine dining experiences and cabins starting at a generous 377 square feet.

The outdoor space will be highlighted with 64 private pool cabanas across three outdoor pools, and there will be a fourth pool with a retractable glass roof to allow guests to swim in all weather.

Second expedition ship for Seabourn

Coming in September 2023, the Seabourn Pursuit is the sister ship to the Seabourn Venture which launched late last year. Combining the best of luxury with the rough terrain of cruise destinations like Antarctica, the PC6 Polar Class vessel will be able to cut through even the thickest of ice shelves to discover untouched regions.

The ship will also have two submarines as well as zodiacs and kayaks. Like on the Seabourn Venture, guests will find the Expedition Lounge where naturalists and expedition guides will give daily lectures, briefings, and enrichment programs.

Big is beautiful

The last of the Edge Class revealed

The Celebrity Ascent will make its debut in December 2023, making her the last of the popular Edge Class ships from Celebrity Cruises. What cruisers will find onboard is the cantilevered Magic Carpet, a moveable deck that triples into a restaurant, and bar as an embarkation area.

For solo travellers, Celebrity Ascent’s single cabins will have infinite balconies. The Edge Villas will have their own plunge pools in an overhaul to the suite accommodation on the ship.

Norwegian Viva comes with a larger Haven area and two free fall slides

Following her sister ship, the Norwegian Viva, NCL will roll out popular activities like a bigger and better go-kart racetrack which winds around the ship’s funnel as well as two drop dry slides.

The Haven, NCL’s ship-within-a-ship concept will be at the back of the ship and will make the area feel more exclusive. Like previous Havens on the NCL fleet, the area will have a private pool, sundeck, restaurants and bars.

Three is not a crowd with Virgin Voyages

Sir Richard Brandon’s fun-loving cruise line Virgin Voyages will be releasing the third adults-only ship in 2023. Like the Scarlet and Valiant Lady, we’ll see all the bells and whistles on the Resilient Lady.

Think fun parties, great food offerings, and a big focus on health and wellness. The Resilient Lady will be heading Down Under and homeporting in Melbourne for the summer.