The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023 – AFAR Media

Each year, a fresh batch of cruise ships draws headlines and fanfare. The pandemic, however , slowed down ship launches to a mere trickle as cruise lines weathered the public health crisis storm. But for 2023, with cruising fully back in action, a robust new flock of vessels is being unveiled that introduces not just sleek new designs and exciting amenities but also a stronger focus on more responsible cruising than ever before.

Cruising certainly isn’t known as being the most climate friendly mode of transportation, yet as technologies advance plus stronger climate commitments come to fruition, cruise lines are debuting some of their most environmentally conscious ships yet. The particular result is that travelers can hit the high seas knowing that cruise companies are making more meaningful efforts to reduce their footprint. It’s the start at least.

Here are our picks for the most fascinating cruise ship launches coming in 2023.

“Celebrity Ascent” from Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

With a specialty restaurant by legendary chef Daniel Boulud and spaces envisioned by British designer Kelly Hoppen, the particular 3, 260-passenger Celeb Ascent is the fourth deliver in Superstar Cruises’ award-winning Edge class—and it’s no less impressive than its sister boats . The particular Retreat on top is reserved for suite guests and has the own cafe, lounge, plus multi-level sundeck with pool. If you book a splurge-worthy Edge Villa, a person can take dip in your very own outdoor plunge pool. The ship debuts in December within the Carribbean.

Green notes

The Edge-class ships consume 20 percent less fuel when compared to the line’s previous generation of vessels. Like most new ships, Celebrity Ascent will also be able to decrease emissions within port by connecting in order to shore power, when available. And the vessel will be part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide “zero waste” goal. Currently, 85 percent of the line’s waste is “recycled, repurposed, or sent to a waste-to-energy facility, ” according to Celebrity’s sustainability statement .

“Explora I” from Explora Journeys

Courtesy of MSC Group

The 922-passenger Explora I is the debut ship of Explora Journeys , an all-new luxury cruise line owned by MSC Group, the particular Geneva-based shipping container giant that also owns MSC Cruises. On a ship that’s big by luxury standards, visitors will stay in oceanfront suites, penthouses, or residences, lounge around four pools, and choose from 18 food and beverage options. Unusual activities and entertainment examples will certainly include music master classes and the monthly full-moon party. The particular ship debuts in northern Europe in July, with five sister ships scheduled to join it by 2029.

Green information

Explora I uses an emissions control system referred to as selective catalytic reduction to decrease its nitrogen oxide emissions—another extremely harmful weather pollutant—by up to 90 percent. It’s also equipped with battery storage that may allow with regard to hybrid energy generation once the new technology becomes available. Two of its sibling ships can be powered by hydrogen.

“MSC Euribia” from MSC Cruises

Thanks to MSC Group

MSC Cruises wants the world in order to know that its 6, 327-passenger MSC Euribia is environmentally focused. The ship’s hull will be decorated along with huge underwater scenes plus includes the particular hashtag #SaveThe Sea. Guests will lounge around five pools, one large enough for 1, 000 people. For more intimate surrounds, splurge on the exclusive MSC Yacht Club section of the ship intended for access to a dedicated sundeck and swimming pool, restaurants, bars, and lounges. The deliver debuts within June 2023 and will sail its first season in the Norwegian fjords.

Green notes

MSC Cruises recently laid out the framework for its objective of achieving net-zero exhausts by 2050. In addition to running on cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG), the MSC Euribia has such features as an advanced wastewater treatment program, which the collection says means no water leaves the particular ship without meeting the highest environmental standards.

“Norwegian Viva” through Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise ship

Debuting in August in the particular Mediterranean, the 3, 219-passenger Norwegian Viva is usually the second in the newer class of upscale Norwegian Cruise Line boats geared toward cruisers who want a plethora of activities without having huge crowds. The deliver has a separate complex for suite guests, the multi-million-dollar art collection, and dining choices that include a hip food hall along with a solid international roster. For the particular kid within all of us, there’s the three-level go-kart racetrack up on top.

Eco-friendly notes

Norwegian Viva has integrated cutting-edge systems that filter out up in order to 98 % of sulfur oxides plus up to 90 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions. It’s furthermore equipped with an advanced treatment system that will handles all wastewater produced on board and can plug into shoreside power.

“Resilient Lady” from Virgin Voyages

Thanks to Virgin Voyages

The trendy, adults-only cruise line Virgin Trips is debuting its third ship, the particular 2, 770-passenger Resilient Lady , in May 2023 in the Mediterranean. Given the no-kids environment expect super-fun parties indoors and close to the pool, slightly naughty entertainment, plus sophisticated eating. There’s also a tattoo and piercing parlor, should you have the urge to get inked or even pierced.

Green notes

Virgin Voyages aims to achieve net-zero emissions simply by 2050. Some of the particular new tech that will help this get there includes Climeon, units that use heat from your ship’s engines in order to generate a portion of the electricity on board (which decreases fuel demand). Additionally , the company invests within carbon offsets along with emissions-reducing technology, such as the catalytic decrease system (which reduces upward to 75 percent associated with nitrogen oxide emissions), plus exploring alternative fuel options for future sailings. The smart bracelet that unlocks passengers’ cabin doors is made of recycled plastic.

“Seven Seas Grandeur” from Seven Seas Cruise trips

Courtesy of Regent Seven Oceans Cruises

The latest “world’s most luxurious cruise ship” from Regent Seven Seas Cruises (each new vessel outdoes the particular last in terms of extreme luxury) debuts in Europe within November, before a season in North and Central America. Expect on the 750-passenger, all-suite Seven Oceans Grandeur the particular brand’s signature extravagances this kind of as marble floors, crystal chandeliers, gold leaf here, and expensive art there.

Green records

Technology will reduce up to 90 % of nitrogen oxide exhausts by transforming it into water and nitrogen, while a waste heat recovery system will certainly heat auxiliary systems, such as potable drinking water. Among shore excursions, which are included in fares, are some 150 “eco-connect tours” focused upon local conservation efforts.

“Silver Nova” through Silversea

Thanks to Silversea

Deputing in Aug within the Mediterranean sea, the 728-passenger Silver Nova will be the largest ship within the fleet of ultra-luxury brand Silversea . An expanded swimming pool area is designed for optimum views from cushy lounge chairs, and the particular ship can boast 10 bars plus lounges and 8 restaurants—including S. A. L. T., with a focus on culinary education plus local meals culture. The particular spa, with its own pool, is inspired by Roman baths.

Eco-friendly notes

This ultra-luxe ship is 1 of the most eco conscious ships in the world. It is furnished with a large-scale hybrid power source, which combines hydrogen gas cells, batteries, and dual engines that will run on LNG. It can achieve emissions-free operations in ports.

“Vista” from Oceania Cruises

Politeness of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ 1st new build in 11 years, the particular 1, 200-passenger Windows vista, debuts in June in the Mediterranean. The ship offers an amazing 12 dining options—important on an upscale collection that prides itself upon its popularity with foodies. Vista will have the line’s signature cooking school and largest-in-fleet staterooms. At the particular top end, palatial Owner’s Suites are being styled by Ralph Lauren Home, which is also decorating the top-of-ship library.

Green notes

In 2022, Oceania released some 200 Go Green tours that look to educate travelers on ways individuals at ports are working in order to conserve their own environment. In St. Lucia, you may book the tour to learn about beekeeping practices at a good apiculture collective; in Norway, you can meet with a designer that upcycles to create eco-conscious clothing.