As we say bon voyage to the old and embrace the new in luxury sea travel, 2023 marks a banner year for some of the world's most elegant and innovative cruise ships. From all-veranda staterooms to adults-only environments, the year's maiden voyages will deliver something special for the discerning jetsetter.
Viking Saturn (Viking Cruises)
A gem on the high seas, this adults-only ship, steeped in Scandinavian sophistication, offers an intimate, luxury experience. With all-balcony staterooms across five categories and two pools, this tastefully designed vessel ensures an uncluttered journey. Its modest size is an asset, allowing it to dock at ports where larger ships simply can't reach.
A quaint vessel with a guest capacity of 1,200, Vista offers a more personal cruising experience. From unique dining options to all-veranda staterooms and oversized rainforest showers, the vessel blazes its own trail. The standout feature? The first-ever concierge-level staterooms for solo travelers.
Resilient Lady (Virgin Voyages)
The ship, poised to take its inaugural sail from Greece in May 2023, continues the adults-only tradition, fusing it with an energetic mix of fitness, music, and party-style amenities.
Offering 450+ balcony suites, each with 377 square feet of space, and 27,000 square feet of outdoor deck space, Explora I redefines the concept of space at sea. The ship also houses four pools and nine restaurants, pushing the boundaries of cruising technology and eco-friendly design.
Five pools, the largest waterpark at sea, a record-breaking LED dome, 10 restaurants, and 21 bars are some of the extraordinary features this ship boasts. Plus, it employs a sustainable LNG power system that slashes greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.
With seven new suite categories, premium aft suites, a wellness program, and a comfort food menu for in-room dining, the ship sets a new bar for cruise experiences. Claiming to be the first hybrid luxury cruise ship free from port emissions, it prioritizes sustainability and opulence.
Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
As the largest cruise ship in the world, it dwarfs the existing Oasis-class ships, with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a guest capacity exceeding 5,610. This ship truly is an icon on the seas.
So jetsetters, prepare to board these exceptional vessels and set sail on your next adventure. From the luxuriously intimate to the vibrantly grand, these maiden voyages promise to reshape the landscape of luxury cruise travel. Prepare to be thrilled, enchanted, and forever changed by these epic sea journeys.
