Ship’s name, owner, gross tonnage and yard are shown
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q1
Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruises, 23,000GRT, T. Mariotti yard, Italy
Final delivery July 2023
Following sister Seabourn Venture which was taken into service just a year ago, Seabourn Pursuit is the line’s second newbuilt expedition vessel. She can navigate both polar regions, being classified PC6 Polar Class. Two submarines, kajaks, 24 Zodiacs and an expedition team numbering 26 guarantee an unforgettable experience. There is a Discovery Center for guests to dive into the polar regions world and in her Expedition Lounge, daily lectures, enrichment programs and briefings will take place.
Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises, 10,000GRT, Halong Shipyard, North Vietnam
Final delivery July 2023
Emerald Cruises’ new Emerald Sakara, like her sister ship Emerald Azzurra offers unprecedented service and surroundings. 72 crew look after just 100 guests. Most things are included, like beer, wine and soda during lunch and dinner, several excursions in each port and other services provided onboard. 88 percent of her cabins have balconies. Active guests have a fitness room, marina platform equipped with paddleboards and snorkel equipment at their disposal together with a spa for relaxing. Her first voyage will take her to the Indian Ocean, to exotic destinations like the Seychelle Islands.
Havila Pollux, Havila shipping, 15,800GRT, Tersan, Turkey
Final delivery August 2023
Havila started operations along the Norwegian coast in December 2021 when their first vessel Capella was delivered by Turkish yard Tersan. Castor, Polaris were delivered in 2022, while Pollux is expected in March 2023, all delayed after the yard experienced technical difficulties as well as problems because of the COVID pandemic. Havila will operate 4 of the 11 ships on the Norwegian coastal route, taking over 4 sailings from Hurtigruten under a ten year government contract. These ships have the largest battery pack on any vessel nowadays, enabling them to sail the fjords up to 4 hours powered by electricity. The interiors reflect their Norwegian roots, as does the onboard cuisine. The observation room features a glass room and reclining seats, enabling passengers to view the midnight sun and northern lights.
Ocean Albatros, Sunstone ships, 7400GRT, CMIH-China Merchants Heavy Industry, China
Final delivery April 2023
These 104.4m long vessels have a capacity for 120 to 160 passengers in 93 suites, 68 with balconies, 9 with French balconies and 16 with panoramic windows. They are of revolutionary design, of the X-bow type and have Polar Code 6, Ice Class 1A, allowing them to sail virtually all waters in the polar regions. This year three ships of this series will be taken into service: Ocean Odyssey has been chartered out to Vantage Cruise Line, Sylvia Earle will join Greg Mortimer at Aurora Expeditions while Ocean Albatros will be operated by Albatros Expeditions. Although they are sister vessels to Greg Mortimer, the first ship in the Infinity-series, there are some differences as the flexibility of this series makes it possible to adapt the vessels to the needs of the charterers.
Viking Saturn, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery April 2023
Viking Saturn is the next new vessel in this endless series of 930-passenger ships which continue to bring Viking Cruises success. The Scandinavian décor and great onboard service combined with specialty dining (drinks included) make cruising with this line vey popular. Her spa and at least one excursion in each port of call are included in the cruise fare. These adult-only vessels sail enriching destination oriented cruises. The Viking Saturn -like her sisters- will not have art auctions, a casino or photographers following you around, as these ships offer quiet surroundings for travelling in comfort.
Vista, Oceania Cruises, 67,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery May 2023
Vista will be Oceania’s first newbuilding in a decade, she is the first of a new class of vessels, the Allura Class. Oceania is known for her high level cuisine, the line was the first to ever serve a vegetarian menu. The gourmet tradition wil continue with several new dining venues onboard Vista like Aquamar serving healthy food and Ember focusing on American food. A novelty are the single staterooms having balconies. The most luxurious accommodtation, the Owners Suites and Vista Suites of course have butler service and are decorated with design details from Ralph Lauren House.
SH Diana, Swan Hellenic Cruises, 12,500GRT, Helsinki shipyard, Finland
Final delivery March 2023
Swan Hellenic will welcome its third vessel, SH Diana, after SH Minerva and SH Vega entered service in 2021 and 2022. She is slightly larger than her predecessors, 120 crew serve 152 guests, an unusually high crew to passenger ratio. Swan Hellenic specializes in polar region expedition cruises, SH Diana’s first voyage will take her to Helgoland, Mandal, Ulvik, Skjolden, Nordfjordeid, Froya Island, Bronnoysund, Glomfjord, Svolvaer, Trollfjorden ending in Tromso.
Resilient Lady Virgin Cruises, 110,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery December 2022 (!)
Sister ship to Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, the third of Virgin Voyages’ “lady ships,” Resilient Lady will enter service in the spring of 2023. She will also be an adult-only ship, especially the party loving crowd will love her, organising great parties is one of Virgin Voyages’ trademarks. And onboard Resilient Lady, there will be no main restuarants, but around 20 informal intimate food serving venues. At night, artists will rotate, switching from one location to another. On board, there will be many references to Virgin’s roots, the music industry like record players in the ship’s suites and a shop selling music equipment and magazines.
Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Cruises, 16,500GRT, 3 Maj shipyard, Croatia
Final delivery April 2023
Although she is marketed as an ultra luxury yacht, she does measure 168 meters, but she is still able to enter ports inaccessible to the mega cruise ships. Scenic Eclipse II will mainly sail to polar regions (she has the highest ice classification) but other destinations are also included in her itineraries. She carries helicopters and a submarine. Her cruises are completely all-inclusive as (premium) drinks, excursions, transfers, flights all are included.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q2
Euribia, MSC Cruises, 177,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Final delivery May 2023
MSC Euribia will arrive in June 2023. She is MSC’s third Meraviglia-plus class vessel (following MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa) . Immediately after the ship was annonced, MSC was not very generous giving information about their new 6,334-guest vessel other than she would be powered by liquid natural gas and her facilities will be comparable to those off the other ships of this class. To clearly show MSC Cruises’ commitment to environmental sustainability, the line held an international design competition to create unique artwork for the ship’s hull, inspired by the sea. More than 450 designs from 59 countries worldwide were submitted. German artist Alex Flaemig was selected as the winner by a panel of international judges.
Explora I, Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery July 2023
The first vessel of MSC’s new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, Explora I will arrive in the summer of 2023. Positioned in the luxury segment, this new brand emphasizes that Explora I sails on journeys, not cruises. Exotic destinations, great service and enrichment are key words in Explora Journey’s philosophy. Cabins are quite large, starting from 380 sq ft. On deck there will be 64 cabanas lining three pools. Her fourth pool will feature a magrodome, a retractable roof which can close off the pool in inclement weather. According to the line, there will be nine dining venues, or “dining experiences” as they are called.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q3
Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises, 54,700GRT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Final delivery July 2023
The first all balcony ship in the luxury Silversea fleet, Silver Nova will debut in summer 2023, carrying 728 passengers, she will also be their largest ship and have the line’s first hybrid technology aiming to be totally emission free in port. The well known S.A.L.T. gourmet culinary program will be available in her eight restaurants. Silver Nova’s “innovative asymmetrical as well as horizontal design ensures outstanding public areas, which fuse seamlessly together”as the line states. Silver Nova will introduce spacious suites, many of which offer a 270˚ view from sea to sky.
Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line, 142,500GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery August 2023
Norwegian Viva will almost be an exact copy of Norwegian Prima when she debuts in the fall of 2023. Her bigger and faster go-kart racetrack which winds around her funnel and her drop down dry slides will doubtless lift adrenaline levels to unprecedented heights. As onboard her sister, the The Haven has been shifted aft. This offers more privacy for this ship-within-a-ship complex which features its own pool, sundeck, restauarants and bars. Norwegian Viva will be part of a series of six Prima-class ships to be constructed by the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy from 2022 to 2027, one each year at a cost of around USD 850 million per vessel. World renowned architects have worked on the design of the new vessel: leading Italian interior architect Piero Lissoni together with the Rockwell Group, Tillberg design, SMC Design, YSA Design and Studio Dado which was responsible for staterooms, several restaurants and other public spaces. As NCL states “Norwegian Viva like her sister will push the boundaries of contemporary cruising and its “Guests First“principle will result in offering passengers more space, spectacular interior design and world class service”. Indeed Norwegian Viva will offer it passengers the highest space-ratio (e.g. the most outdoor space of any new cruise ship) and highest crew-to passenger ratio in its category.
Vessels with a planned delivery in Q4
Brilliant Lady Virgin Cruises, 110,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery postponed to 2024
Check out my article on her sister ship Scarlet Lady and its owner Virgin Cruises, a newcomer in the cruise industry. Virgin wants to shake up the current cruising scene, making it more informal and party-oriented. An example of this is that there are no restaurants on Brilliant Lady and of course no fixed meal times. On board, there will be many references to Virgin’s roots, the music industry like record players in the ship’s suites and a shop selling music equipment and magazines. These sister ships are of the so called Lady Ships class, also pointing to Virgin’s roots. Like on the former sailing ships, on its bow will be a mermaid and Virgin’s logo.
Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruises, 250,800GRT, Meyer Turku, Finland
Final delivery December 2023
After delivery in December 2023, Icon of the Seas will be stationed in the Caribbean year round. She will be the largest cruise ship in the world when delivered, measuring over 250,000GRT. Icon of the Seas will be 365 meter long, 49 meter wide and will have capacity for 5600 passengers double occupancy (7300 passengers full capacity). She will be Royal Caribbean Cruises’ most environmentally friendly vessel, being powered by LNG. A ship of her size will be the ultimate family oriented cruise ship, featuring an endless list of facilities.
Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent even Seas Cruises, 54,000, Fincantieri, Italy
Final delivery November 2023
According to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the new “world’s most luxurious cruise ship”, taking the title from Seven Seas Explorer as she is an improved version of this ship. They also state she will have the highest space and crew ratio per passenger in the industry. The $11,000-per-night Regent Suite will again be present. Gourmet food will be served in her main dining room Compass Rose and her other three restaurants. Seven Seas Grandeur will feature an extremely luxurious interior with lots of expensive art, sculptures etc.
Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises, 140,,600, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Final delivery November 2023
Another Edge Class vessel, Celebrity Ascent will join her sisters Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond. All of the popular features will again be present like the moveable deck Magic Carpet which can be used as embarkation platform, restaurant and bar. The infinite balconies will be available for solo travellers for the first time. Icon and Edge Villas will be added as a new stateroom choice, they will even have private plunge pools! Celebrity Ascent like her sisters features the three-deck high Eden Lounge surrounded by 7000 square meters of glass and the Infnity balconies which will enlarge staterooms when closed off.
Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Cruises, 183,900, Meyer Werft, Germany
Final delivery December 2023
Introduced after Carnival Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Jubilee will debut in December 2023, being homeported in Galveston. Many Carnival favorites will be present like Guy’s Burgers, the two-story Red Frog-themed tiki bar, all being expanded versions. Like her sisters, Carnival Jubilee will also have themed neighborhoods with improved facilities compared to her predecessors.
Exact 2023 delivery date not yet known
Janssonius, Oceanwide Expeditions, 6,300GRT, Brodosplit, Croatia
Delivery postponed, no final date set
Oceanwide’s new Janssonius, will be a sister ship to their Hondius (2019) and is another expedition ship in the endless stream of this type of vessel coming online these days. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed everything down, Croatian shipbuilder Brodosplit cites as reason for her late delivery. With her ice-class classification Polar class 6 she will be able to sail the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. She features a platform for watersport activities and guests can use two different (dis-)embarkation points when leaving for or returning from excursions by Zodiac. Offering 78 staterooms, her most luxurious accommodation are six 33sqm suites fitted with balconies.
2024
Vessels with a planned delivery fist half of 2024
Explora II, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Mein Schiff 7, TUI, 110,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruises, 200,000GRT, Meyer Turku, Finland
Silver Ray, Silversea Cruises, 55,000GRT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Queen Anne, Cunard Line, 113,00GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Sun Princess, Princess Cruises, 175,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
World Seeker, Mystic/ Atlas, 9,300GRT, West Sea Shipyard, Porugal
Delivery to be advised
Mein Schiff 8, TUI, 161,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
World America, MSC Cruises, 206,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Disney Treasure, Disney Cruises, 140,000GRT, Meyer Werf, Germany
Unnamed, Viking Ocean, 47,000, Fincantieri, Italy
Ilma, Ritz-Carlton, 37,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
World Adventurer, Mystic/ Atlas, 9,300GRT, West Sea Shipyard, Porugal
World Discoverer, Mystic/ Atlas, 9,300GRT, West Sea Shipyard, Porugal
2025
Unnamed, Princess Cruises, 175,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Meyer Werft Turku, Finland
Unnamed, Sunstone, 8,000GRT, CMIH, China
Unnamed, Four Seasons, 20,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Delivery to be advised
Njord, Ocean Residences, 85,000GRT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Unnamed, MSC Cruises, 205,000GRT, STX, France
Unnamed, Disney Cruises, 140,000GRT, Meyer Werft, Germany
Unnamed, Disney Cruises, 208,000GRT, MV Werften, Germany
Unnamed, NCL, 140,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, NYK, 52,000GRT, Meyer, Germany
Unnamed, Celebrity Cruises, 140,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Allura, Oceania Cruises, 67,000GRT, Finacantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Adora Cruises, 135.000GRT, CSSC, China
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Northern Xplorer, 20,000West Sea Shipyard, Portugal
Narrative, Storylines, 62,000GRT, Brodosplit Shipyard, Croatia
Luminara, Ritz-Carlton, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
2026
Delivery first half of 2026
Explora III, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Mein Schiff 9, TUI, 161,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Royal Caribbean Int, 200,000GRT, Meyer Turku, Finland, Italy
Unnamed, Orient Express, 30,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Delivery to be advised
Unnamed, Project Sama, 2,300GRT, T. Mariotti, Italy
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, NCL, 140,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, NCL, 140,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
2027
Delivery first half of 2027
Explora IV, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Delivery to be advised
Unnamed, NCL, 140,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, MSC, 205,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Orient Express, 30,000GRT, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Explora V, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
2028
Delivery to be advised
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Unnamed, Viking Ocean Cruises, 47,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
Explora VI, MSC Explora Journeys, 64,000GRT, Fincantieri, Italy
