Richard’s Rooftop, a VIP space on Virgin Voyages ships. Picture: Melanie Acevedo
Modern, fun-packed cruise ships are packed with plenty of facilities for families and trend-setting travellers to enjoy on these contemporary cruise lines
Virgin Voyages
In a nutshell: Avant-garde cruises focused on fun
Having bagged A-list celebrity Jennifer Lopez as chief entertainment and lifestyle officer, this adult-only player with its ‘rebellious luxe’ style of cruising welcomes two more so-called ‘lady ships’ to its burgeoning fleet this year.
First to arrive is Resilient Lady in May, which will debut two one-week Greek island round-trip cruises from Athens, with Brilliant Lady following in December from Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan.
This year also marks the official launch of Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club loyalty programme, giving guests a raft of benefits and exclusive offers that include anytime boarding, premium Wi-Fi and exclusive cocktail parties.
Find out more about Virgin Voyages.
Bolt Seacoaster, Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
In a nutshell: All-American line where fun rules the waves
Carnival Cruise Line, known for family-friendly, action-packed ‘fun ships’ with rollercoasters and water parks, sails into 2023 having just unveiled two more – Carnival Celebration and Carnival Luminosa – the first of five new additions over the next two years.
Another two will be added this year – Carnival Venezia this spring under a new Carnival Fun Italian Style brand reflecting the ship’s Italian heritage, followed by Carnival Jubilee in October.
This will be the third Carnival ship with a rollercoaster, and fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Carnival Pride returns to Dover from June to September, sailing to northern Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland and around the UK.
Find out more about Carnival Cruise Line.
Atrium, Arvia, P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises
In a nutshell: A British classic reflecting modern trends
P&O Cruises starts this year with new ship Arvia, which launched in December. Sister ship to Iona, which debuted in 2021, it’s the line’s second LNG-powered vessel and brings new entertainment, including official Take That musical Greatest Days, the line’s first high ropes experience and an escape room.
Its maiden winter Caribbean season is followed by a summer of Mediterranean voyages. Other highlights include summer ‘island vibe’ sailings on Britannia to the Mediterranean, with overnight stays in Palma and Ibiza.
Smaller ships Arcadia and Aurora are featuring lesser-known destinations such as Grundarfjordur in Iceland and Klaipeda in Lithuania, plus Sicily’s capital Palermo.
Find out more about P&O Cruises.
Sportplex on MSC World Europa. Picture: Ivan Sarfatti
MSC Cruises
In a nutshell: Stylish mega-ships packed with Italian flair
This cosmopolitan cruise line brings an unmistakeable continental feel to its growing fleet, with each new ship ushering in ever-more ambitious wows. After unveiling two vessels last year, MSC Cruises debuts MSC Euribia in June, hailing the LNG mega-ship as its most environmentally advanced yet.
This, the first MSC ship to have artwork on its hull, is coming to Southampton for its maiden winter season in 2023-24, from where it will offer cruises to northern Europe and the Canary Islands.
It follows another of the brand’s newer ships, MSC Virtuosa, which, for the first time, is sailing from Southampton this winter and into the summer.
Find out more about MSC Cruises.
Rock Wall, Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International
In a nutshell: Floating resorts full of jaw-dropping attractions
All eyes are on Royal Caribbean’s next (and largest) leviathan, Icon of the Seas, which arrives later this year, though it officially debuts in January 2024.
This new class of ship will hold up to a record-breaking 7,600 passengers and boast the largest water park at sea, along with eight different ‘neighbourhoods’ featuring five new themed areas, including the first family-dedicated section, Surfside.
The line plans to have nine ships in the Mediterranean this summer visiting more than 25 countries. Anthem of the Seas will be returning to Southampton for the third consecutive year, with longer 11 and 12-night cruises added to its itinerary mix.
Find out more about Royal Caribbean.
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises
In a nutshell: Good-value, package holiday-style cruises
Scoring highly for value and service, Marella is the cruising arm of holiday giant Tui, offering all-inclusive sailings.
This year sees a double-pronged debut, with June marking the launch of its fifth ship Marella Voyager offering family-friendly facilities, plus 10 bars and 16 dining spots, including a new Mexican venue and a secret speakeasy bar.
Sister ship Marella Discovery leads the line’s debut in America with three sailings from Port Canaveral, two visiting the Caribbean and one heading northwards to New York.
In winter 2023-24, Marella Discovery 2 will return to Asia, where it will homeport in Singapore for the first time.
Find out more about Marella Cruises.
Disney Wish. Picture: Amy Smith
Disney Cruise Line
In a nutshell: Enchanting family cruises with Disney’s cast of characters
Promising fairytale escapes on the high seas, Disney Cruise Line’s five classically styled ships provide a magical mix of pirate parties, water rides and chances to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
One of its larger vessels, Disney Dream, offers five sailings from Southampton as part of its first summer season in Europe. These will visit northern Europe and Scandinavia in addition to Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome).
Sister ship Disney Wonder will sail in Alaska, while the rest of the fleet, including the line’s newest ship Disney Wish, which debuted last July, will be offering tropical escapes to the Caribbean.
Find out more about Disney Cruise Line.
Kinky Boots on NCL Epic
Norwegian Cruise Line
In a nutshell: Casual cruising where flexibility reigns
As the line that pioneered ‘freestyle cruising’ with flexible dining and thrilling onboard attractions such as water slides, laser tag and even a go-kart racetrack, NCL is upping the ante with its latest ships.
Having unveiled the new-generation Norwegian Prima last summer, this August sees the arrival of Norwegian Viva with the same array of stylish and innovative draws.
In winter the line is offering Canary Islands cruises for the first time since 2017 on Norwegian Sun, and is returning to Israel in December for its second departure from Haifa for a winter Mediterranean voyage on Norwegian Epic.
Find out more about NCL.
Read more:
- Affordable luxury: best premium cruise lines for 2023
- Review: Norwegian Prima, first in NCL’s new class of ships
- Discover the new incredible cruise ships for 2023
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