As you may have heard,

cruising is back in full swing. According to a recent survey, cruise bookings are up by 32 percent from pre-pandemic totals, liners are sailing at full capacity, and new ships are under construction.

Not only are ocean cruise lines reporting upticks, but so, too, are river lines. November 2022 was a record booking month, fueled by interest from families and small groups. With wave season 2023 now upon us, the demand for cruising is not likely to slow up this year.

What’s new in cruising for 2023?

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2023, with new cruise ships coming from a range of cruise lines from Virgin to Viking, Celebrity and Norwegian, to the newest company on the open seas… Explora Journeys!

Resilient Lady (Virgin Voyages)

Virgin Voyages has not one but two new ships coming out in this year. Resilient Lady’s maiden voyage is set for May, when she's expected to embark on her inaugural sailing from Greece.

Just like all four of her sister Virgin Voyages ships, Resilient Lady will offer the adults-only environment infused with fitness, music and the party-esque amenities for which the line is known.

The newest Virgin vessel will hold 2,770 guests in 1,400 cabins, most with ocean views. Nearly 90 percent of the accommodations will have balconies.

Viking Saturn (Viking Cruises)

An adults-only ship and the ninth cruise addition to the Viking Cruise line, Viking Saturn is an ocean vessel, but is small enough that she can dock at ports where larger cruise ships can’t.

The ship will offer all-balcony staterooms across five categories, two pools, a handful of dining venues and a variety of entertainment options.

Don’t expect a lot of rowdy pool parties here. Instead, everything is tasteful, luxurious and Scandinavian-inspired. The guest capacity is 930 and Saturn is expected to debut this year.

Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line)

The 3,250-passenger Norwegian Viva will be the sister ship to Norwegian Prima, and according to Norwegian Cruise Line, the guest experience on the two liners will be nearly identical.

Think 44,000 square feet of outdoor space, a new take on the classic cruise ship promenade, two infinity pools, the fastest free-fall drop slide at sea, the largest three-level race track at sea, and more than 100 suites in The Haven VIP area. Viva is set to debut on August 26.

Celebrity Ascent (Celebrity Cruises)

Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in Celebrity’s Edge class, offers all of the luxuries traditionally associated with the cruise line. Exclusive to this new vessel, however, will be the widest range of staterooms and suites available on any ship within the Celebrity line. Ascent will hold up to 3,260 passengers and is set to debut on Dec. 3.

These will include the Retreat suites, the cruise line’s VIP, exclusive area that provides private spots for dining, relaxation and more, away from the cruising crowds. Ascent’s Retreat will include a two-level sundeck.

In addition to having a large variety of staterooms and suites to pick from, guests on this ship will also find a wide array of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

Ship plans call for more than 30 food and beverage experiences, including more than a dozen cafes and bars, eight specialty restaurants, four main dining rooms, four complimentary casual restaurants and two exclusive restaurants.

Explora I (Explora Journeys)

From MSC Cruises, Explora I is a new offering that’s designed to be a luxury experience unlike any other from MSC. The first of this new class of ships, Explora I is one of three sister ships that are expected to appear over the next four years, through 2026.

The discerning luxury traveler looking for something that authentically reflects their mood, as well as their journey, will find a subtle, layered, intimate and yet exciting choice of experiences and diversions on board these ships.

The brand’s aspiration was to create a unique “Ocean State of Mind” by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and with like-minded people. Remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-traveled ports for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

A fleet of six ships, two of which are under construction, and two of which will be powered by hydrogen, will be launched from 2023 to 2028. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a modern style of transformative ocean travel.

EXPLORA I will offer 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences designed to be “homes at sea,” all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of 18 food and beverage venues with 11 distinct culinary experiences, including six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, 12 bars and lounges (eight outdoor and four indoor) chef’s kitchen, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company’s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience as well as respectful and intuitive hospitality. Explora I will set off on her maiden journey on Jul. 17.

Between August 2024 and April 2025, she will embark on 25 journeys and 14 extended journeys; the itineraries will include 82 unique ports across 26 countries. At each stop, guests will have opportunities to discover the local nature and culture through exclusive activities, while exploring exotic destinations and delving into the locations through sustainable and tailored experiences. All journeys are designed for the discerning traveler who wants to stay longer, leave later and travel deeper.

The brand will provide guests with a slower pace of travel, unconventional arrival and departure times and the opportunity to spend more time in each destination with overnight stays while in port to ensure they feel fully exhilarated and immersed in the local culture and environment.

During each stop, guests will be invited to “linger longer” and delve into some of the oldest cultures. A combination of old and modern cities, wild flora and fauna, music, festivals, crystal-clear water, desert experiences and UNESCO sites, will be accompanied by incredible cuisines featuring timehonored classics, spices, herbs, teas and recipes passed down through generations.

As on EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II’s guests will reside in carefully curated accommodations designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean. Featuring elegant Swiss precision, modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, the suites will be spacious, serene and luxurious homes-away-from-home for the discerning travelers.

Journey guests can also explore an unprecedented seven onboard venues, offering simultaneous choices from a wide variety of different styles of entertainment. Instead of a single main event, they can freely enjoy any experience they wish at whatever time they choose. With no restrictive starting times, they simply dip in and out at their own pace, finding the right vibe at the right time. With their cutting-edge sound, light and visual capabilities, the ship’s lounges and venues can play host to a vast range of possibilities.

Explora Journeys will also offer a “Captain’s Log… Secrets of the Sail” during which guests can join the ship’s captain or bridge officers on an engrossing walk around the deck. They will learn how old seafaring methods have given way to today’s mind-boggling technology as they get to know the team responsible for transporting them safely around the world. With dreamy guitar music and storytelling under the stars or around the Conservatory Pool, guests will learn how sailors have long relied on the sea, wind and stars to bring them safely to shore.

Explora Journeys’ sommeliers and chefs will go the extra mile to source boutique labels offering unusual, sometimes very rare, wines of unexpected provenance as well as worldleading refined dining. Balancing contemporary techniques and creativity with a deep respect for regional culinary history, Explora Journeys’ culinary staffs have one aim: to enhance the memories that guests take with them long after their journey has ended.

If you are looking at an all-new cruise experience, Explora Journeys offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan, European luxury brand and is redefining ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travelers. Luxury travel is proving to be one of the top trends for 2023, and luxury cruising is leading the way.

These are some of the most popular destinations: European river cruises, Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Antarctica, Africa/Middle East/India, Alaska and the Caribbean.

Today’s travelers say that vacationing is the thing they look forward to most each year and that they are willing to try new things on vacation. Extraordinary vacations begin with careful planning with an experienced travel advisor who is devoted to ensuring clients the best possible experience.

Barbara May is the owner of Travel Leaders. The agency has been in the travel industry for over 36 years and specializes in all types of travel.

Travel Leaders’ Collierville office is located at 155 N. Main Street, Ste. 104, and is open by appointment only. Call 901.853.6200 or 901-377-6600. The Memphis office is located at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, phone 901.853.6200.