2023 Cruise Lines News — For Travelers

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasts that the number of passengers this year will surpass 2019 numbers. The association expects 31.5 million passengers to embark on cruises in 2023, up from 29.7 million in 2022. This growth is being driven by pent-up demand, as well as the increasing popularity of cruising among younger travelers. [Source: TIME]
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set for sea trials from Meyer Turku. The world’s largest cruise ship is scheduled to begin sea trials in July 2023. The Icon of the Seas is a 236,857-gross ton vessel that can accommodate up to 5,518 guests. It will feature a number of new innovations, including a robotic bar, a skydiving simulator, and a water coaster. [Source: Cruise Hive]
Four Seasons orders second cruise ship. The luxury hotel chain has ordered a second cruise ship, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2025. The new ship will be similar to the Four Seasons Explorer, which launched in 2023. It will feature 298 suites, a spa, a fitness center, and multiple dining options. [Source: Cruise Critic]
MSC expands cruise shore power plan to more ports. MSC Cruises has announced that it will expand its shore power plan to more ports. The company currently has 15 ships that can operate on shore power, and it plans to have 25 ships by 2025. Shore power allows cruise ships to plug into the electrical grid when they are docked, which reduces their emissions. [Source: Cruise Industry News]
Carnival Venezia crosses the Atlantic ahead of NYC debut. The Carnival Venezia has crossed the Atlantic and is now docked in New York City. The ship is scheduled to begin sailing from New York on July 2, 2023. The Carnival Venezia is a 133,500-gross ton vessel that can accommodate up to 3,960 guests. [Source: Cruise Critic]
Princess Cruises unveils new Princess Perfect Weddings at Sea. Princess Cruises has unveiled a new wedding package called Princess Perfect Weddings at Sea. The package includes a ceremony on board a Princess ship, as well as a variety of other wedding-related services. The package starts at $15,000. [Source: Princess Cruises]
Aurora offers limited-time deal for Antarctic expedition. The Aurora is offering a limited-time deal for an Antarctic expedition. The deal includes a 50% discount on the cruise fare, as well as a free shore excursion. The Aurora is a 62,000-gross ton vessel that can accommodate up to 1,230 guests. [Source: Cruise Critic]
Ocean Albatros sets sail on maiden cruise. The Ocean Albatros has set sail on its maiden cruise. The ship is a 116,000-gross ton vessel that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. The Ocean Albatros is sailing on a 14-day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon. [Source: Cruise Hive]
China updates cruise restart plans summarized. China has updated its cruise restart plans. The country is now allowing cruise ships to operate with a maximum of 50% capacity. However, passengers must be fully vaccinated and must have a negative COVID-19 test result. [Source: Cruise Industry News]
Previewing the Noordam’s 2024-25 voyages in Asia. The Noordam is previewing its 2024-25 voyages in Asia. The ship will offer a variety of itineraries, including cruises to Japan, South Korea, and China. The Noordam is a 143,000-gross ton vessel that can accommodate up to 2,400 guests. [Source: Cruise Critic]