Oceania Cruises’ new ship, the Oceania Vista, is joining the fleet in 2023.
The cruise line’s newest ship is being constructed by Fincantieri, as is Oceania Vista’s sister ship scheduled to arrive in 2025. Both are part of the brand’s new Allura class of ships.
The Oceania Vista will deliver the “Finest Cuisine at Sea” according to the company, with personalized service and a range of dining options for guests to choose from.
Aside from casual dining experiences such as a poolside burger, the ship will also feature private dining venues as well as Privée, a special venue for bespoke culinary celebrations for a maximum of ten guests.
The 67,000-ton ship accommodating 1,200 guests will embark on its maiden voyage from Rome, Italy to Barcelona, Spain on April 14, 2023.
Itineraries include visits to 24 countries across four continents for in debut season.
The Oceania Vista’s inaugural 2023 season will include: ● Exploring the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras ● Greek Isles ● Holy Lands of Turkey and Israel ● Canary Islands ● Wine Country of Spain, ● Portugal and France ● The British Isles and Ireland ● Colonial America and Panama Canal
The itineraries will feature overnight stays in Lisbon, Venice, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Bordeaux, Montreal and New York City. The ship will also explore off-the-beaten-paths such as Port-Vendres, Bodrum, Kavala/Philippi, Bozcaada, Chania, Izmir, Salerno, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Killybegs, Saint-Pierre, Shelburne, Martha’s Vineyard and Corinto.
On April 26, the ship will embark on a ten-day journey from Barcelona, Spain with calls to the ports of Grenada, Tangier, and Lisbon. On May 16, the Oceania Vista will set sail on a 14-day Mediterranean Visions voyage.
MSC Virtuosa arriving into Southampton Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr) The MSC Virtuosa was the first cruise ship to dock in Hamburg in 2023.
The MSC Virtuosa arrived in Hamburg on January 1, 2023, marking the beginning of this year’s cruise season.
From January 8 to January 29, the ship will set course for the Canary Islands for three weeks. The ship will make calls in Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, Lisbon, Cadiz and Casablanca followed by visits to the Atlantic islands of Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. On the way back to Hamburg, the MSC Virtuosa will call in La Coruna and Southampton.
The MSC Virtuosa will make several calls in Hamburg before April 16 turning around in the German port.
In the summer of 2023, the cruise ship will then depart from Southampton, England for Norway or southern Europe.
The MSC Euribia will then take over the trips to Hamburg from the MSC Virtuosa. In the summer of 2023, it will depart from Kiel and head to the Norwegian fjords. Throughout the 2023/2024 season, the MSC Euribia will return to Hamburg on a weekly basis.
The Port of Hamburg is expecting around 280 calls from cruise ships in 2023. The highlights in the port are the port birthday from May 5 to 7, 2023, and the Cruise Days from September 8 to 10, 2023.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry Newslooked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.
The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.
Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.
Start-Ups
More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.
With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.
First China-Built Large Ship
The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.
With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.
The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.
The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.
Japan Reopening
One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.
Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.
Secondhand Market
With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.
Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.
Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.
Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.
Expedition Market
The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.
Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.
Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.
Disney Expansion
Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.
A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
