New and Upcoming Cruise Ships to Get Excited About

In recent years, the cruise industry has undergone several waves of change to enhance the passenger experience. Many cruise lines, for example, have increased their focus on safety, sustainability and personalised service. This includes Norwegian Cruise Line® and Princess Cruises® — both have upgraded their existing vessels and added new vessels to their fleets to be at the cutting edge of cruising.

From specialty dining options and spa services to superior staterooms and wearable devices that simplify cruising, Norwegian and Princess are always evolving their ships to provide the most incredible experiences for their passengers. Keep on reading to find out what their new and upcoming ships have to offer.

• Norwegian Prima 
• Norwegian Viva
• Discovery Princess
• Sun Princess

When you decide to embark with Norwegian Cruise Line, you are choosing to cruise on modern, innovative and award-winning ships. With freestyle cruising options, you can select your ship and destinations, and customise your experience on board. Norwegian debuted their Prima vessel in 2022 and will be premiering a new vessel, Viva, in the winter of 2023. 

The Norwegian Prima is a new class of vessel, created to elevate the cruise ship experience. Prima offers spacious accommodations, first-class amenities and has the most outdoor deck space in the fleet. From thrilling drop slides to Prima Speedway (a three-storey go-kart racetrack) to a world-class spa and infinity pools, the Prima offers exciting and relaxing experiences to indulge in. Discover a virtual reality roller coaster in the Galaxy Pavilion and enjoy nightly entertainment at Prima Theatre & Club — the first venue in the world that acts as a theatre for Broadway performances and a spectacular nightclub. Specialty dining experiences await in one of the dozen restaurants on board, including the Indulge Food Hall. 

Ship Facts: 

• Gross register tonnage: 143,535
• Guest capacity (double occupancy): 3,099
• Overall length: 294m
• Year built: 2022
• Ship crew: 1,506

The Norwegian Prima is currently sailing to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and across the Atlantic.

The Norwegian Viva is the second ship in the new class of vessels being set to sea by Norwegian. Experiences like the Oceanwalk, the first glass walkway at sea, will literally place the ocean under your feet. Make waves and ride the tide on Norwegian’s first tidal wave waterslide, or set a Tee Time at the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf on the ocean. From pubs to clubs there is a lively scene after dark for adults to enjoy specialty cocktails, dancing or a friendly game of darts. Broadway more your scene? Say “Beetlejuice” three times and discover the hit show on board! 

Ship facts: 

• Gross register tonnage: 142,500
• Guest capacity (double occupancy): 3,099
• Overall length: 294m
• Year built: 2023
• Ship crew: 1,506

The Norwegian Viva is now setting sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rome, Athens, and Lisbon. 

Every ship in Princess Cruises' fleet is a city on the seas with a range of culinary experiences, innovative activities and world-class amenities. Multiple tiers of upgrade packages are available so you can customise your on-board experience and cruise with confidence. MedallionClass® voyages truly provide personalised cruising for all guests and an enhanced customer experience on each ship. Princess launched the Discovery Princess in 2022 and is in the process of putting the final touches on the Sun Princess to embark early in 2024.

Discovery Princess® has been voyaging the seas for only 1.5 years. When you’re on board you have the opportunity to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. Multiple pools and hot tubs are available, including an infinity-style Wakeview pool and bar. The Take Five jazz bar offers live musicians performing extraordinary classic jazz hits, and boasts incredible custom cocktails. Camp Discovery™, a partnership with the Discovery Network, provides fun for kids of all ages with various themed activities. First-class cuisine options from Michelin-star chefs and specialty restaurants are scattered throughout the ship. Discovery Princess also hosts movie nights under the stars and stage productions in the Princess Theatre. 

Ship facts: 

• Gross register tonnage: 145,000
• Guest capacity (double occupancy): 3,660
• Overall length: 330m
• Inaugural Cruise: 2023

The Discovery Princess’s inaugural cruise hit the ocean on March 27, 2022, and currently sails to the Caribbean, Western United States and Alaska. 

The Sun Princess® has unique and innovative new features. Soar like a bird or climb like a monkey with the new Sea Breeze Rollglider® and Net Ropes Course. See the sun shining or the night lights in the new Dome featuring a pool by sunlight and stage for shows by starlight. This ship boasts new sustainable LNG (liquefied natural gas) technology which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Multiple pools and terraces provide epic seascape views while cruising. The two-level spa is a great place to indulge and relax in a bit of self-care. Plenty of bars and unique dining establishments offer a variety of options to spend days eating, drinking and socialising while connecting with the sea. 

Ship facts: 

• Gross register tonnage: 175,500
• Guest capacity (double occupancy): 4,300
• Overall length: 345m
• Inaugural Cruise: 2024

The Sun Princess will take its inaugural journey in 2024 and will start sailing in Europe and the Caribbean. 

With new ships on the horizon there are so many options to explore the seas in style. Chat with our Cruise Specialists today or view our cruise deals to begin planning your next onboard adventure.