Six amazing cruise itineraries in 2023 to book now

With ships traveling all over the world, it's hard to choose a destination that's right for you, especially when there are so many worthy options out there. That's why the edition The points guy has compiled some of the most exciting routes of 2023. From exciting new trips to proven trips that now have new ships, this list will make you want to travel both to distant lands and places close to home.

Photo: IStock

Japan at Ponant's Le Soleal

After almost three years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan reopened to travelers in November 2022. This was facilitated by several cruise companies, including Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises (they offer a special Spice Route tour that includes Japan).

However, the most interesting itineraries in Japan for 2023 are a couple of itineraries offered by Ponant's Le Soleal. Not only is the line the first expeditionary ship to deliver passengers to Japan's southern islands. Its itineraries are also focused on Japan and do not include other countries such as those offered by Holland America and Celebrity.

Details: the first route is an eight-day voyage from March 24-31, 2023, visiting the traditional villages of the Okinawa archipelago and the Ryukyu Islands, as well as Ishigaki and Kume. Prices start at $6 per person for an ocean view cabin.

The second route is an eight-day voyage from Osaka to Fukuoka on May 15-22, 2023, with stops in the Seto Inland Sea, the oldest sea route in Japan. Prices start at $7 per person for an ocean view room. More information on Ponant's Asian flights can be found at company website.

West Africa at Hurtigruten's Spitsbergen

For the first time for Hurtigruten, the line offers a selection of cruises around the west coast of Africa, including Cape Verde and Bisagos in Guinea-Bissau, which consist of more than 80 offshore islands and islets, only about 20 of which are inhabited.

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Travel in Cape Verde is rare, making it ideal for those who want to cross the country off their wish list. With Hurtigruten rapidly expanding beyond its traditional Norway offerings and expedition cruises, you could be one of the first to experience this first-of-its-kind itinerary, which will be available four times in late 2023 (and early 2024).

Details: These 13 day cruises will depart Dakar in November and December 2023, as well as in January 2024. Prices start at $5 per person for an inside cabin. Additional information can be found at Hurtigruten Expeditions website.

Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on American Queen Voyages' American Countess

It's no secret that American Queen Voyages have been sailing the rivers of the United States for many years. But what makes this particular route special is that it will be the longest in history. The 23-day cruises, which include travel along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, will be operated on the line's newest ship, the American Countess, with 245 passengers.

The ship will stop in some of the most prominent small towns in the US, including La Crosse (Wisconsin); Dubuque, Bettendorf and Burlington (Iowa); Hannibal, St. Louis, Kimmswick and Cape Girardeau (Missouri); Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro, Brandenburg, Louisville and Maysville (Kentucky); Madison (Indiana); Point Pleasant (West Virginia); Cincinnati and Marietta (Ohio).

Details: The first flight is scheduled to begin in Red Wing, Minnesota on July 24, 2023 and end in Pittsburgh on August 15, 2023. The return route will start on August 15, 2023. Prices start at $10 per person for an inside cabin. Find more information at website.

Photo: IStock

Middle East at Windstar's Star Legend

If you're looking for a cruise destination that's a little more expansive, Windstar Cruises offers Red Sea and Persian Gulf cruises in the Middle East.

The line will offer four different itineraries, but one of the best is the 10-day Persian Gulf option from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, which includes stops at places like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and Khasab. Oman. The liner, among other things, will visit the island of Sir Bani Yas in the UAE, known for its wildlife. There will also be an overnight stay in Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Details: this route is offered 11 times from November 2023 to early 2024. Tickets start at $3499 per person for an ocean view accommodation.

Caribbean and Bahamas on MSC Meraviglia and Carnival Venezia from New York

While Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries are nothing new to New York City, two cruise lines will be introduced there from 2023: Carnival Cruise Line with Carnival Venezia, which will depart Manhattan in June, and MSC Cruises with MSC Meraviglia, which will will be based at the Red Hook Terminal in Brooklyn from April.

The itineraries are fairly standard at first glance, but the point here is that for the first time, private line islands - in this case Carnival's Half Moon Cay and MSC Ocean Cay Marine Sanctuary - will be available on boats cruising from New York.

Details: Between April and December 2023, MSC Meraviglia offers 11 seven-day cruises calling at Port Canaveral, as well as Nassau and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Prices start at $399 per person for an inside cabin. Find more information at MSC Cruises website.

From June to December, Carnival Venezia will take one eight-day trip to the Bahamas, which includes Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay, starting at $484 per person per inside cabin. During that time, the company plans to make five eight-day Eastern Caribbean cruises, including calls at Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, with fares starting at $684 per person per inside cabin. For more information visit Carnival Venezia website.

Australia and New Zealand on Disney Wonder and Resilient Lady from Virgin Voyages

With Australia and New Zealand picking up steam again after shutting down, it's no wonder some cruise lines will send ships to the region for the first time in 2023. Night flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne calling at places like Hobart and Eden in Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Noumea, New Caledonia - offering Disney Wonder fans until the end of the year another route option.

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In addition, from December 2023, Virgin Voyages' new Resilient Lady will offer five voyages ranging from two to 14 nights from Melbourne, providing local residents with a more modern ship. Flights include stops in Hobart, Burney or both ports in Tasmania. During a two-week voyage among the ports of Sydney, as well as Picton, Napier, Taurangoo and Auckland in New Zealand.

Details: Disney Wonder cabin fares start at $946 for two nights, $1604 for three, and $2000 for four nights, $2118 for five nights, and $4078 for six. For more information visit the website Disney Cruise Line.

Virgin Voyages per person starts at $245 for two nights, $613 for five, $753 for six and $2240 for 14 nights. Visit Virgin Voyages websiteto learn more about these cruises.

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