Cruise line itinerary launches are always an exciting time in the Paramount Cruises office. Of course there is always a fair bit of hype when new ships announce their programming, and our regular customers will be the first to call us to get themselves booked on brand new sailings, but one of the most interesting moments is scanning through the itineraries, and spotting those new destinations in the cruise ship deployments, or maybe even old destinations that cruise lines are returning to. So we decided to share our list of ports we’re most excited about visiting in 2022 and 2023. Discover why some of these should probably make it onto your future cruising wish list.
Martha’s Vineyard, United States
Martha’s Vineyard was for years a haven of peace and tranquillity, this small island, located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, has steadily grown in the past decades and yet managed to retain it’s natural beauty and charm. Steven Spielberg shot his blockbuster film Jaws on the island, and over the year this small slice of New England has become the chosen holiday destination for US presidents, TV personalities and pop stars alike. You’ll soon realise why Celebrity Cruises will be making 3 calls to the island in May 2023 as part of Celebrity Summit’s Bermuda & Charleston sailing.
Celebrity Summit – Bermuda & Charleston from New York – May 2023
Marina di Carrara, Italy
Known principally for its marble which has been used to create statues and monuments throughout the ages, this city in northern Tuscany, will see Virgin Voyages‘ second ship Valiant Lady call here during the summer of 2022. Whilst it would be easy to jump on an excursion to nearby Pisa and Florence, or hop across the border to Liguria to discover the infamous Cinque Terre region, do not discount more local opportunities such as exploring the medieval town of Lucca or the picturesque Tuscan hilltop villages of the Lunigiana area.
Valiant Lady – The Irresistible Med – Summer 2022
Galveston, United States
Not exactly a new destination, however, Galveston is set to become one of the most important cruise ports in the United States in the coming years. The Texan town is set to receive further investment with Royal Caribbean confirming they will be building a new $125 million cruise terminal which is set to open in Autumn 2022. This will enable larger ships such as Oasis-class Allure of the Seas to dock, whilst 2023 will see the arrival of brand new ships such as Carnival Jubilee and Norwegian Prima. If you’ve been wanting to combine a stay in nearby Austin with a Caribbean cruise, Galveston will be the departure port for you!
Adventure of the Seas – Southern Caribbean from New York to Galveston – November 2022
Trieste, Italy
When Italian authorities announced a ban on cruise ships entering the historic centre of Venice, cruise lines were forced to look for alternative departure ports for cruises in the Adriatic. Venice’s loss could be Trieste’s gain with Norwegian Cruise Line choosing the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region as the new homeport for Norwegian Gem. Whilst the lure of Venice will never be far away, those looking for alternative experiences may want to head across the border to Slovenia and explore it’s picturesque capital Ljubljana, or discover the charm of the coastal towns on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.
Norwegian Gem – Greek Isles & Adriatic – Summer 2022
Tunis, Tunisia
The memories of the Bardo National Museum attack in 2015 which saw cruise lines swiftly alter their itineraries avoiding Tunisia will not be forgotten, however, 7 years later, MSC Cruises is heading back to the Tunisian capital with MSC Opera set to make 27 weekly calls to the port of La Goulette this summer. Whether you’re looking to admire the ancient archaeological marvels at Carthage, explore the charming and picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said or simply wonder round the Medina of Tunis with its hundreds of monuments, palaces, mosques and fountains, Tunis will certainly be the highlight of MSC Opera’s Western Med itinerary.
MSC Opera – Western Mediterranean – Summer 2022
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Once a small town in Southern Sri Lanka, Hambantota has grown thanks to investment in its deep-water port which will see Celebrity Millennium arriving in November 2023. Nature lovers will no doubt be attracted by the port’s proximity to Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. If you’re looking to relax on a beach with picturesque views then look no further than Hanbantota Beach which also offers snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Celebrity Millennium – Spice Route – November 2023
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Not many cruise lines are able to explore the multitude of Indonesian islands in depth, and very few visit Komodo Island, so itineraries such as Holland America‘s Westerdam cruise in December 2022 are always extremely popular. Tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Komodo National Park are a must, the region is home to roughly 5,700 Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world, which can grow to lengths of up to three meters. Meanwhile the offshore coral reefs are home to over 1,000 species of tropical fish as well as whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and sea turtles. This is truly a wildlife lovers paradise.
Holland America Westerdam – Indonesia Discovery – December 2022
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
During the Covid-19 pandemic MSC Cruises repositioned one of it’s newest ships, MSC Bellissima, from the far east to the Red Sea. Following a highly successful inaugural season in the region the Italian cruise line decided to extend her deployment in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea for the winter 2021/2022 season. Homeporting in the vibrant city of Jeddah, you be certain to experience a unique blend of history and modernity. AlBalad, the old town of Jeddah, dates back to the 7th century and boasts beautiful buildings and an ancient souk whilst the city’s waterfront is home to modern shopping malls, offering endless entertainment and recreational activities.
MSC Bellissima – Saudi Arabia & Red Sea – Spring 2022
