2023 is here and with it we say, “out with the old and in with the blue” as we excitedly look forward to many new cruise ships embarking on blue seas this year. On the sea is really the place to be! 

Here are ten new ships setting sail this year: 

Celebrity Ascent: This fourth ship in the Edge class has the widest range of staterooms and suites of the entire fleet and will feature more than 30 options for dining and beverages.  Sail with me on her sister ship from Australia and around New Zealand. Click here for details.

Norwegian Cruise Line Viva: The sister ship to Prima is nearly identical, but features the largest 3 level racetrack at sea, two infinity pools, and 44,000 square feet of outdoor space.   Sail with me on Viva through the Mediterranean. Click here for details. 
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Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady / Brilliant Lady: The adult-only cruise line debuts two ships in 2023, and 90% of the staterooms feature balconies.  I've sailed on her sister ships during the summer and for New Year's. If you're looking for a fun vibe, consider Virgin Voyages. 

Carnival Jubilee: Named after an early ship in the fleet and raising the bar on family fun, the ship has six fun zones, Bolt! Ultimate Sea Coaster, and Family Feud at Sea.  
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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas: Now the largest cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Icon of the Seas will debut two new neighborhoods, the largest waterpark at sea, and the largest pool at sea.  

Oceania Cruises Vista: Small, intimate dining experiences include Ember and Aquamar Kitchen. A new category of concierge level staterooms designed for solo travelers is an addition to this ship as well. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Grandeur: This new cruise ship boasts one of the highest space and crew to passenger ratios across the industry. The famed luxury of the brand stretches to this addition to the fleet. 

Silversea Silver Nova: As the first ship in the new Nova class, the Silver Nova features new suite categories, a wellness program, comfort food on the in-room menu, and is one of the most spacious cruise ships in the world. 

Seabourn Pursuit: Designed to lead passengers to the most diverse environments around the world, the Pursuit is designed for expeditions, and employs a team of 26 expedition experts to educate and assist passengers through their adventures at sea. Northern itineraries that include Greenland, Iceland, and Norway are highlighted.  

Viking Saturn: The adults-only Saturn may be identical to the other ships in the Viking fleet, but fans will appreciate the adults-only atmosphere, a tasteful and refined décor, and three new Nordic itineraries.

How do you take a good vacation and make it great? It’s all about the upgrades!

Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly break or a luxurious getaway, know that adding a few special touches can drastically improve the overall travel experience. Which travel upgrades are worth the splurge?

FIRST-CLASS FLYING

• No one likes spending hours twisted up like a pretzel. To start the trip off comfortably, upgrade your airline seats. First-class will get you the most luxury, of course, but premium economy seats offer additional perks at a lower price tag. You’ll enjoy extra space and legroom. Some airlines include priority boarding, increased luggage allowances, and other upgrades to the inflight experience.

TOP-NOTCH TRANSFERS

• After a long day of flying and navigating through airports, who wouldn’t want to minimize travel time and maximize beach time? Instead of a shared-ride van or bus service—which means waiting for other travelers to board or making more stops along the way—reserve private transfers to your resort. For extra luxury, arrive in style and upgrade to a premium SUV, luxury sedan, or limousine.

LUXURY LODGING

• Treating yourself to a room upgrade is a great way to take your vacation to the next level. Imagine relaxing in your own private plunge pool. You could be sipping cocktails at sunset on the balcony of your cruise cabin. Or have a butler deliver breakfast to your suite. If you can’t swing a hotel upgrade for your entire trip, switch to a premium room for a night or two at the end of your stay.

MEMORABLE MEALS

• Whether or not you consider yourself a foodie, sharing an exceptional meal with someone you love is an unforgettable way to spice up your getaway. It could be a romantic dinner for two on the beach. Perhaps you prefer a multi-course tasting menu at the chef’s table. Or maybe you try a cooking class to get hands-on experience with the local flavors.

EXCITING EXCURSIONS

• “Remember that time we __?” Whether you fill in the blank with a pulse-pounding zipline adventure, swimming with the stingrays, or viewing spectacular scenery from a helicopter, moments experienced together create memories that last a lifetime.

Which travel upgrades will you choose for your next vacation experience? Matt Travel is happy to share tips and unique ideas for your getaway.

Travel appeals to our senses—hearing the crash of ocean waves, seeing the twinkling lights of a city skyline, feeling a cool mountain breeze on your face. Judging from the popularity of food-related hashtags and social media posts, many travelers especially love to indulge their sense of taste. Travel food and dining experiences are often the most memorable parts of a trip.

​Are you planning a trip for your favorite food buddies? Want to add some extra flavor to your next getaway? Here are a few ideas sure to tempt anyone’s travel taste buds.

EXOTIC EXPLORATION

​The world offers an endless variety of ingredients and cooking styles. Specialized foodie tours make it easy to explore vibrant destinations like Thailand, Morocco, Peru, and more. Options include guided visits through local markets and street fairs, unique dining experiences, and hands-on cooking lessons.

WINE AND DINE

Sail through some of the world’s top wine regions on a luxurious European river cruise. Wine-focused itineraries feature expert lectures, tastings, and culinary pairings. Or plan a custom self-drive tour along New Zealand’s wine trail or through California’s Napa Valley.  

HOP(S) ON BOARD

River cruises are also a great way to explore beer-producing regions in countries like Germany and Amsterdam. You can include tours of local breweries, visits to malt factories and hops fields, and of course, plenty of tastings. And what beer lover wouldn’t enjoy a pub crawl through Dublin or London?

SPICE IT UP

If an entirely food-themed trip isn’t your style, you can still add a pinch of culinary adventure to your next vacation. Try a food-themed shore excursion to experience local specialties in cruise ports across the globe. Take a break from the beaches of Jamaica, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic to tour a local coffee plantation or distillery. The possibilities are endless… and delicious. 

Are you hungry for your next travel adventure? Matt Travel can craft a menu of tempting travel food options! ​