Top five: the glorious new ships to put on your must-book list

A flotilla of incredible new vessels launches this year. Here's the pick of the crop.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale in November to sail the Caribbean, Celebrity Ascent will reach new wow-factor heights, while retaining favourite Celebrity features including the Magic Carpet and the Retreat. celebrity.com

The brand formerly known as Crystal Cruises - now known simply as Crystal - relaunched in July as part of the iconic Abercrombie & Kent group, with a voyage from Marseille to Lisbon on Crystal Serenity. The reconfigured luxury ship now boasts larger, updated suites, butler service and world-class dining. crystalcruises.com.au

Silver Nova launched in August with a 14-day European itinerary from Venice. With 600 crew members, the 728-passenger, all-balcony suite ship boasts a guest-to-crew ratio that's close to 1:1. What's more? Silversea prioritises sustainable initiatives, proudly announcing this ship is powered by LNG and is the first to be totally emission-free in port. silversea.com.au

Joining identical sister ships Viking Osiris and Viking Hathor on the Nile, Viking Aton launched in August in Egypt. Sailing a Pharaohs & Pyramids river itinerary to fascinating ports including Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, this cruise will suit the thinking traveller. vikingcruises.com.au

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new 746-guest ship will sail the Caribbean from November, before repositioning to the Mediterranean for summer fun. Guests choose from 15 all-suite, all-balcony categories, including The Regent suite. rssc.com.au

Read more on Explore: