New Oceania class of ship floated out

A new ship for Oceania Cruises has been floated out at a shipyard in Italy ahead of planned entry into service in a year’s time.

The 695-cabin Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class.

It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional vessels due for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.

At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura – launched last year – yet will feature only 90 additional cabins.

Suites will make up a third of the accommodation including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises. 

Two new suite categories are also being introduced. 

Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of space, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized balcony.

The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to frame the ocean views.

Oceania Sonata will include 13 dining venues, including two new culinary concepts – La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen – as well as The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.

Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 through to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America. 

The vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, moving from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work will continue on the interiors.

Chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The float out of Oceania Sonata is an incredibly exciting moment as we move one step closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next August.

“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Fincantieri whose expertise and craftsmanship are bringing Oceania Sonata to life.

“As the first ship in our new Sonata Class, she represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand and a defining milestone in the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”