A Look at the Future of Oceania Cruises’ R-Class Ships

Posted on 3 August, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

A Look at the Future of Oceania Cruises’ R-Class Ships

Oceania Cruises is set to undergo significant changes over the next few years with the debut of newbuilds and the retirement of its older vessels.

Having been fully repositioned into the luxury market, the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH) brand is moving on from its older R-class ships, which are being sold off, repurposed or chartered.

Cruise Industry News looks at the company’s plans for the four ships, which originally debuted between 1998 and 2001.

Sirena
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 2000
Fate: Sold to undisclosed buyer
Farewell Cruise: March 24, 2028

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced the sale of the Sirena in late July. While a buyer was not named, the ship is expected to be delivered to its new owners after its spring 2028 deployment.

Originally launched as the R4 in 2000, the 684-passenger ship was acquired by Oceania in 2016, after spending over a decade sailing for Princess Cruises.

Nautica
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 2000
Fate: To become Oceania Aurelia
Farewell Cruise: October 15, 2027

The Nautica will remain in service for Oceania Cruises after undergoing a significant refurbishment in late 2027.

According to the company, the 2000-built ship will be reimagined as the “ultimate world explorer,” embarking on longer cruises and the brand’s 180-day Around the World Voyages. Renamed Oceania Aurelia, the vessel will offer larger suites and capacity will be trimmed from 684 to under 400.

Regatta
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 1998
Fate: Chartered to My Cruises
Farewell Cruise: August 17, 2026

The Regatta will leave Oceania Cruises’ fleet this year having been chartered to My Cruises’ Explorations by Norwegian brand.

The Australian tour operator will operate world cruises onboard the 30,200-ton vessel, currently holding a two-year charter agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“At the conclusion of the initial term, the charter may be extended for multiple years or, alternatively, the vessel may be sold to a third-party cruise operator,” NCLH stated in its 2026 second quarter earnings presentation.

Insignia
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 1999
Fate: To remain in fleet for the time being
Farewell Cruise: TBD

The Insignia is staying in the company’s fleet for the time being. The 30,200-ton ship was previously slated to be withdrawn in 2027 to become a residential cruise ship for Crescent Seas but the plan later fell through.

While no new long-term plans have been announced, Oceania’s published deployment includes departures onboard the 30,200-ton ship through November 2027.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises to Retire Nippon Maru in 2026

Posted on 6 June, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Mitsui Ocean Cruises to Retire Nippon Maru in 2026

Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced the upcoming retirement of the cruise line’s 422-guest Nippon Maru.

The cruise ship will officially retire from the fleet on May 10, 2026, in Yokohama.

The ship first entered service in 1990 and has since traveled 2,877,642 nautical miles – approximately 133 times around the earth – sailing over 2,000 cruises, hosting more than 600,000 guests, and visiting over 400 ports in and out of Japan, the company said.

“With full hearts and deep gratitude, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Nippon Maru, which has served us well for over 35 years,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, president of Mitsui Ocean Cruises.

“Though a difficult decision, it is time to retire her for operational and economic reasons. We’re excited to carry on her legacy of fine hospitality aboard our new luxury ships, Mitsui Ocean Fuji and our recently announced second ship, where many of our cherished crew will continue to serve.”

The retirement of the Nippon Maru will make way for the company’s second recently acquired ship, the current Seabourn Sojourn, which joins the fleet in late 2026.

Nippon Maru Career Highlights:

Many longer voyages: a 62-day Hawaii, Caribbean and Alaska cruise in 1995, and a 48-day Mauritius Precious Cruise – Paradise FUNATABI Around the Indian Ocean in 2022.
Nine World Cruises.
Offered various theme cruises, including “Platinum Entertainment Cruise,” and “Oasis Nippon Maru Cruise,” uniquely created especially for women.
Created the now standard “Fly & Cruise Hokkaido,” attracting a wider range of guests.
The ship was utilized for many years by the Cabinet for the “Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth, and “Ship for World Youth” projects recognized by youth all over the world.
The cuisine incorporates local ingredients from ports of call and seasonal dishes, ensuring a fresh and regionally inspired dining experience, meticulously presented. The chef’s take on the traditional Japanese techniques, also incorporates many of the delicacies that became favorites, like the ship’s famous roast beef.

The legacy of Nippon Marui and her contribution to the Japanese cruise industry will be honored during her final season with several cruises and events, featuring special commemorative gifts and menus.

NCLH To Remove 5,000+ Berths from Fleet by 2027

Posted on 9 April, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will remove over 5,000 berths from service by 2027, with four ships now set to exit the line’s trio of brands.

After previously announcing the departures of Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania’s Insignia, NCLH confirmed on Monday that it is also retiring the Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Sun.

Currently in service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 2,000-guest sister ships will be handed over to Cordelia Cruises in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

With the Seven Seas Navigator and the Insignia being handed over to Crescent Seas in 2026 and 2027, the NCLH fleet will see a reduction of roughly 5,200 berths over the next two years.

Pursuing an aggressive newbuild strategy, the company will add new vessels to offset this reduction.

All of NCLH’s three brands are welcoming new ships over the next three years, including Oceania, which is taking delivery of new vessels in 2025 and 2027, adding 2,650 berths to its fleet

Regent Seven Seas also welcomes a new vessel, the Seven Seas Prestige. The 850-guest ship is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line is set to take delivery of two Prima-class ships during the timeframe, including the 3,571-guest Norwegian Luna in 2026. The company will also welcome a fifth ship in the Prima series in 2027. This follows the new Norwegian Aqua, which was delivered by Fincantieri in March.

According to CIN data, the five new vessels will add more than 10,000 berths to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ fleet.

For a breakdown of the company’s fleet, see the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News,