By
Alex Smith |
Oceania Cruises has marked a major milestone in the construction of its newest ship, Oceania Sonata, with the vessel’s float-out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
Featuring 695 rooms and suites, Oceania Sonata has moved from dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where work will continue on its interiors ahead of its debut in August 2027. The ship is the first of five planned for the line’s new Sonata Class and will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional ships scheduled for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
Representing Oceania Cruises at the ceremony was Paolo Novarino, senior director and project owner, who joined Fincantieri leadership and team members to mark the occasion. The two companies have worked together to deliver the line’s purpose-built ships for 15 years, beginning with Oceania Marina in 2011, followed by Oceania Riviera in 2012, Oceania Vista in 2023, Oceania Allura in 2025, and now Oceania Sonata.
“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,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Oceania Cruises. “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.”
At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30 per cent larger than Oceania Allura, and will feature 90 additional guest accommodations. One-third of accommodations will be suites, including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises. The ship will also introduce two new suite categories: Horizon Suites, offering more than 600 square feet of space with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and a veranda; and the 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite, featuring an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors offering ocean views.
Oceania Sonata will feature 13 dining venues. These include two new culinary concepts – La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen – alongside The Grand Dining Room and the established specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.
Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America.