Oceania Cruises Floats Out First Ship in New Class

Oceania Cruises has marked a major milestone in the construction of its newest ship, Oceania Sonata. The vessel, which is the first of five planned ships in the new Sonata class, has been floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

Representing Oceania Cruises at the float out ceremony was Paolo Novarino, Senior Director, Project Owner, who joined Fincantieri leadership and team members to celebrate the landmark moment and longstanding partnership between the two companies.

With her exterior construction complete, work now turns towards bringing the interiors and onboard experiences to life. To do this, Sonata now moves from the dry dock to the fitting-out berth. At about 86,000 gross tons, the adults-only vessel will be nearly 30 percent larger than Oceania Allura, yet will include only 90 additional staterooms.

One-third of the accommodations on board will be suites, including four Owner’s Suites that have two bedrooms — a first for Oceania. Oceania Sonata will also introduce two new suite categories: the over-600 square foot Horizon Suites with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet, and an oversized balcony; and the 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite, featuring an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors.

The ship will include 13 dining venues, including two new concepts: La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen, as well as The Grand Dining Room and favorites among Oceania Cruises passengers including Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, and Toscana.

Oceania Sonata will embark on a broad inaugural season — starting in August 2027 — that includes over 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the Sonata class. The vessel will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three more not-yet-named ships scheduled for delivery in 2032, 2035, and 2037.