After more than two decades as one of Oceania Cruises‘ most iconic vessels, Regatta will leave the fleet in August 2026, marking the end of an era for the luxury cruise line. Having been part of the company since its inaugural year in 2003, the 684-guest ship will begin a new chapter under charter to Australia’s My Cruises.
Built in 1998 at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Renaissance Cruises, Regatta became one of the founding ships of Oceania Cruises and earned a loyal following thanks to its intimate atmosphere, destination-focused itineraries and acclaimed culinary experience.
Four Farewell Voyages
During August 2026, Regatta will operate four final itineraries for Oceania Cruises.
The farewell season begins on 31 July with a 10-day voyage from Istanbul to Athens, calling at Çanakkale (Troy), Kavala, Thessaloniki, Lesbos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini and Mykonos.
Guests looking for a longer journey can choose the 17-day itinerary from Istanbul to Dubrovnik, continuing via Chania, Kefalonia, Corfu, Sarandë, Bari and Kotor.
The second half of that voyage is also available as a standalone 7-day cruise from Athens to Dubrovnik.
Regatta‘s final Oceania Cruises voyage departs 17 August from Dubrovnik on a 10-day cruise to Istanbul, visiting Kotor, Igoumenitsa, Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Kusadasi and Bozcaada before concluding in Istanbul on 27 August 2026.
A New Chapter with My Cruises
Following its departure from Oceania Cruises, Regatta will be chartered by Australian tour operator My Cruises to operate Explorations by Norwegian, a unique collection of ultra-long immersive voyages designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers.
Beginning in September 2026, the ship will embark on a world cruise of more than 360 days, visiting over 230 destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean and beyond. Guests can either sail the complete itinerary or book shorter segments starting from just ten nights.
Strong demand for the inaugural programme has already led My Cruises to extend the charter for a second consecutive year. The 2027-28 edition will again visit more than 230 destinations and introduce new ports including Kenya, the Philippines, Borneo and Taiwan, while also featuring a full circumnavigation of Australia.
Oceania Cruises Looks Ahead
While Regatta‘s departure marks the end of an important chapter, Oceania Cruises is already shaping the future of its fleet through significant investment in next-generation luxury ships.
The transformation began in 2023 with the launch of Vista. Due to unprecedented demand, Oceania Cruises even added a special Founder’s Cruise, allowing guests to experience the new ship a week before its originally scheduled maiden voyage. Hosted by company founder Frank J. Del Rio as part of the brand’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the sailing showcased Vista‘s elegant residential-inspired design, spacious accommodations and innovative culinary venues.
In 2025, Allura joined the fleet as Vista‘s sister ship. Officially christened during a ceremony in Miami, the 1,200-guest vessel further strengthens Oceania Cruises’ position in the upper-premium market. Featuring the industry’s most spacious standard staterooms, twelve dining venues, the return of the beloved French restaurant Jacques, and the popular new Crêperie serving French crêpes, artisanal gelato and authentic Belgian waffles, Allura reinforces the cruise line’s long-standing reputation for offering The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
The fleet’s evolution will continue with the extensive transformation of Nautica, which will re-enter service as Oceania Aurelia in late 2027. Designed specifically for extended voyages, the refurbished vessel will become the home of Oceania Cruises’ Grand Voyages and World Cruises.
Looking even further ahead, the company has ordered five new Sonata Class ships, scheduled to enter service between 2027 and 2035, underlining Oceania Cruises’ long-term commitment to growth and innovation.
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