After a decade sailing under the Oceania Cruises banner, Sirena is set to begin a new chapter with a new owner. The popular R-class ship will remain in service for Oceania Cruises until spring 2028 under a charter agreement before leaving the fleet permanently. The sale forms part of the cruise line’s long-term strategy to modernise its fleet and strengthen its position in the luxury cruise market.
Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) confirmed that it has signed a memorandum of agreement for the sale of Sirena. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2026. The identity of the new owner has not yet been disclosed.
A Ship With a Distinguished History
Sirena traces her origins back to 1999, when she was built as R Four for Renaissance Cruises. She was one of the celebrated R-class ships, a series of eight nearly identical vessels renowned for their elegant design, intimate atmosphere and destination-focused itineraries.
Following the collapse of Renaissance Cruises, the ship joined Princess Cruises in 2002, initially sailing as Tahitian Princess before later being renamed Ocean Princess. In 2016 she transferred to Oceania Cruises after undergoing an extensive refurbishment valued at approximately $40 million, emerging as Sirena. A second major modernisation followed three years later, ensuring the ship continued to meet the high standards for which Oceania Cruises is recognised worldwide.
Over the years, Sirena became one of the line’s most popular ships. Her compact size allowed access to ports beyond the reach of larger cruise vessels, while her combination of personalised service, refined cuisine and immersive itineraries made her a firm favourite among loyal Oceania guests.
The ship also occupies a special place in Oceania Cruises’ culinary story. Legendary chef Jacques Pépin served for many years as the line’s Executive Culinary Director, while his daughter Claudine Pépin became Sirena‘s godmother when the ship entered the fleet in 2016.
The Gradual Evolution of the R-class fleet
The sale of Sirena is not an isolated decision. Earlier this year, we also covered the departure of Regatta and her new future with My Cruises. With the sale of Sirena, it is becoming increasingly clear that Oceania Cruises is steadily repositioning its classic R-class fleet as part of its long-term luxury strategy.
For many years, the R-class ships formed the backbone of Oceania Cruises. Their intimate atmosphere, exceptional dining and carefully curated itineraries helped establish the brand’s unique identity within the premium and luxury cruise market. Today, the focus is gradually shifting towards a new generation of ships offering more space, contemporary design and an even more refined guest experience, while preserving the hallmarks that have defined Oceania Cruises from the beginning.
Plans are also well advanced for Nautica. At the end of 2027, the ship will undergo a comprehensive transformation before re-entering service as Oceania Aurelia. Guest capacity will be reduced from 684 to fewer than 500, creating significantly more space for luxurious suites and exclusive onboard facilities.
In our earlier feature on Oceania Aurelia, we explored how the fully transformed ship will become the flagship of Oceania Cruises’ World Cruises and Grand Voyages from late 2027 onwards.
Alongside an extensive collection of new suites, the ship will receive completely redesigned restaurants, lounges, wellness facilities and public spaces. Every aspect of the refurbishment has been tailored to longer voyages, with comfort, space and immersive travel experiences at its core.
Meanwhile, Insignia will remain part of the fleet and will become the only R-class vessel still operating for Oceania Cruises largely in her original configuration. The ship had previously been earmarked for sale to residential cruise operator Crescent Seas, but that agreement was ultimately cancelled.
Investing in the future
According to Oceania Cruises President and CEO John Chidsey, the sale of Sirena reflects a deliberate strategy to align the fleet more closely with the brand’s luxury positioning. Chief Financial Officer Mark Kempa also stated during the company’s quarterly earnings presentation that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to invest in a more modern fleet while further differentiating each of its three cruise brands.
The departure of Sirena means that five ships will leave the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings fleet between 2026 and 2028. Alongside Sirena, the ships are Norwegian Sky, Regatta, Norwegian Sun and Seven Seas Navigator.
At the same time, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to invest heavily in the future. Between now and 2037, the group expects to take delivery of sixteen new cruise ships across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
For Oceania Cruises, this includes five new Sonata-class ships. Together with Vista and Allura, they represent the next stage in the brand’s evolution. In our previous feature on Allura, we explored how this new generation of ships is further enhancing Oceania Cruises’ renowned focus on culinary excellence and contemporary luxury.
Still time to sail aboard Sirena
For guests who appreciate the intimate atmosphere of Sirena, news of her eventual departure will undoubtedly be bittersweet. However, little will change over the next two years. Oceania Cruises will continue operating the 684-guest ship until spring 2028, giving travellers ample opportunity to experience one of the fleet’s most beloved vessels before she begins her next chapter.
With the sale of Sirena, Oceania Cruises closes another important chapter in its history. Although the iconic R-class ships are gradually making way for a new generation of vessels, the values that established the brand’s international reputation remain unchanged: outstanding cuisine, highly personalised service and destination-rich voyages that go beyond the ordinary. While Sirena will eventually leave the fleet, Oceania Cruises continues to build a modern luxury fleet designed for the next generation of discerning travellers.
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