Oceania Cruises has reached a major milestone in the construction of Oceania Sonata. The cruise line’s newest ship has floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The vessel has now moved from dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where work on the interiors and onboard facilities will continue ahead of its debut in August 2027.
Oceania Sonata is the first of five planned ships in the new Sonata Class. Sister ship Oceania Arietta will follow in 2029, while three additional ships are scheduled for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
The Sonata Class represents the next generation of Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury philosophy, combining more space, elevated suite accommodations and enhanced culinary experiences with the line’s signature destination- and culinary-focused itineraries.
Representing Oceania Cruises at the ceremony was Paolo Novarino, Senior Director, Project Owner, who joined Fincantieri leadership and team members to celebrate the milestone and the longstanding partnership between the two companies.
The partnership between Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri spans nearly two decades. The Italian shipbuilder previously delivered Oceania Marina in 2011, Oceania Riviera in 2012, Oceania Vista in 2023 and Oceania Allura in 2025. The construction of Oceania Sonata continues that relationship.
“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 of 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.”
More Space and New Suite Categories
With the exterior structure of Oceania Sonata now complete, work will turn to the ship’s interiors and onboard experiences. At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura, yet will feature only 90 additional guest accommodations, creating an exceptional sense of space and comfort.
The ship will offer a serene adults-only environment, with expansive public spaces including bars and lounges, alongside thoughtfully designed guest suites and rooms.
One-third of the accommodations will be suites, including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms, a first for Oceania Cruises.
Oceania Sonata will also introduce two new suite categories. Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of refined residential comfort, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized veranda. The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors framing ocean views.
13 Dining Venues
In keeping with Oceania Cruises’ commitment to The Finest Cuisine at Sea, dining aboard Oceania Sonata will feature 13 venues.
These include two new culinary concepts: La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen. The ship will also feature The Grand Dining Room and popular Oceania Cruises specialty restaurants including Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.
Inaugural Season Visits More Than 90 Destinations
Oceania Sonata will embark on a wide-ranging inaugural season from August 2027 through April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America. Highlighted voyages include several longer itineraries.
Mediterranean Collage is a 14-day voyage from Rome to Trieste, departing August 7, 2027. Oceania Sonata‘s maiden voyage will trace the Mediterranean from Italy to the Adriatic, visiting Malta, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. Highlights include seven Greek ports, Bar in Montenegro, and Split and Zadar in Croatia.
Greeks & Byzantines is a seven-day voyage from Athens to Istanbul, departing October 14, 2027. The itinerary visits Paros, Heraklion, Rhodes and Patmos before continuing to Izmir. Oceania Sonata then arrives in Istanbul for an overnight stay, giving guests additional time to explore the city.
Panama Canal Coastlines departs Los Angeles on January 6, 2028, for a 16-day voyage to Miami. The itinerary includes calls in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica before a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. The journey continues to Cartagena, Colombia, and George Town, Grand Cayman.
Tropical Coves is a 10-day roundtrip from Miami, departing March 1, 2028. The Caribbean itinerary combines island-hopping with days at sea and visits Puerto Plata, San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, Basseterre, St. John’s and Tortola.
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