Oceania Cruises Floats Out First Ship in New Sonata Class at Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy

Oceania Cruises has marked a major milestone in the construction of its newest ship, Oceania Sonat, as the vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

Featuring 695 rooms and suites, the ship now moves from dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where work will continue on her interiors ahead of her highly anticipated debut in August 2027.

​Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships 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. 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 landmark moment and longstanding partnership between the two companies. For nearly two decades, Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri have worked together to bring the line's purpose-built ships to life, beginning with Oceania Marina™, delivered 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 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."

With her exterior structure now complete, work will turn toward bringing Oceania Sonata's interiors and onboard experiences to life. 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 throughout her elegant interiors. The ship will offer a serene adults-only environment, with expansive public spaces, including bars and lounges, plus thoughtfully designed guest suites and rooms.

One-third of 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, offering more than 600 square feet of refined residential comfort, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized veranda; and the 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite, featuring an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that frame the ocean views.

Reflecting Oceania Cruises' commitment to The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, dining on board Oceania Sonata will feature 13 venues, including two new culinary concepts: La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen, as well as The Grand Dining Room and beloved Oceania Cruises specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.

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, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Highlighted Voyages:
Mediterranean Collage: 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 during the journey. Highlights include a seven-port exploration of Greece; Bar, Montenegro; and Split and Zadar, Croatia before arriving in Trieste.

Greeks & Byzantines: 7-day voyage from Athens to Istanbul, departing October 14, 2027. This Eastern Mediterranean voyage showcases the history and beauty of Greece and Turkey, with calls in Paros, Heraklion, Rhodes and Patmos before continuing to Izmir. Oceania Sonata then arrives in Istanbul for an overnight stay, giving guests additional time to discover the city before disembarking the following morning.

Panama Canal Coastlines: 16-day voyage from Los Angeles to Miami, departing January 6, 2028. Linking the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, this itinerary features calls in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica before making a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. The journey continues to Cartagena, Colombia, and George Town, Grand Cayman before arriving in Miami.
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Tropical Coves: 10-day voyage roundtrip from Miami, departing March 1, 2028. Designed for a warm-weather escape, this Caribbean voyage balances island-hopping with time to unwind at sea. Oceania Sonata will sail from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. John's, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with three days at sea woven throughout the journey before returning to Miami.