Oceania Cruises marks steel cutting for Sonata, the first in a new class of ship for the line

Oceania Cruises has marked the start of construction on Oceania Sonata, the first vessel in its new Sonata Class, with a steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. 

The event represents a key milestone for the cruise line, which has worked with Fincantieri for nearly two decades. Part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the brand is one of two luxury lines within the group, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Due to enter service in 2027, Oceania Sonata will be the ninth ship in the fleet and will be followed by a sister vessel, Oceania Arietta. The two ships are expected to be the largest and most amenity-rich and technically advanced in Oceania’s history.

“Oceania Sonata heralds the dawn of a new era in luxury cruising,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury officer of Oceania Cruises.

“We are proud to continue our legacy of innovation alongside Fincantieri, our shipbuilding partner for close to 20 years,” he added. “Together, we have crafted ships that stand as some of the most acclaimed examples of luxury, elegance, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship at sea.”

While full specifications have not yet been released, Oceania Sonata is expected to build upon the design elements introduced with the Allura Class—represented by Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, the latter of which debuts in July 2025. 

These features include expanded public spaces, updated accommodations, and revised dining layouts intended to accommodate both guest feedback and evolving operational requirements.

Oceania Cruises is known for operating smaller, upper-premium ships with a focus on port-intensive itineraries and a high crew-to-guest ratio. The current fleet includes Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera, Vista, and the soon-to-launch Allura. 

The Sonata Class will represent a new design evolution beyond these existing ships, with a projected gross tonnage in the region of 70,000 to 75,000 gross tons and a guest capacity of approximately 1,200 passengers—maintaining the line’s emphasis on mid-sized ships rather than larger mainstream vessels.

The ship will also incorporate updated environmental and technical systems in line with current maritime regulations and energy efficiency targets. Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, has been responsible for several of Oceania’s existing vessels, as well as ships for other premium and luxury cruise lines.

Oceania Sonata is scheduled to enter service in mid-2027. Her deployment details have not yet been announced, but she is expected to operate itineraries consistent with Oceania Cruises’ global focus, which typically includes Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Americas.

This shipyard ceremony reaffirms Oceania’s long-standing relationship with Fincantieri and signals continued investment in fleet renewal and expansion.