Oceania Cruises to transform Nautica into Oceania Aurelia as part of major refit

Oceania Cruises has announced Oceania Nautica will undergo a major refit and refurbishment and be re-introduced as Oceania Aurelia.

Following the re-launch, Oceania Aurelia will support long-duration itineraries, including Oceania’s scheduled Around the World voyages in 2028 and 2029.

The transformation to Oceania Nautica will take place as part of the OceaniaNEXT programme, with the updated vessel set to enter service in late 2027.

The repositioning reflects a broader focus on extended sailings and smaller-ship formats within the luxury segment, particularly for passengers undertaking multi-week or global itineraries.

With capacity for fewer than 500 passengers and approximately 400 crew, Oceania Aurelia is configured to operate with a high crew-to-guest ratio, supporting longer stays on board.

The design places emphasis on residential-style accommodation and shared spaces intended to accommodate extended periods at sea.

“Oceania Aurelia is our ultimate world explorer,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises. “She is designed specifically for guests who desire greater space, more suites and a deeper level of personalised care, particularly for extended journeys.”

Montague said the ship’s configuration reflects a shift towards smaller, more contained environments suited to long-haul travel. “Oceania Aurelia will be a smaller, more club-like ship that truly feels like a home at sea, providing travellers a deeper connection to the ports they visit,” he said.

Accommodation forms a central component of the redesign, with 179 of the ship’s 238 staterooms configured as suites.

Most exceed 300 square feet, with larger categories extending to approximately 1,000 square feet. The suite mix includes updated Owner’s, Vista, and Penthouse Suites, alongside newly introduced Oceania and Horizon Suites, as well as a smaller number of oceanview and inside options.

Dining remains aligned with the cruise line’s existing structure, with multiple venues offering regionally influenced menus that reflect the ship’s itinerary.

Core restaurants include the Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana, Terrace Café, Waves Grill, and an evening pizzeria service. Additional changes include the relocation of the Baristas coffee venue to the Horizons space, alongside the introduction of a bakery and crêperie concept.

Public spaces are being adapted to support longer voyages, with additional emphasis on enrichment and onboard activities. Facilities include a Chef’s Studio for culinary workshops, an Artist Loft for creative programmes, and a digital centre offering classes and training sessions.

Guest speaker programmes are also planned as part of the onboard schedule.

Oceania Aurelia will also provide expanded access to wellness facilities, including the Aquamar Spa Terrace, which will be available to all passengers. Other onboard venues include lounges and bars, including a new Founders Bar concept.

The introduction of Oceania Aurelia aligns with a wider trend among operators to develop ships and itineraries specifically for extended travel, where onboard environment and service structure are adapted to longer stays.

By focusing on smaller capacity and higher proportions of suite accommodation, the line is positioning the vessel within a segment that prioritises duration and onboard continuity over short-format cruising.

No detailed deployment schedule beyond the announced world voyages has been released, although the ship is expected to form part of a broader programme of long-haul itineraries following its entry into service.