Oceania Cruises moves beyond its R-Class fleet with Sirena sale

Oceania Cruises is continuing its transition away from the R-class ships that once formed the backbone of its fleet, with parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings confirming it has entered into an agreement to sell Oceania Sirena.

The 684-guest vessel is expected to leave the fleet following its spring 2028 deployment, although the buyer has not yet been disclosed.

The sale marks another step in the brand’s fleet transformation as Oceania Cruises increasingly focuses on larger, purpose-built luxury ships.

For much of the line’s history, the former Renaissance Cruises vessels formed the core of the fleet, helping establish Oceania’s reputation for destination-focused cruising.

However, the introduction of the Oceania Class, the new Allura Class, and the recently announced Sonata Class has steadily reduced the importance of the smaller R-class ships within the brand’s long-term strategy.

Originally launched in 1999 as R Four for Renaissance Cruises, Oceania Sirena entered service with Princess Cruises in 2002 as Tahitian Princess and later Ocean Princess, before joining Oceania Cruises in 2016 following an extensive refurbishment during which she was renamed Oceania Sirena.

The latest sale follows a series of moves involving Oceania’s remaining R-class vessels.

Earlier this year, Oceania Regatta entered a two-year charter agreement with Australian operator myCruises, while Oceania Nautica is set to undergo a comprehensive transformation before re-entering service in late 2027 as Oceania Aurelia.

Rather than replacing the ship, Oceania is repositioning it further into the luxury segment by significantly reducing its capacity.

When Oceania Aurelia enters service, she will accommodate fewer than 500 guests, compared with more than 650 today, while being served by approximately 400 officers and crew.

Oceania Cruises has redeveloped its fleet in recent years to prioritise the Oceania, Allura, and Sonata Classes

The extensive OceaniaNEXT refurbishment will convert 179 of the ship’s 238 accommodation units into spacious suites, most measuring more than 300 square feet, with some extending to 1,000 square feet.

The redesign will also introduce several new accommodation categories, including Oceania Suites and Horizon Suites, alongside refurbished Owner’s, Vista, and Penthouse Suites.

Public areas will also be refreshed with new dining and enrichment venues, including an expanded Baristas café, Founders Bar, Chef’s Studio, Artist Loft, LYNC Digital Center, and enhanced wellness facilities.

Unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace will also be included for all guests.

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

As a result of the Nautica refit, following the sale of Sirena, Insignia will become the only remaining R-class ship operating under the Oceania Cruises brand.

The 1998-built vessel had previously been earmarked for sale to residential cruise start-up Crescent Seas, although that transaction did not proceed.

The gradual retirement and repositioning of the R-class fleet reflects Oceania Cruises’ evolution over the past decade. While the ships established the brand and remain popular for their intimate size and destination-rich itineraries, the arrival of the 1,250-guest Oceania Class, the new Allura Class, and the forthcoming Sonata Class has shifted the line firmly towards a more contemporary luxury product.