Oceania Cruises has reached a major construction milestone with the float-out of Oceania Sonata, the first vessel in a new generation of luxury ships for the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand.
The ~86,000-gross-ton ship entered the water for the first time at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. Delivery is scheduled for 2027, with Oceania Sonata expected to begin commercial service with her maiden voyage in August of that year.
The float-out ceremony was attended by Paolo Novarino, senior director and project owner for Oceania Cruises, and Marco Lunardi, director of Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard.
Designed to accommodate up to 1,390 guests, Oceania Sonata will continue the design direction established by the Allura-class ships while introducing additional space and new onboard features. All accommodations will include private verandas, with suites accounting for approximately one-third of the inventory.
The vessel will introduce new accommodation categories, including Horizon Suites and Penthouse Deluxe Suites, as well as four two-bedroom Owner’s Suites. Its dining portfolio will also feature new concepts, including La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen, combining Peruvian ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques.
Oceania Sonata follows Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, delivered by Fincantieri in 2023 and 2025 respectively. While both vessels belong to the Allura class, Sonata represents the beginning of a separate phase in Oceania Cruises’ fleet expansion.
The Sonata-class orderbook currently comprises five vessels. Oceania Sonata is scheduled for delivery in 2027, followed by Oceania Arietta in 2029. Three additional sister ships, whose names have not yet been announced, are planned for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
With the float-out completed, construction will move into the next stage, including interior outfitting, installation and commissioning of onboard systems, and preparations for sea trials ahead of delivery.
The milestone also underscores the continuing role of Fincantieri’s Marghera facility in Italy’s cruise shipbuilding sector. The yard has constructed 36 cruise ships since 1991 and currently supports a workforce of ~6,000 people each day, including Fincantieri employees and personnel employed by partner companies.