New Ship Preview: Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Sonata (and Oceania Arietta)

Reflecting an update on how newly adult-only Oceania Cruises is naming its ships moving forward (with the upscale line’s name now baked in), the upcoming Oceania Sonata will launch in August 2027, followed by Oceania Arietta in 2029 and another two ships that have yet to be named, coming in 2032 and 2035, respectively.

“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 ship-building partner for close to 20 years. Together, we have crafted ships that stand as some of the most acclaimed examples of luxury, elegance, comfort and Italian craftsmanship at sea.”

Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information is revealed. It was last updated on May 4, 2026.

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The first ship in the series just celebrated its steel cutting at the aforementioned shipyard in Venice, Italy. The ship promises to continue the brand’s “legacy of culinary excellence, destination-rich experiences and refined luxury at sea,” according to the line. Initial details about the new Sonata Class of ships include that each vessel will measure in at around 86,000 gross tons and carry approximately 1,390 guests. 

Initial Details

Early renderings display a bright and airy atrium and other venues that will reflect the latest design approach.

"Blending grand, light-filled spaces that inspire celebration with serene enclaves designed for relaxation, Oceania Sonata is poised to resonate deeply with the most discerning travelers,” according to the line. "Every detail has been composed to create an ambiance that feels both uplifting and indulgent, capturing the very essence of refined seagoing luxury.”

Staterooms and Suites

Sonata and its sisters promise to be Oceania’s most spacious ships ever, with 33% of their accommodations outfitted as suites. The class will also introduce two new suite categories, as well as updated Owner’s Suites. All of the vessels’ suites and staterooms will showcase verandas.

“We have listened closely to the desires of our guests and are delighted to unveil Oceania Sonata’s thoughtfully reimagined suite accommodations,” Montague said. “Oceania Sonata is a triumph of spacious design and meticulous craftsmanship to deliver our unwavering commitment to extraordinary experiences and our unique brand of hospitality."

At the top of the pack will be four Owner’s Suites measuring in at more than 2,500 square feet and positioned at the aft corners of decks 10 and 11 for wraparound views. As a first for the line, each will be outfitted with two bedrooms: one king-size master with a spa-like bathroom and another with a queen-size bed.

Eight Vista Suites ranging in size from approximately 1,500-1,900 square feet will be terraced over the stern, as well. The suites’ bedroom and bathroom (complete with double vanities, a rainforest-style shower and soaking bathtub) will be joined by bonus living and dining areas.

Elsewhere, 16 Oceania Suites will measure 1,000 to more than 1,400 square feet, each with living, dining and bedroom spaces. And 50 Horizon Suites — a new category — of more than 600 square feet will also offer living and bedroom space, plus a walk-in wardrobe.

Rounding out private accommodation choices will be 63 426-square-foot Penthouse Suites and 82 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suites — another new category. Although smaller, they will both come equipped with a scenic living area and bedroom.

All suites, regardless of category, will feature butler service, next-gen Tranquility Beds and Aquamar bath amenities. Owner’s, Vista, Oceania and Horizon Suites will also showcase in-suite illy coffee machines. 

Public Venues

Among Sonata’s first rendered venues are the ship’s Horizons observation lounge and main Grand Dining Room. Altogether, there will be 10 culinary options onboard each vessel, including guest-favorites Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana, in addition to fresh flavors.

Two New Dining Experiences

Seating only 18 guests per night, La Table par Maitres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France, MCF) will be the only fine dining room at sea approved by the acclaimed French food institution, of which the line’s two executive culinary directors — chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale — are inductees. The pair will lead menu development, as well as other invited members of MCF; the venue will also host the line’s signature six-course Dom Perignon Experience. Reservations will be required, and a wine experience will be available with a surcharge.

Oceania invited members of the media to sample exactly what is in store for La Table at Michelin-starred O’ by Claude Le Tohic in San Francisco, and suffice it to say, loyalists have yet to see the best cuisine from the brand’s already outstanding culinary lineup — especially those who love fine French food. The team’s deep-rooted dedication to classic techniques, dating back to famed chef Auguste Escoffier, was apparent in every course and wine pairing presented in collaboration with the talented house chef.

An exquisite balance of salty and sweet was plated for the opener, a creative cherry gazpacho. Then, we were treated to a brightly composed deconstructed seafood salad, including a whole-bodied baby squid and delectable caviar, all aptly atop a gelatinous seabed. Even more toothsome were the perfectly-sauced black cod and barbecue-charred American imperial wagyu. And that was all before a dessert of red berry Champagne sabayon accompanied by a delicate tuile and a cake foundation of rhubarb shortbread biscuit.

The only cost customers will incur here while sailing is to cover the wine pairings and not the food, which is otherwise mostly complimentary on the line’s ships. With a limited seating capacity, bookings are sure to be highly sought after, but dinners will be held every day to accommodate the most interested clientele. Plus, rotational menus will be scheduled to change nightly according to a seasonally showcased chef from MCF. (Upscale and luxury cruise enthusiasts will note this is not entirely dissimilar to what competitor Explora Journeys offered with its original extra-cost Anthology concept of featured Michelin-level chefs.)

“This restaurant is deeply personal for us,” Quaretti said. “It reflects the values that chef Barale and I share, regard for technique, appreciation of flavor and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Set within the calm, understated elegance of this new space onboard Oceania Sonata, La Table will offer guests a truly memorable dining experience.”

Meanwhile, the hybrid Japanese and Peruvian flavors showcased as part of Red Ginger’s menu will be spun off into a separate restaurant concept, Nikkei Kitchen, serving dishes from chef Gustavo Sugay. The space itself will convey a "bright and airy” atmosphere complete with a contemporary open-display kitchen, according to the line. Nikkei Kitchen will not require reservations and will be freely available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Oceania Sonata represents an incredible opportunity to reimagine the future of our culinary program, while still offering the culinary concepts our guests know and love,” Montague said. “La Table and Nikkei Kitchen are emblematic of what sets Oceania Cruises apart, thanks to our ability to pair world-class culinary talent with the creative freedom that results in unforgettable dining experiences. These new culinary concepts reflect our continued commitment to innovation, and our commitment to serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”

Itineraries

Starting Jan. 28, clients will be able to book Sonata’s inaugural season itineraries, including 22 voyages between the ship’s August 2027 launch and April 2028. Routes will range in length from seven to 16 days and cover more than 90 destinations in total, visiting Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America.

“Oceania Sonata’s inaugural season is defined by the cultural diversity and geographic variety of the destinations it visits,” Montague said. “As the first of four ships in the Sonata Class, its premiere sets the tone for the thoughtfully designed itineraries; exceptional comfort; and meaningful, unrushed freedom to explore the world that underscore the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”

The ship’s 14-day maiden sailing will begin in Rome (Civitavecchia) on Aug. 7, 2027, and head to Trieste, Italy, calling on Catania, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Katakolon, Greece; Bar, Montenegro; and Zadar, Croatia, along the way.

Sonata’s debut season will also include visits to European ports such as Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; Paros, Greece; Koper, Slovenia; Sarande, Albania; Palamos, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; Livorno, Italy; and Bordeaux, France. Caribbean stops will span Bridgetown, Barbados; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa, Mexico; and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.

Sonata and Arietta will mark the ninth and 10th ships in the Oceania fleet, respectively.