Oceania Cruises is steering deeper into the small-ship luxury niche. Fresh off accepting the 1,200-guest Oceania Allura, the line has confirmed two more Sonata-class cruise ships for 2032 and 2035. Those orders bring the class to four vessels, all built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. For travelers who prize top-tier cuisine and port-rich itineraries without megaship crowds, the news promises more capacity-and more choice-through the next decade.
Key Points
- Why it matters: four Sonata-class ships nearly double Oceania's new-build pipeline.
- New vessels debut in 2032 and 2035, each carrying about 1,390 guests.
- Fincantieri will build all Sonata units in northern Italy.
- Oceania Allura begins sailing July 18 with 26 voyages in its first season.
- Christening in Miami this November will feature Food & Wine Best New Chefs as godparents.
Snapshot
Sonata ships scale Oceania's hallmark vibe-fine dining, high crew-to-guest ratios, and globe-spanning routes-to roughly 86,000 gross tons and 1,390 travelers. That size threads the needle between intimate yachts and floating resorts, letting vessels slip into marquee berths like Monte Carlo or St. Barts while offering multiple specialty restaurants and a Culinary Center. Travelers curious about the onboard atmosphere can sample similar experiences on the mid-size Oceania Riviera, whose layout foreshadows Sonata's balance of space and service.
Background
Fincantieri has built every Oceania newbuild since 2011, cementing a two-decade partnership. The first Sonata ship, Oceania Sonata, launches in 2027, followed by Oceania Arietta in 2029. The newly exercised options lock in hulls three and four. Executives say Sonata refines lessons from the Vista and Allura classes, adding larger spa areas, wider specialty venues, and engines ready for bio-LNG blends to meet stricter emissions rules.
Latest Developments
Orders Finalized
During the delivery event in Genoa, Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague announced that Oceania had exercised its final two Sonata options. The additional ships mirror the 1,390-guest blueprint and extend the shipyard backlog to 2035.
Allura Delivered
On July 10, Fincantieri officially handed over Oceania Allura at its Sestri Ponente yard. Allura's maiden voyage sails July 18 from Trieste to Athens, then shifts to Canada and New England for autumn foliage before wintering in the Caribbean. Capacity remains a boutique 1,200 guests.
Miami Christening
Allura will be christened in Miami on November 13. In partnership with Food & Wine, a roster of Best New Chefs will serve as collective godparents, curating dishes and pop-ups during the celebration.
Analysis
For U.S. travelers who avoid 5,000-passenger giants yet crave culinary variety and spa indulgence, Sonata widens Oceania's sweet spot. More ships mean better availability during shoulder seasons and quicker access to coveted suites, which often sell out a year ahead. Expect an uptick in grand voyages that connect Mediterranean summers with Northern Europe or Panama Canal transitions, leveraging Sonata's mid-size agility. Advisors should monitor late-2026 opening-day sales for inaugural perks such as business-class air and generous shore-credit bundles. Allura's first season offers an immediate preview; guest feedback on menus and suite layouts will guide final tweaks to Sonata, making now a smart time to "try before you book bigger."
Final Thoughts
Oceania's commitment to four Sonata-class Cruise ships underscores faith in small-ship luxury. Sail Allura this year for an early taste, or mark calendars for Sonata's debut in 2027. Either way, expect refined dining, port-intensive routes, and crew who know your name by the second night.