Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary‑ and destination‑focused luxury cruise line, has celebrated a defining moment in the construction of its next‑generation ship, Oceania Sonata™, with the official keel‑laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. This time-honoured maritime tradition marks the formal start of a ship’s physical assembly and symbolises good fortune for the vessel throughout her life at sea.
The ceremony brought together senior leaders from both Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, underscoring the strength of their long‑standing partnership and shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and luxury. Executives in attendance included Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises; Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President and Chief Vessel Operations & New Build Officer; and key Fincantieri leaders Luigi Matarazzo and Marco Lunardi.
A New Generation of Luxury: The First of Four Sonata Class Ships
Oceania Sonata is the first in a brand‑new class of ships for the line, representing the next evolution of Oceania Cruises’ acclaimed fleet. She will be followed by three sister ships: Oceania Arietta™ in 2029, and two additional Sonata‑class vessels scheduled for 2032 and 2035.
Set to debut in August 2027, Oceania Sonata will become the ninth ship in the fleet, following the success of the Allura Class vessels—Oceania Vista® (2023) and Oceania Allura™ (2025)—both celebrated for their refined design, exceptional cuisine and immersive itineraries.
Spacious, Elegant and Designed for the Modern Luxury Traveler
At 86,000 tons and accommodating just 1,390 guests, Oceania Sonata offers an elevated sense of space and exclusivity. One‑third of all accommodations will be suites, including:
• Four new two‑bedroom Owner’s Suites
• The debut of Horizon Suites
• The new Penthouse Deluxe Suites
These additions reflect Oceania Cruises’ focus on spacious, residential‑style luxury and high‑yield accommodations that appeal to discerning travellers.
Culinary Innovation at Sea
Oceania Cruises is renowned for offering the finest cuisine at sea, and Oceania Sonata will continue this legacy with two new dining concepts:
- La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France — the most exclusive fine‑dining restaurant at sea, created in partnership with the prestigious Master Chefs of France.
- Nikkei Kitchen — a vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavours and refined Japanese culinary techniques, showcasing one of the world’s most exciting gastronomic traditions.
These additions complement the line’s already celebrated culinary program, reinforcing its position as the leader in small‑ship gourmet travel.
A Milestone Rooted in Tradition and Vision
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, highlighted the significance of the moment:
“Oceania Sonata embodies the next chapter in our legacy of redefining luxury travel. This milestone is the result of the extraordinary dedication and expertise of the Fincantieri team—shipbuilders, engineers, designers and countless others whose skill and passion transform our vision into reality.”
Fincantieri’s Luigi Matarazzo echoed this sentiment, noting that the keel laying represents not only progress for Oceania Cruises but also a meaningful step forward for the entire luxury cruise industry.
For more information on small‑ship luxury, curated travel experiences and award‑winning cuisine, visit Oceania Cruises.
Conclusion
The keel laying of Oceania Sonata marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Oceania Cruises, blending tradition, innovation and world‑class craftsmanship. With her debut set for 2027 and three sister ships to follow, the Sonata Class promises to elevate luxury cruising with refined design, spacious accommodations and exceptional culinary experiences.
