Oceania Sonata, the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Sonata class, has entered the water at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.
The float-out on 27 August 2026 moves the 86,000gt vessel from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where construction teams will complete its interiors, public spaces and onboard systems ahead of a planned debut in August 2027.
Representatives from Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri attended the shipyard ceremony, including Paolo Novarino, Oceania Cruises’ senior director and project owner, and Marco Lunardi, senior vice-president of the Marghera shipyard.
A major construction milestone
A float-out is one of the most visible stages in the creation of a new cruise ship, but it is not a delivery or entry into service. The event marks the point at which the vessel’s hull is sufficiently complete to leave the building dock and remain afloat while the lengthy fitting-out and commissioning programme continues.
During the months ahead, work will focus on completing accommodation, restaurants, lounges and technical spaces. The ship will subsequently undergo testing and sea trials before it can be handed over to Oceania Cruises.
Oceania’s chief luxury officer Jason Montague described the float-out as an important step towards welcoming the first guests aboard in August 2027. He said the new ship represents the beginning of a fresh chapter for the brand and thanked Fincantieri for bringing the project to life.
Oceania’s largest new class
Oceania Sonata will accommodate 1,390 guests in 695 rooms and suites. Despite being larger than the line’s existing vessels, the capacity remains relatively restrained for a ship of approximately 86,000gt, supporting Oceania’s emphasis on space and a smaller-ship luxury atmosphere.
One-third of the ship’s accommodation will consist of suites. The planned range includes four new two-bedroom Owner’s Suites alongside two new categories: Horizon Suites and Penthouse Deluxe Suites.
The vessel will also introduce new dining concepts. La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France is being developed as an exclusive French fine-dining restaurant, while Nikkei Kitchen will combine Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian flavours.
These additions will sit alongside the destination-led and culinary focus that has become central to Oceania Cruises’ identity.
First of five Sonata-class ships
Oceania Sonata is the first of five vessels now planned for the Sonata class. Sister ship Oceania Arietta is scheduled to follow in 2029, with three further ships expected in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
The programme represents a substantial long-term expansion for Oceania Cruises and extends the company’s relationship with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The yard previously constructed Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, delivered in 2023 and 2025 respectively.
When it enters service, Oceania Sonata will become the ninth ship in the Oceania fleet. It will also establish the design platform expected to shape the line’s growth over the following decade.
From steel cutting to fitting out
Construction formally began with the ceremonial cutting of the first steel at Marghera in June 2025. The keel-laying ceremony followed in early 2026, when the first major hull sections were placed in the building dock.
The latest milestone confirms that the principal hull construction has advanced to the point where the vessel can be moved alongside. However, more than 11 months remain before its scheduled debut, leaving a substantial programme of outfitting, commissioning and trials still to complete.
For that reason, Oceania Sonata should currently be described as floated out or launched—not delivered, completed or operational. Its formal transfer to Oceania Cruises will take place only after Fincantieri finishes the vessel and the required trials have been passed.
A new generation for Oceania Cruises
The float-out offers the first clear view of a ship intended to carry Oceania Cruises into its next generation. Its combination of greater space, a high proportion of suites and new culinary venues builds upon the approach established aboard the smaller Allura-class ships.
With the hull now afloat, attention turns to the spaces passengers will ultimately experience. The August 2027 debut remains the next major deadline as the shipyard transforms the completed exterior structure into Oceania’s newest luxury cruise ship.