NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


Oceania looks ahead to Sonata


Line reveals details of next ship class as Allura christened. By Katie McGonagle in Miami


Oceania Sonata Atrium on O


ceania Cruises has revealed two new suite categories, more restaurants and bigger


public spaces for its Sonata Class ships as it gears up for a “60-day sprint” before the first of the four- ship class goes on sale in January. The line unveiled the plans as it


christened Oceania Allura in Miami, reaffirming its foodie focus with six up-and-coming chefs as godparents. Chief luxury officer Jason


Montague paid tribute to the many travel agents in attendance. He told Travel Weekly: “The


reason why we’re on our eighth ship is because of our travel partners, which includes the UK. We have a strong team and a strong presence in the UK, so we look forward to partnering and growing together. “We wouldn’t be doing these


orders if we didn’t have a firm belief in the luxury leisure space.” The 1,390-passenger Oceania


Sonata is due to launch in summer 2027, with further ships on order for 2029, 2032 and 2035 in what chief commercial officer Nathan Hickman called “disciplined growth”.


10 27 NOVEMBER 2025 “Almost a third of Sonata’s


accommodation will be suite categories,” he said. “We’re going to have a category between our Penthouse and Oceania Suites called the Horizon Suite. I think having this new choice within our suite category is going to prove hugely popular.” The 56sq m Horizon Suites will be


the size of two standard staterooms and have separate bedroom and living areas. The ship will be 28% larger


than Allura but with just 190 more passengers, allowing for the expansion of casual dining venues Aquamar Kitchen and Waves Grill, plus two new restaurants. Sonata’s itineraries go on sale


on January 28, with a dedicated publication for UK agents to distribute digitally to their databases. The line launched a “double


season” of its 2027-28 programme in September – six months earlier than usual – and reports particular demand from the UK for South America and shorter Asia voyages taking in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Oceania is also due to launch a


revamped website and a mobile app over the coming year.


At the christening of Oceania Allura are, from left: (back) Paul Beale, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Tony Andrews, Cruise.co.uk; Steve Odell, Oceania and Regent; Lisa McAuley, World Travel Holdings; (front) Sarah Wikevand, ROL Cruise; Louise Craddock, Oceania; and James Cole, Panache Cruises


CRUISE SPECIALISTS’ VIEWS


Lisa McAuley, managing director, World Travel Holdings UK “It was my first time sailing with Oceania and it surpassed my expectations. The space-to-guest ratio [on Sonata] will be excellent, and with 30% of the accommodation Penthouse Suite or higher, and the new one-bedroom Horizon Suite, it signals Oceania is firmly committed to the luxury guest.”


Sarah Wikevand, chief commercial officer, ROL Cruise “When I walked on board Allura, I was instantly struck by the personal service and the added touches that make it feel so special. The excitement about Sonata Class is the space per person and the element of luxury that it’s going to add to the brand.”


Tony Andrews, managing director, Cruise.co.uk “I was blown away by how classy Allura was. The food was top-notch, particularly at Polo Grill, which served the best steak at sea I have had in a long time. Oceania’s new ship Sonata and its focus on offering more onboard space and amazing suites will set the bar even higher for the brand and the luxury cruise market.”


James Cole, founder, Panache Cruises “I’ve been fortunate to have been on several christenings – but this one on Allura has been absolutely fantastic. The food is unbelievable, the service is great, and the ship itself is absolutely phenomenal and highly recommended. There’s a focus on wellbeing with the gym and the addition of Aquamar Kitchen.”


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Oceania Cruises/Mono Loco Productions


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