In August 2027, Oceania Cruises will introduce its newest ship, Oceania Sonata. As the first vessel in the brand-new Sonata Class, the ship represents the cruise line’s most ambitious project so far. The design focuses on offering more space across the ship while keeping the small-ship atmosphere that long-time guests love. Public areas, suites, and outdoor spaces have all been planned with comfort and practicality in mind, giving the ship a residential feel rather than a typical large cruise layout. As the debut approaches, attention is turning to what guests can expect on board and the journeys planned for its first season.
Dining at the centre of the experience
Food has always been a major part of the experience with Oceania Cruises, and Oceania Sonata takes this further with an expanded dining offering. Guest favourites such as Toscana and Red Ginger will return, continuing the cruise line’s reputation for high-quality speciality restaurants. Alongside them are two new venues that add something different to the line-up. La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France focuses on traditional French cuisine prepared by chefs from the respected culinary association, while Nikkei Kitchen introduces a modern concept inspired by Japanese-Peruvian flavours. With its open design and no reservation policy, Nikkei Kitchen allows guests to dine more spontaneously, creating a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Talks, workshops, and wellbeing
Oceania Sonata will offer a wide programme of talks and enrichment experiences throughout each sailing. Guest speakers will lead sessions covering the destinations on the itinerary, along with discussions on history, culture, and current affairs connected to the regions being visited. These sessions are designed to add useful context before guests explore ashore. For those interested in wellbeing, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre will host complimentary seminars on topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, and maintaining healthy routines while travelling.
Social spaces and onboard traditions
The ship’s social spaces combine familiar venues with a few new additions. Popular bars and lounges such as Martinis, Waves Bar, and Horizons will return, providing relaxed settings for drinks, conversation, and live music in the evenings. The Sonata Class will also introduce the Opus Lounge, a new venue designed specifically for these ships. Guests can also enjoy one of the cruise line’s long-standing traditions, afternoon tea. Served daily with pastries, finger sandwiches, and petits fours alongside a selection of teas, it offers a simple way to pause between activities during the day.
A carefully planned inaugural season
During its first season through to December 2027, Oceania Sonata will sail a series of itineraries across Europe and the Mediterranean Sea before moving on to warmer winter destinations. The routes include a mix of well-known cities and coastal destinations, reflecting the cruise line’s focus on destination-led travel. For guests joining the inaugural sailings, it will be an opportunity to experience a new ship while exploring some of the most popular cruising regions in the world.
To book your next getaway on board Oceania Sonata, call your Travel Counsellor today.
A group of Travel Counsellors recently headed to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line, setting off from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss. The trip gave the group a chance to experience the ship and its ports first-hand, picking up ideas and insights to share with customers planning their own cruise. And with Alaska on the bucket list for so many, there was plenty to look forward to once the ship left Seattle behind.
Some holidays are about fitting in as much as possible. Others give you the luxury of taking your time. A voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France with Cunard offers a little of both: days spent discovering great food, architecture, and historic cities ashore, balanced by unhurried time on board as the scenery changes beyond the ship. In 2027, consider a seven-night voyage from Southampton aboard Queen Anne. You can wake up ready to explore Bilbao, spend the following days discovering Galicia, and finish with a taste of Normandy, without changing hotels or repacking along the way. Two days at sea create a natural pause between these stops, giving you time to enjoy the ship rather than simply moving from one destination to the next.
Cunard’s new voyages for October 2028 to May 2029 bring together winter sun, European city stays, and far-reaching journeys across the world. Guests can mark a milestone at sea on Queen Mary 2, spend an evening in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival with Queen Anne, or join Queen Elizabeth for a 115-night World Voyage. There’s also a 10% Early Booking Saving on eligible bookings made by 30th December 2026.*
Finding your match...
