Meet the new ships set to transform Oceania Cruises in 2027

24 July 2026

Oceania Cruises is preparing for an exceptional 2027, with two new ships joining its fleet within a matter of months. Oceania Sonata™, the first ship in the revolutionary Sonata Class, will make her debut in August, followed by Oceania Aurelia™ in November. Both ships will bring a fresh take on the refined, small-ship experience for which Oceania Cruises is known, combining residential-style interiors, thoughtfully planned itineraries, highly personalised service, and the exceptional dining behind its reputation for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.

Meet the new ships set to transform Oceania Cruises in 2027

Oceania Sonata’s first European adventure

Departing on 30th August 2027, Oceania Sonata’s ten-night voyage from Trieste, Italy to Southampton offers the chance to be among the first guests aboard the newest member of the fleet. The sailing pairs time on board this elegant new ship with visits to some of Europe’s most compelling coastal destinations. Along the way, guests can enjoy Mediterranean flavours, historic cities, and beautifully appointed accommodation, before returning each evening to the attentive service and relaxed sophistication that make Oceania Cruises so distinctive.

Spanish flavours and restorative moments

Among the ports on Oceania Sonata’s route is Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its narrow streets open onto handsome plazas, while the golden dome of Cádiz Cathedral rises above the waterfront. You could spend time on the city’s beaches or travel inland to Jerez de la Frontera, known for its historic sherry bodegas and celebrated Andalusian horses. Back on board, the Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Centre offers sea lavender wraps, wellness consultations, and a thalassotherapy pool, while Aquamar Kitchen serves lighter dishes such as superfood ensalada with quinoa, black beans, and avocado, and Thai Mood salad with tabbouleh and lemon-tahini dressing.

Oceania Aurelia takes to the Adriatic

Just a few months after Sonata's launch, Oceania Aurelia will make her inaugural sailing in November 2027, setting off on a seven-night voyage from Rome to Trieste. Calling at Salerno, Messina, Valletta, Dubrovnik, and Zadar, the itinerary brings together some of the Mediterranean and Adriatic's most characterful ports. Spend time exploring Salerno's elegant seafront and gateway to the Amalfi Coast, wander the historic streets of Valletta, where grand Baroque buildings overlook one of Europe's finest natural harbours, and stroll Dubrovnik's marble-paved Old Town beneath its famous medieval walls before continuing to the charming waterfront cafés and Roman remains of Zadar.

Travel further through food

The experience extends far beyond the destinations themselves. Oceania Cruises' immersive Culinary Discovery Tours™ take guests beyond the usual sightseeing, with opportunities to visit local markets, meet regional producers, and sample authentic flavours that reflect each destination. Back on board, hands-on sessions in the Chef's Studio offer another way to connect with the places you've visited, while beautifully appointed suites, personalised service, and exceptional dining ensure every evening is just as memorable as the day ashore. Together, these thoughtful touches showcase exactly what Oceania Cruises does best: combining destination-rich itineraries with outstanding cuisine and refined small-ship luxury.

To book your place on one of these inaugural sailings, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Here’s everything you need to know about Virgin Voyages’ new 2027 Mediterranean escapes

20 July 2026

Virgin Voyages is bringing two tempting Mediterranean sailings to 2027, both beginning with a night in Barcelona before guests step aboard Resilient Lady. From big-name coastal cities to characterful island stops, these itineraries are designed for travellers who want more than a simple fly-and-flop escape. Expect leisurely sea days, long hours in port, and a mix of Riviera style, Italian landmarks, Maltese history, and Spanish island charm, all without having to repack between each destination.

The superyacht era begins with Emerald Cruises

20 July 2026

A new chapter at sea is taking shape, one built around the ease, space, and quiet confidence of the superyacht lifestyle. With Emerald Kaia launching in 2026, Emerald Raiya following in 2027, and Emerald Xara joining in 2028, the fleet is growing with a refined focus on sleek design, intimate guest numbers, and the freedom to slip into smaller ports, secluded harbours, and coastal towns that larger ships simply cannot reach.

Extraordinary places you didn’t know you could visit by cruise

20 July 2026

Cruising has a way of opening up corners of the world that can feel almost out of reach. Beyond the classic Mediterranean routes and Caribbean island-hopping, there are sailings that take you into polar waters, along remote river systems, between volcanic islands, and across coastlines that few travellers ever get to see up close. From penguin-dotted shores in Antarctica to the red cliffs of the Kimberley, these are the kinds of journeys that make you rethink what a cruise holiday can be.