My Take on the Oceania Sonata: A Symphony of Luxury

As a travel agent who lives and breathes cruise news, the announcement of the Oceania Sonata has me genuinely excited. Launching in 2027, she’s the latest evolution for the line. At 86,000 tonnes and hosting 1,390 guests, she’s a bit larger than her sisters Allura and Vista, but she still holds onto that intimate, “country club” feel I love so much.

The Good

• My Culinary Highlights: I’m a bit of a foodie, so the two new dining concepts are right up my street. La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France sounds like an incredible, high-end French chef’s table experience. Then there’s Nikkei Kitchen, which brings that trendy Peruvian-Japanese fusion I usually hunt for in London right onto the ship.
• Room to Breathe: I’ve looked at the plans for the new Horizon Suite and Penthouse Deluxe Suite, and the “residential” design is spot on. It feels more like a chic apartment than a cabin.
• Top-Tier Mixology: I do enjoy a proper cocktail, and the focus on mixology here is impressive. You’ll find me at the Opus Lounge for a barrel-aged Negroni or grabbing a botanical spritz in Horizons at sunset.

The Bad

• The Size Creep: I’ll be honest—if you’re a die-hard fan of Oceania’s smaller 600-guest ships, the 1,390-guest capacity might feel like a bit of a jump. It’s still mid-size, but the “boutique” feel is definitely getting a bit broader.
• The Wait: 2027 feels like a lifetime away, doesn’t it? You’ll be parting with your deposit a long time before you actually step foot on the gangway.
• Inaugural Pricing: Being the newest ship in a brand-new class, I expect the initial fares to be quite steep. You aren’t going to find many “early bird” bargains for the first few sailings.

My Verdict

In my opinion, the Oceania Sonata is going to be the “must-book” ship of 2027. It takes the luxury elements of the Vista class and turns the volume up just a notch. If you want a holiday that revolves around incredible food, sophisticated drinks, and a truly posh room, I’d say she’s worth the wait.