Oceania Cruises announces its most intimate ship yet

The announcement illustrates Oceania Cruises’ continued commitment to a vision of cruising centred around smaller ships, destination-led itineraries, and a culinary programme that rivals the best restaurants on land.

Its newest vessel, Oceania Aurelia, leans further into all three of those things – and adds something the line hasn't done before: launching two 180-day world cruises, on a ship designed specifically to sail them. Bookings are already open.

What do we know about Oceania Aurelia?

Oceania Aurelia is a full refurbishment of the existing Oceania Nautica, a ship that has been in service since 2000. With a capacity of 476 guests, nearly 200 fewer than Oceania Nautica, it will be the smallest ship in Oceania Cruises's current fleet. Guests will be supported by around 400 officers and crew, or nearly one crew member per guest.

The ship debuts with a seven-night Mediterranean sailing on 29 November 2027, departing Rome and arriving in Trieste, Italy.

How does Oceania Aurelia compare to other Oceania Cruises ships?

Oceania Aurelia will build on the Oceania Cruises ethos by offering guests the line’s most intimate vessel yet.

Oceania Marina, Oceania Riviera, Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura accommodate around 1,200 guests – perfect if you love a balance of intimacy and amenity variety, alongside destination-rich itineraries. The R-class ships (Oceania Insignia, Oceania Regatta and Oceania Sirena) are smaller, typically carrying around 670 guests, and the ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated small-ship experience.

Oceania Aurelia sits apart from both groups. At 476 guests, it is the smallest in the fleet and has been configured around longer voyages where a closer staff-to-guest ratio and a more residential atmosphere elevate the experience.

What's on board?

Accommodation leans heavily towards suites. Of 238 cabins, 179 – just over 75% – are classified as suites, most exceeding 300 square feet, with the largest reaching 1,000 square feet. The range includes Owner's, Vista, Penthouse, Oceania, Horizon, Oceanview and Inside Suites, and offers guests a stunning range of options. Butler service is included with all suites.

Dining follows the Oceania Cruises template, with outstanding dining and menus reflecting the regions visited. Returning venues include the Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana, Terrace Café and Waves Grill. The line's coffee venue, Baristas, is moving to a new Horizons space and will be joined by two additions: a Bakery serving pastries and European specialities, and a Crêperie. A new Founders Bar is also set to debut to offer mixology experiences.

On-board enrichment has been designed with longer voyages in mind. The new Chef's Studio will run culinary workshops; the Artist Loft will let people explore their creative talents; the LYNC Digital Center will enable guests to connect and learn through interactive classes; and a guest speaker programme will ensure voyages are rich and engaging. For the first time across the Oceania Cruises fleet, all guests will have unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace.

What are the world cruises?

Oceania Cruises is releasing two 180-day circumnavigations at the same time – the first time it has done so.

The 2028 Around the World voyage departs Miami on 18 January 2028 and concludes in New York six months later. The route covers the Panama Canal, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia (with an overnight in Sydney), Southeast Asia, Japan, India, the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean, before a transatlantic crossing. Guests on this sailing will also attend Oceania Aurelia's official naming ceremony in Miami before departure.

The 2029 Around the World voyage departs Los Angeles on 6 January 2029, ending again in New York. It traces the Pacific coast of Central and South America before heading into the South Pacific – including Easter Island – then New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean and the British Isles. The voyage ends with a transatlantic crossing to New York.

Both itineraries include overnight port stays in several cities – among them Bora Bora, Papeete, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Seville and Bordeaux – and optional overland programmes to sites including Machu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan and the Taj Mahal in India. Nearly 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites fall within reach across each voyage.

Two Grand Voyages are also on sale: a 78-night British Isles, Nordic and Baltic sailing from New York, departing 18 July 2028; and a 71-night Caribbean and South America voyage from Miami, departing 27 October 2028, which includes the Antarctic Peninsula.

For guests embarking on the 2028 or 2029 Around the World voyage, first-time travellers automatically achieve Gold level status.

Who should sail with Oceania Cruises?

Oceania Cruises' proposition tends to suit travellers who prioritise destination immersion and dining excellence in intimate settings. The line calls at more than 600 ports across more than 100 countries, with voyage lengths ranging from seven nights to over 200 days. Fares are sold on an inclusive basis covering speciality dining and a range of beverages.

Aurelia's itineraries are available to preview now at oceaniacruises.com. Bookings are already open.