New Oceania class of ship floated out

A new ship for Oceania Cruises has been floated out at a shipyard in Italy ahead of planned entry into service in a year’s time.

 

The 695-cabin Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class.

 

It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional vessels due for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.

 

At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura - launched last year - yet will feature only 90 additional cabins.

 

Suites will make up a third of the accommodation including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises. 

 

Two new suite categories are also being introduced. 

 

Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of space, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized balcony.

 

The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to frame the ocean views.

 

Oceania Sonata will include 13 dining venues, including two new culinary concepts - La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen - as well as The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.

 

Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 through to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America. 

 

The vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, moving from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work will continue on the interiors.

 

Chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The float out of Oceania Sonata is an incredibly exciting moment as we move one step closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next August.

 

“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Fincantieri whose expertise and craftsmanship are bringing Oceania Sonata to life.

 

“As the first ship in our new Sonata Class, she represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand and a defining milestone in the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”

 

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Floated Out at Fincantieri

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Floated Out at Fincantieri

The floating-out ceremony of the Brilliant Lady, the final of the four new Virgin Voyages ships, took place on Friday at the Fincantieri Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard.

She follows the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, which are already sailing, and the Resilient Lady, which enters service in 2023.

Each ship is 2,770 guests and approximately 110,000 tons. The Brilliant Lady is expected to enter revenue service in late 2023.

Viking Marks New Vessal Floatout of New the Ship 'Viking Neptune'.

Viking Neptune

Set to debut in November, the vessel will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean.

 

It will then embark on the company’s 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise, a journey from Fort Lauderdale to London that spans 138 days, 28 countries and 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.

 

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said: "It is always a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard the Viking Neptune this fall.

 

"Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort."

 

The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard on Thursday (13 January).

 

Following a two-day process that will set Viking Neptune afloat, it will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Costa Toscana floated out at Meyer Turku shipyard.

Costa Toscana has been designed to be a travelling 'smart city' (Image: Costa Cruises)

Costa Cruises’ newbuilding Costa Toscana was floated to the outfitting pier at Meyer Turku shipyard ahead of its entry into service later this year

Costa Toscana is the third of five LNG-powered newbuilds ordered by Costa Group for its subsidiary lines. Two other vessels, Costa Smeralda and AIDAnova have already entered service. They are part of an expansion plan that includes seven new ships to be delivered to Costa Group by 2023, for a total investment of more than €6Bn (US$7.27Bn).

Costa said the vessel has been designed to be a travelling ’smart city.’ The use of LNG is expected to eliminate sulphur dioxide emissions and reduce particulate matter into the atmosphere by over 90% while also lowering nitrogen oxide up to 85% and CO₂ emissions by up to 20%.

Desalinisation plants on board will process seawater directly to meet the vessel’s daily water supply requirements, and energy consumption will be reduced to a minimum via an intelligent energy efficiency system. In addition, 100% separate collection and recycling of materials such as plastic, paper, glass and aluminium will be carried out onboard, as part of an integrated approach aimed at supporting circular economy projects.

The vessel’s design was curated by hospitality designer Adam D Tihany who worked with Milanese architects Dordoni Architetti, New York-based Jeffrey Beers International and cruise ship specialist Partner Ship Design in designing different areas of the ship. Costa Toscana features Italian-made furnishings, lighting, fabrics and accessories.

At the heart of the new flagship is the Colosseo – a three-deck-high, midship-located show lounge featuring large LED screens mounted on its walls and dome. The vessel features 2,600 cabins for its occupants and the Sea Terrace cabins offer a verandah with a view of the ocean.

Costa Cruises chief commercial officer and president of Costa Group Asia, Mario Zanetti said "Despite the current challenging scenario, Costa Group is confirming its investment in fleet expansion. We are confident in the recovery of our industry, and we are excited about the arrival of new ships like Costa Toscana, which embodies the elements we want to focus on for the future.”

Meyer Turku chief executive Tim Meyer said "The float-out is always a very special occasion for us shipbuilders, as the ship is finally set to its natural environment. As this is also the start of the final stage of shipbuilding, all the exciting colours, venues and features will start taking their final form. In the coming months it will be finalised at the pier and then tested and commissioned in Q3 for delivery. "

Once interior fittings have been completed, Costa Toscana will make its maiden voyage in Brazil in the 2021-22 cruise season departing Santos on 26 December 2021, with a week-long itinerary visiting Salvador and Ilhéus, before returning to Santos on 2 January 2022.

Ritz-Carlton Vessel Hits the Water at Barreras Shipyard

Under near perfect conditions in Vigo, Spain, the first Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel was floated out in a ceremony at the Barreras Shipyard.

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Company executives, VIPs, media and press and other key parties were on hand to witness the historical moment as the 298-guest ship touched the water for the first time. Now, the ship moves to an outfitting pier ahead of its launch into service in early 2020.

Celebrity Edge Floated Out

The Celebrity Edge has been floated out of her drydock at the STX France shipyard.

“This truly is an exciting moment for our brand,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “The float out process marks a milestone in the building of Celebrity Edge. With exterior construction complete, the amazing STX France team will now turn their attention to bringing all of the meticulously designed venues and transformational staterooms and suites to life.”

The 2,900-passenger ship debuts in November.