Oceania Cruises to refit Nautica to become Aurelia

Oceania Cruises is to refit its Oceania Nautica ship to become Oceania Aurelia, which will start sailing in late 2027.

The vessel can currently carry up to 670 passengers but more suites will be created on Oceania Aurelia, which will have a capacity of fewer than 500 passengers, along with 400 officers and crew.

The luxury cruise line said Aurelia will be “the ideal home at sea for long, immersive journeys”, including the line’s 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages as well as a series of Grand Voyages.

The refit is part of the line’s OceaniaNEXT programme which aims to continually enhance the guest experience.

A total of 179 of the ship’s 238 cabins will be designed as spacious suites – with most exceeding 300 square feet and some spanning up to 1,000 square feet.

The collection of suites includes remastered Owner’s, Vista and Penthouse Suites, plus new additions: Oceania Suites, Horizon Suites as well as a selection of Oceanview and Inside Suites.

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, said: “Oceania Aurelia is our ultimate world explorer. She is designed specifically for guests who desire greater space, more suites and a deeper level of personalised care, particularly for extended journeys.

“Oceania Aurelia will be a smaller, more club-like ship that truly feels like a home at sea, providing travellers a deeper connection to the ports they visit.”

Menus will reflect the regions being visited, with dining in venues such as The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana, Terrace Café, Waves Grill and the Pizzeria.

The new Chef’s Studio will offer culinary workshops; Artist Loft will offer creative activities; LYNC Digital Center will have interactive classes; and guest speakers will be on board to talk about a range of topics.

For the first time, there will be unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace for all guests.