Sunday, May 11, 2025
Oceania Cruises is introducing Allura, its newest luxury vessel, to meet growing global demand for immersive, culturally rich, and destination-focused travel experiences. Launching in mid-2025, Allura will operate a series of upscale voyages across Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Portugal before crossing the Atlantic to North America, with scheduled stops in New York City, Halifax, and Boston. The ship will conclude the year with winter sailings through the Caribbean, offering travelers refined service, elegant design, and regionally inspired itineraries tailored for the modern luxury cruiser.
Constructed by one of Italy’s leading shipyards, Allura is a next-generation ship designed for elegance, intimacy, and destination-rich exploration. With a capacity of around 1,200 guests, the vessel aims to deliver a more personal and immersive cruising experience. Measuring approximately 67,000 gross tons, it features state-of-the-art amenities, refined interiors, and a layout that prioritizes comfort, space, and luxury.
The ship’s construction timeline reached a key milestone with its float-out in the summer of 2024, followed by extensive outfitting of suites, public areas, and dining venues. In early 2025, Allura completed a series of sea trials—multi-day tests at sea designed to assess the vessel’s systems, performance, and seaworthiness. These successful trials paved the way for its return to drydock, where it now awaits final touches before delivery.
Mediterranean Debut Begins in Trieste
Allura is scheduled to launch operations on July 18, 2025, with a maiden sailing departing from the Italian port of Trieste. The inaugural itinerary will take guests on a six-night cruise to Piraeus, Greece, with calls in several Adriatic hotspots, including Rijeka, Dubrovnik, and Kotor. These coastal gems offer a blend of medieval charm, seaside views, and cultural significance, making them ideal ports for an immersive opening voyage.
Following the initial journey, Allura will continue to sail throughout the Mediterranean during the summer season. Destinations across Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, and Spain will feature prominently in its itinerary lineup, each offering curated shore excursions that showcase local cuisine, history, and natural beauty. The ship’s smaller size allows it to access ports that larger vessels cannot reach, enhancing the experience with less-traveled routes and extended port stays.
Transatlantic Crossing to North America
In September 2025, the ship will set sail on its first transatlantic journey. Departing from Lisbon, Portugal, the fourteen-night voyage to New York City includes calls to scenic and culturally rich locations. Among them are the Portuguese archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, followed by visits to Halifax, Portland, and Boston along North America’s northeastern coast.
Timed to coincide with the region’s fall foliage season, this crossing is designed to combine the serenity of ocean travel with the beauty of coastal landscapes at their most vibrant. It will also mark Allura’s official entrance into the North American market, broadening the brand’s reach across the Atlantic.
Winter Cruising in the Caribbean
After completing its autumn sailing schedule, Allura will transition to the Caribbean for the winter 2025–2026 season. Departing from PortMiami, the ship will offer a wide range of itineraries lasting from seven to fourteen nights. These cruises will explore sun-drenched islands across the eastern and western Caribbean, providing travelers with a mix of vibrant culture, tranquil beaches, and warm-weather escapes.
Whether visiting well-known destinations or more secluded ports, each sailing will emphasize Oceania’s core values—exceptional service, inspired cuisine, and culturally rich experiences. The ship’s winter deployment reflects its role in connecting guests to meaningful travel during every season.
As its launch date approaches, Allura stands out as a vessel designed to redefine modern luxury cruising. With a focus on intimate voyages, culinary innovation, and global exploration, it represents a bold step forward in the evolution of small-ship travel on a grand scale.
Tags: Boston, caribbean, Croatia, cruise news, greece, halifax, Italy, luxury voyages, New York City, oceania cruises, Portugal, US