Oceania Allura builds on the success of its sister ship by advancing technical aspects and the passenger experience
Oceania Cruises’ newbuild Oceania Allura is an evolution of its sister ship Oceania Vista, both in terms of technical and guest experience enhancements.
Fincantieri built the cruise ship, which is scheduled to begin its maiden voyage in July this year. The second of the Allura-class vessels, Oceania Allura carries 1,200 passengers at full capacity with 800 crew.
Fincantieri project manager for Oceania Allura, Giuseppe Cusenza says, “The design and construction of Oceania Allura focused on building upon the great success of Oceania Vista, delivered in April 2023. Praised for its elegant spaces and elevated guest experience, Oceania Vista set a strong foundation Oceania Allura now continues – with refined details and thoughtful updates that reflect the future of luxury cruising.”
Staying true to Oceania Cruises’ style, Oceania Allura blends “classic elegance with modern comfort”. Public spaces were carefully planned to feel both open and welcoming, while guest accommodations offer a calm, luxurious retreat. The ship measures 242 m in length with a gross tonnage of about 67,700, providing a spacious and comfortable on board environment for up to 1,200 guests.
While Oceania Allura shares the same core platform as Oceania Vista, Mr Cusenza says there are several key differences that reflect both technical advancements and enhancements to the guest experience.
He explains, “In terms of guest experience, several public spaces have been refined and optimised to better align with evolving guest expectations. A notable enhancement is the addition of a Gelateria, a brand-new venue that brings a relaxed charm to the ship’s social offerings.
“Additionally, Oceania Allura’s platform has been simplified by removing the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO), allowing it to operate exclusively on marine gas oil (MGO) – a more environmentally friendly alternative that supports Oceania Cruises’ commitment to more sustainable operations.”
Indeed, Mr Cusenza highlights, “A major step forward is its exclusive use of MGO, a cleaner-burning fuel that produces significantly lower sulphur oxide and particulate emissions compared with traditional HFO. This shift supports compliance with international environmental regulations and contributes to cleaner air in the destinations it visits.”
Allura is powered by four MAN 8L48/60CR engines, each delivering 9,600 kW at 514 rpm, which generate power for the ship’s highly efficient electric propulsion system – featuring two electric motors of 12,000 kW at 140 rpm.
Mr Cusenza comments, “This configuration ensures optimal performance, reduced fuel consumption and lower overall emissions. Advanced energy management systems further support efficient operation by continuously monitoring and adjusting power use in real time.
“Together, these systems reflect Oceania Cruises’ commitment to more sustainable cruising through smart engineering, cleaner fuel choices and efficient, responsible ship operation.”
Oceania Allura is quipped with several energy-efficient technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve overall operational efficiency. One key feature is the integration of an advanced engine management system, which optimises engine performance in real time to ensure the most efficient use of power during all phases of a voyage. Mr Cusenza adds Oceania Allura utilises a real-time performance monitoring platform that tracks fuel usage, speed and other key indicators to help the crew make informed decisions that enhance energy efficiency.
He says, “The ship also benefits from an optimised hull design and advanced propulsion systems, which reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics, further lowering fuel demands.”
He sums up, “These innovations, combined with the exclusive use of MGO – demonstrate Oceania Cruises’ commitment to reducing emissions and operating in a more energy-conscious and environmentally responsible way.”
Speaking about what is particularly innovative about the ship, Mr Cusenza says, “Oceania Allura represents a thoughtful evolution of what made Oceania Vista such a success, building on a proven foundation while introducing fresh ideas that elevate the guest experience even further. Particularly innovative is the ship’s approach to spatial design – maximising openness and flow in public areas while maintaining the sense of intimacy and refined comfort that defines Oceania Cruises.
“Beyond design, Oceania Allura also marks a significant step forward toward greener, more sustainable cruising. From its exclusive use of MGO to integrated energy efficiency systems and advanced performance monitoring, Allura reflects Oceania Cruises’ commitment to a more environmentally responsible future – blending modern innovation with timeless luxury.”
The ship is a luxury cruise ship and Mr Cusenza says for him, one of the most striking luxury elements on board is the design of the culinary venues, which on Oceania Allura mirror the acclaimed spaces introduced on Oceania Vista. He gives an example, “Each restaurant is individually styled with high-end materials, ambient lighting, and elegant layouts that create a refined, upscale atmosphere. Whether it’s the timeless sophistication of Polo Grill, the warm, modern aesthetic of Jacques, or the airy, tranquil feel of the wellness-inspired venue Aquamar Kitchen, these beautifully designed spaces elevate dining into a fully immersive luxury experience.”
He adds, “A great example of this attention to detail is the addition of The Crêperie, which will offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes. It has been beautifully designed to feel elegant, welcoming, and perfectly in tune with the ship’s overall luxury atmosphere. I honestly can’t wait to try it – it’s the kind of simple indulgence that perfectly fits the refined, yet relaxed spirit of Oceania Allura.”
Summing up, he says, “With Oceania Allura, Oceania Cruises not only continues the legacy of Oceania Vista but takes another step forward in design, comfort, and innovation - setting a new benchmark for luxury cruising.”
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