Winter, Reimagined: Oceania Cruises® to Sail its First-Ever Full Winter Season in the Mediterranean

Rhea-AI Summary

Oceania Cruises (NCLH) will operate its first-ever full winter Mediterranean season aboard Oceania Allura with a collection of 17 sailings in winter 2027-28. Voyages range from 9 to 26 days and span Barcelona to Istanbul, offering extended days in port, overnight stays, and seasonal experiences such as Christmas markets, North African souks, and winter coastal scenery.

Highlighted sailings include a 10-day Trieste→Barcelona departing Nov 7, 2027, a 14-day Barcelona→Rome departing Dec 20, 2027 (holiday markets, Tangier on Dec 25), and a 9-day Istanbul→Rome departing Feb 19, 2028 with an overnight in Istanbul. Onboard programming features the Culinary Center, Artist Loft workshops, and LYNC Digital Center classes.

Insights

cruise market strategist

Oceania Cruises is launching its first full winter Mediterranean season aboard Oceania Allura, a product expansion targeting winter 2027–28 travelers.

The company converts an existing ship into a seasonal product by scheduling a collection of 17 voyages ranging from 9 to 26 days between November 7, 2027 and March 27, 2028. This strategy monetizes lower‑demand months by offering differentiated experiences—extended port time, overnight stays and themed onboard programming such as cooking classes and digital workshops—which can raise per‑guest spend and yield if occupancy follows plan.

Outcomes depend on demonstrated winter demand and operational execution. Key risks include lower-than-expected bookings for off‑peak ports and any added costs for winter operations and port calls; success requires maintaining occupancy and price integrity while controlling seasonal costs. Watch booking cadence and published departure fills for voyages like December 20, 2027 (Barcelona to Rome, 14 days), February 19, 2028 (Istanbul to Rome, 9 days) and the full set of 17 itineraries across the advertised winter window as near‑term indicators of commercial traction.

Explore the Quiet Mediterranean During Winter 2027-28 Aboard Oceania Allura™

MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises^®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, invites travelers to embark on a new era of exploration during its first-ever full winter season of Mediterranean sailings aboard Oceania Allura, the line's latest expression of intimate, seagoing luxury.

The collection of 17 sailings in winter 2027-28 is ideal for travelers seeking a more thoughtful way to experience Europe's greatest destinations through a new seasonal lens. Travelers are invited to delve into the cooler atmosphere that the Mediterranean unveils in winter, allowing for the unhurried discovery of hidden corners of cobbled cities, quiet museums and candlelit cafés that come alive with local charm during the winter season.

Ranging from 9 to 26 days, these journeys offer the chance to enjoy crisp air, fresh skies and festive delights. Shop artisan and Christmas markets in Rome's world-renowned Piazza Navona, wander the evocative bazaars of Turkey and Morocco or take in the heady spices of North African souks. As cool spritzes and tangy tapas give way to hearty stews and warming mulled wine, these journeys invite guests to broaden their palate and perspective.

Spanning from Barcelona in the western Mediterranean to the cultural crossroads of Istanbul in the east, Oceania Cruises presents a tapestry of destinations steeped in history and character. In Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, dramatic limestone cliffs embrace the medieval old town, inviting leisurely strolls through its winding, cobbled streets. Meanwhile, Cagliari, Sardinia, offers year-round coastal charm, where guests can wander cooler sun-kissed beaches.

"Winter sailings in the Mediterranean have a completely different pace and atmosphere to those in the summer months," said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. "We are so excited to offer our well-traveled and curious guests these opportunities to explore this perennially popular region, affording them countless opportunities to linger longer with extended days in port and overnight stays to savor the season's rich flavors and traditions."

While on board, guests can engage in an array of enriching activities designed to augment skills and inspire new passions – from hands-on cooking classes at the state-of-the-art Culinary Center to relaxing art workshops in the Artist Loft. In addition, the LYNC Digital Center offers a full program of classes to enhance digital knowledge, such as how to capture the best shots on your mobile phone.

Highlighted 2027-28 Winter Voyages aboard Oceania Allura:

Trieste to Barcelona: 10 days, departing November 7, 2027. Embark on a ten-day Mediterranean escape exploring captivating ports and lesser-trodden paths. Discover Slovenia's charming coastal town of Koper, then sail south to Dubrovnik, Croatia's storied "Pearl of the Adriatic." Travelers can explore the idyllic Greek Isles, legendary Athens, and revel in the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna, Catania – all before sea-bound serenity leads to the final port of Barcelona.

Barcelona to Rome:  14 days, departing December 20, 2027. This two-week voyage zigzags from southern Spain to the vibrant north coast of Africa, across to Sicily and then mainland Italy. Guests can explore perfectly preserved 100-year-old wine cellars in Valencia and the laid-back, old-school glamour of Casablanca, followed by Tangier on Christmas Day. Enjoy festive and artisan markets dotted throughout the ports during this holiday season sailing.

Istanbul to Rome:  9 days, departing February 19, 2028. The sailing begins with an overnight stay in fascinating Istanbul, giving travelers the opportunity to fully explore this world-famous historic city before heading to Greek ports including Volos. Katakolon offers a coastal interlude and access to the legendary ruins of Olympia. From there, the journey ventures westward, tracing the Italian coastline towards the Eternal City, Rome.

Full List of 2027-28 Winter Voyages aboard Oceania Allura:

• Trieste to Barcelona : 10 days, departing November 7, 2027
  
  
• Barcelona to Rome : 9 days, departing November 17, 2027
  
  
• Rome to Athens : 12 days, departing November 26, 2027
  
  
• Athens to Barcelona : 12 days, departing December 8, 2027
  
  
• Athens to Rome : 26 days, departing December 8, 2027
  
  
• Barcelona to Rome : 14 days, departing December 20, 2027
  
  
• Rome to Barcelona : 14 days, departing January 3, 2028
  
  
• Barcelona to Rome : 14 days, departing January 17, 2028
  
  
• Rome to Rome : 9 days, departing January 31, 2028
  
  
• Rome to Istanbul : 10 days, departing February 9, 2028
  
  
• Istanbul to Rome : 9 days, departing February 19, 2028
  
  
• Istanbul to Barcelona : 18 days, departing February 19, 2028
  
  
• Rome to Barcelona : 9 days, departing February 28, 2028
  
  
• Barcelona to Athens : 10 days, departing March 8, 2028
  
  
• Athens to Rome : 9 days, departing March 18, 2028
  
  
• Athens to Barcelona : 18 days, departing March 18, 2028
  
  
• Rome to Barcelona : 9 days, departing March 27, 2028

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises^® is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea^® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises^® has four Sonata Class ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027, 2029, 2032, and 2035. Oceania Cruises^® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

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SOURCE Oceania Cruises

FAQ

What is Oceania Cruises announcing for winter 2027-28 and how does it relate to NCLH?

Oceania Cruises will sail its first full winter Mediterranean season aboard Oceania Allura with 17 sailings in winter 2027-28; Oceania is part of the portfolio that trades under NCLH.

How long are the 2027-28 Oceania Allura winter Mediterranean voyages and when do they run?

Voyages range from 9 to 26 days, with departures spanning Nov 7, 2027 through Mar 27, 2028.

Which highlighted Oceania Allura departures should NCLH investors note for holiday-season demand?

Notable holiday sailings include a 14-day Barcelona→Rome departing Dec 20, 2027 that visits Christmas markets and calls Tangier on Dec 25.

What onboard experiences does Oceania Allura offer during the winter 2027-28 Mediterranean season?

Onboard programs include hands-on classes at the Culinary Center, art workshops in the Artist Loft, and digital photography and skills courses in the LYNC Digital Center.

What routes and regions will Oceania Allura cover in the winter 2027-28 Mediterranean season?

Routes span the western to eastern Mediterranean, including ports from Barcelona and Rome to Istanbul, plus calls in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Sardinia, and Montenegro.

When does the first winter 2027-28 Oceania Allura sailing depart and what is its itinerary?

The first listed winter sailing departs Nov 7, 2027 from Trieste for a 10-day itinerary that ends in Barcelona and includes Koper, Dubrovnik, Greek isles, Catania, and Barcelona.