Norwegian Cruise Line Purchases New Ship for Oceania Brand

Just days after completing a deal which included the acquisition of Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line have purchased a ship from Princess Cruises for their new brand. The appropriately-named Ocean Princess will be renamed Sirena and join the Oceania Cruises fleet in March 2016.

As the smallest member of the Princess Cruises fleet, the 684-passenger ship will be a perfect fit for Oceania Cruises who specialise in more intimate cruises. Prior to delivery, the ship will undergo a 35 day, $40m refurbishment in Marseilles and will be kitted out with a number of Oceania Cruises speciality features and dining options including Toscana and Polo Grill.

The first passenger trips aboard the new Ocean Sirena will take place in late April 2016.

Kevin Sheehan, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, enthused: “The acquisition of Sirena provides measured capacity growth based on the proven platform of Oceania Cruises’ highly regarded mid-size ships.

“Our belief in the Oceania Cruises brand and our commitment to its growing base of loyal guests were the rationale behind our decision to bring Sirena into the fleet.”

Kunal S. Kamlani, president and chief operating officer of Oceania Cruises, continued: “The addition of Sirena opens up an entire array of new itinerary options for Oceania Cruises as we think about our deployment strategy.”

The ship will become the fourth member of the now-defunct R Class of ships from Renaissance Cruises to be operated by Oceania Cruises. Previously known as R Four, the ship will join MS Insignia (R One), MS Regatta (R Two) and MS Nautica (R Five) in the Oceania Cruises fleet.

A home port and cruise itineraries have not yet been revealed by Norwegian Cruise Line or Oceania Cruises for the newest member of the fleet.

Images courtesy of 663highland (663highland) via Wikimedia Commons