Oceania to double its Sonata class with orders for two new cruise ships
The first ship in the class, the 1,390-passenger Oceania Sonata, is scheduled to debut in 2027.
The two newly announced ships were previously ordered as options but have now been confirmed, Oceania said. They will be constructed by Oceania's longtime shipbuilder, Fincantieri.
"These four Sonata-class ships will herald the next stage in the evolution of the Oceania Cruises brand of exceptional, small-ship, luxury experiences," said Jason Montague, the line's chief luxury officer.
Oceania Allura joins the fleet
Oceania meanwhile took delivery of its eighth ship, the Oceania Allura, today in Genoa, Italy.
The Allura's maiden voyage starts July 18 in Trieste, Italy, and its inaugural season includes 26 voyages in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canada and New England. It holds 1,200 passengers at double occupancy.
Oceania plans to host a christening ceremony for the Allura in November in Miami. In a partnership with Food & Wine, the ship's godparents will be chefs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Agora Restaurant Group to Open Third Location in Bethesda, Maryland in Spring 2026
BETHESDA, Md., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Agora Restaurant Group, the team behind the acclaimed Mediterranean restaurants in Washington, D.C. and Tysons, Virginia, is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its third location: Agora Bethesda, slated for Spring 2026 at One Bethesda Metro Center, located beneath the Hyatt Regency Bethesda. Following years of success and regional recognition, Agora continues to expand its footprint with a new concept that celebrates the culinary richness of the Eastern Mediterranean while honoring local partnerships and community connections. "We are very excited to add another offering for our guests and clients in 2026. Agora is an established and reputable operator, and we look forward to a successful partnership at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda."— Katherina Kia, Hotel General Manager, Hyatt Regency Bethesda A Modern Celebration of Mediterranean Flavors Agora Bethesda will feature a mezze-style menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, led by Executive Chef Ismet Sahin. The menu will spotlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with signature dishes such as flame-grilled kebabs, house-made künefe, and pistachio soufflé, alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. "At Agora, we've always believed that food has the power to bring people together. Every dish we serve is rooted in tradition but reimagined with fresh, local ingredients and a modern touch. With our new Bethesda location, we're staying true to Agora's mission of creating memorable experiences through authentic flavors and heartfelt hospitality. We're especially excited to collaborate with Maryland farms and winemakers to ensure everything we offer is responsibly sourced and thoughtfully prepared." — Betul Uslu & Ismail Uslu, Owners of Agora Restaurants A Space Designed for Gathering About Urbane Architects Urbane Architects is a Washington, D.C.–based design firm known for creating inspired spaces that blend modern elegance with cultural authenticity. With a portfolio spanning hospitality, residential, and commercial projects, the firm is recognized for its thoughtful use of natural materials, layered lighting, and architectural cohesion. Urbane Architects has previously collaborated with Agora on the Tysons location (2019) and the Dupont Circle renovation (2021), and now brings its refined design approach to the forthcoming Bethesda location. Learn more at Continuing a Legacy of Excellence Since its founding over 15 years ago, Agora has become a regional favorite. Agora Tysons has been named to Northern Virginia Magazine's "Top 50 Best Restaurants" for four consecutive years and remains a standout in best brunch lists across the DMV. Agora Bethesda aims to serve the local community with the same hospitality and culinary excellence that have defined the Agora brand—from weekday lunches and celebratory dinners to weekend brunch experiences. Agora DC was also named to Washingtonian's Best of Washington list in 2026, and will be present at the event on July 24, 2026, joining top regional chefs and restaurateurs to celebrate the area's vibrant culinary scene. About Agora Restaurant Group Agora Restaurant Group is a family-owned hospitality brand specializing in Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese culinary traditions. With locations in Washington, D.C., Tysons, VA, and now Bethesda, MD, Agora is committed to offering authentic, locally sourced dishes in a warm, welcoming environment. For more information, visit About Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hyatt Regency Bethesda is a contemporary hotel located above the Bethesda Metro Station (7402 Wisconsin Avenue), just minutes from Washington, D.C. Following a $37 million transformation, the 390-room property offers modern guest rooms, a 12-story atrium, a StayFitTM gym with Peloton bikes, and over 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space—including the scenic Rooftop Downtown Bethesda. On-site dining includes Morton's The Steakhouse, Brown Bag, and a full-service Starbucks®. Learn more at Media Contact: prmarketing@ +1 (202) 230-8062 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agora Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Eater
an hour ago
- Eater
A Downtown Newcomer Is the Sparkly French Soiree D.C. Needs Right Now
D.C.'s newest French-grounded destination with a c'est la vie mentality and knack for nightlife opens its swanky doors on Tuesday, July 29. Barbouzard – which means 'secret agent' in French – unites a lauded chef's longstanding recipes, bespoke music, and late-night aspirations at the prominent downtown corner of 17th and K Street NW. In short, the restaurant is 'rooted in the elegance of the Riviera' and rounded out by the rest of the vast Mediterranean coast, says co-owner Nasr El Hage. Also informing the menu: celebrated French American chef and partner Cedric Maupillier, who shuttered his award-winning Shaw staple Convivial last December. Hage, a local real estate exec with Lebanese roots, teamed up with fellow investor Nellie Elana Gebrail and Dany Abi-Najm (whose family is of Lebanese Taverna fame) on the anticipated project (1700 K Street NW). Caviar service at Barbouzard. Scott Suchman As luck would have it, El Hage and Maupillier met exactly one year prior to Barbouzard's friends-and-family preview party on Bastille Day 2025 this month. Hitting it off immediately, El Hage realized that Maupillier was the Gallic missing piece to his restaurant-in-planning. 'Nasr came to see me at Convivial while I was looking for new opportunities,' Maupillier recalls. 'I was about to go on vacation back home to France when he started talking about the Riviera, where I was born.' As El Hage described his vision, Maupillier was entranced, and signed on soon after. Barbouzard features not only fine French dining, which D.C. now has in droves, but also strives to overcome the challenges of uniting food, ambiance, and socialization all in one space. 'I wanted a place that closes late on weekends, so that the good time continues after dinner, to dress up and go out, but not quite nightlife,' says El Hage. 'You can have a great time at 8 p.m. or 12 a.m.' Barbouzard's mod design features glassy walls of wine. Scott Suchman Maupillier showcases his South of France education and upbringing across Barbouzard's plates. The menu 'draws from the Riviera but also every nice place in the Mediterranean that has sun, olive trees, thyme, rosemary, and lavender,' he added, even 'where you can hear the cicadas chirp.' The menu features grilled fish and seafood, plenty of vegetable dishes, and regional specialties, along with a short list of meats, steak-frites, and pasta. Highlights include the heady broth-based Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, a dover sole served Riviera style, a vegan Bolognese, and Maupillier's own must-have favorite: escargot. 'I tried frogs; that didn't work well – but Americans love escargot,' he says. Escargot is served in its shell at Barbouzard. Scott Suchman Drawing from other Mediterranean landscapes, the moules gratinee gets heat from 'nduja spice and Calabrian sausage from Italy; a roasted cauliflower receives a shower of Middle Eastern za'atar on a tahini sauce bath. El Nasr ensured that the menu also included some items for a touch of luxe. See: foie gras 'opera'; caviar service; and a pair of baller shellfish towers. Le Petit is $110 and Le Grand goes for $240, with oysters, littleneck clams, mussels, lobster, shrimp, Tahitian tuna, and hamachi crudo. The bar highlights French spirits, aperitifs, and house infusions, with fancy drinks like, yes, the Caviar Martini, plus a Provence Negroni for a lighter take on the classic. The bottled list includes a lengthy count of Champagnes and (400-plus) wines focused on French coastal regions that 'tell the story of the sea and French country,' says El Hage. Cocktails and wines can be ordered in the restaurant or the semi-private bubbly lounge. The opulent seafood tower at Barbouzard. Scott Suchman Mediterranean fish at Barbouzard. Scott Suchman Barbouzard completely reimagines the 6,493-square-foot space that formerly housed Kellari Taverna, D.C.'s Greek restaurant that rose to popularity in the early aughts (and closed last year). The look is meant to capture France's posh seaside spirit, with light oak, marble, hand-blown glass chandeliers, and gilded accents. The various booths, alcoves, bar spaces, and leafy veranda seats offer areas for lively postprandial conversation. The restaurant is equipped with a Funktion-One sound system, a professional-grade audio setup that's a rare get for even a hot-ticketed club. In the very center of the restaurant sits a DJ booth and stage, as Barbouzard will host entertainment throughout the week, including live piano, sax, guitar, and violin performances for 'sexy, elevated' sounds, says El Hage. DJs come in on Thursdays to Saturdays. 'We want guests to feel things,' says El Hage. The goal of the restaurant, adds Maupillier, is 'l'art de vivre [the art of living], served daily.' A stylish dining nook speaks to the Riviera's Golden Age. Scott Suchman The open space sports crimson-colored booths and plenty of marble. Scott Suchman Eater DC All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Beach town bans men's too-short swim trunks, sparking debate and rule flipflop
While some tourists may have a "sky's out, thighs out" attitude toward their swim trunks, one Mediterranean town begs to differ. The mayor of Chetaïbi, Alegeria, called for longer and looser shorts on men — issuing a decree banning them from walking around in Bermuda shorts. "These summer outfits disturb the population. They go against our society's moral values and sense of decency," Mayor Layachi Allaoua said, according to The Associated Press (AP). "The population can no longer tolerate seeing foreigners wandering the streets in indecent clothing," he added. The decision sparked a regional debate over religious and traditional attire as opposed to the habits of more open-minded beachgoers. Officials in the coastal city of Annaba called on the mayor to rescind his order. After two days of controversy, the mayor did reverse the order — saying he wanted to preserve "peace and tranquility" for both locals and tourists and that he was not influenced by Islamist pressure, according to AP. In 2023, 3.3 million people visited the North African country of Algeria, according to the tourism ministry. Islam is Algeria's official state religion, with 99% of residents identified as Sunni Muslims, according to the CIA's World Factbook. Between 1991 and 2002, the Algerian Civil War led to more openly visible religious practices in daily life. "Modesty is a foundational virtue of Islamic culture, which is intrinsically linked to awara," notes a study published in the MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies. "The idea of awara … refers to the parts of the body that must be covered to maintain privacy and dignity," the study says. Men should cover their bodies from the navel to the knees — while women must cover their entire body aside from face and hands.
