The “mid-size” 67,000 gross ton Allura-class vessels will each carry around 1,200 guests and cost approximately €575 million.

Oceania said the size of the ships would allow the vessels to “retain all the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities” of Marina and Riviera, while “affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities”.

Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd has secured export credit financing to fund 80% of each ships’ construction, subject to Italian government approvals.

Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises president and chief executive, said: “This new class of ships will represent an evolution of the Oceania Cruises experience with all the elements our guests treasure – a warm, intimate, residential style; the most spacious standard staterooms afloat; amazing suites, and of course, the finest cuisine at sea.”

Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, added: “We are excited to expand the Oceania Cruises fleet with our new Allura-class ships to meet the strong demand for upscale culinary-and destination-focused cruise vacations around the globe.

“This new class of ships will further elevate the already best-in-class guest experience at Oceania Cruises and meaningfully strengthen demand from both new and loyal returning guests, which will ultimately drive further returns for shareholders.”

Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri chief executive, added: “The order we are announcing today, indeed, reiterates not only our first place in the luxury sector, but at the same time it further strengthens an unprecedented leadership in the cruise sector, with a backlog of 55 vessels to be built for most of the brands operating on this market and deliveries extending all the way to 2027.”