Oceania Cruises is preparing for the debut of its luxurious 1,250-passenger Riviera™ ship in its inaugural season of cruises to Australia and New Zealand. The Riviera will be Oceania Cruises' only ship in the region, offering exclusive itineraries focused on gourmet cuisine.
Guests can immerse themselves in the local culinary scene through a wide variety of small-group excursions, including visits to local markets, rice fields and truffle farms, with experiences ranging from Australia's world-famous seafood to New Zealand's renowned lamb.
The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, offering a diverse selection of itineraries ranging from 14 to 35 days, departing from multiple ports across the region. The voyages combine hidden gems like Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Dunedin in New Zealand, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia with iconic ports such as Sydney. Hundreds of excursions are available, including the popular Culinary Discovery Tours™, where chefs lead visits to local restaurants or showcase destinations through the eyes of fishermen and farmers.
“We are thrilled to bring the Riviera to Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” said Jason Montague, Director of Luxury at Oceania Cruises. “This new chapter reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional and immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Voyages aboard the Riviera will provide travelers with an unparalleled opportunity to savor the finest local cuisine while exploring some of the world’s most iconic destinations in unparalleled comfort and style.”
The Riviera features The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea, where guests can participate in hands-on classes inspired by regional flavors.
The award-winning culinary team has developed a new class for this season, designed to highlight the rich local gastronomy: “Down Under Abundance,” a culinary experience inspired by the abundance of fresh ingredients in Australia and New Zealand. Created in collaboration with Oceania Cruises chefs from the region, the class celebrates the freshest produce from the sea, mountains, and vineyards of this extraordinary destination.
In addition, it offers an exquisite selection of gourmet restaurants, each with a unique culinary experience. It also features the Artist Loft, an elegant space for artistic expression, as well as an attractive array of enrichment and entertainment activities, from mini-golf and digital classes to a state-of-the-art fitness center. For those who prefer relaxation to sports, the Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center offers a full menu of spa services.
To complement the exceptional itineraries, guests have the option of adding a land program before or after the cruise, such as:
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Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland, New Zealand, which includes private boat fishing excursions, stargazing sessions, and a tour of Auckland.
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Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, Australia, where travelers can enjoy spectacular scenery before embarking on a guided hike led by a National Park ranger, who will share stories of the Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area.
Featured itineraries in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
🔹 Komodos & Kangaroos (22 days) – Singapore to Sydney
Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Waingapu Sumba, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), Adelaide, Melbourne and Burnie. Departure: November 18, 2025.
🔹 South Pacific Archipelagos (19 days) – From Sydney to Papeete
Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Nuku'alofa, Vava'u, Apia, Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea. Departure: December 10, 2025.
🔹 Azure Atolls to Auckland (18 days) – From Papeete to Auckland
Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Alofi, Pago Pago, Apia, Suva, Nuku'alofa and Bay of Islands. Departure: January 6, 2026.
🔹 Maori Heritage Route (14 days) – From Auckland to Sydney
, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne. Departure: January 25, 2026.
🔹 Outback to Verdant Bali (14 days) – From Sydney to Bali
Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departure: February 8, 2026.
🔹 Melanesian Marvels (21 days) – From Bali to Sydney
, Komodo, Kupang (West Timor), Darwin, Port Moresby, Alotau, Honiara, Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva and Noumea. Departure: February 22, 2026.
🔹 Kiwi & Coral Seascapes (21 days) – From Auckland to Singapore
Bay of Islands, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departure: March 30, 2026.
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