Oceania Cruises is preparing its luxurious 1,250-guest ship Riviera to sail its first-ever Australia and New Zealand season of voyages.
Riviera will be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region to offer exclusive itineraries with a gourmet foodie focus. Guests can immerse themselves in the local culinary scene through a broad array of small-group shore excursions including visits to local markets, rice fields, and truffle farms, incorporating everything from Australia’s globally revered seafood to New Zealand’s world-famous lamb.
The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, featuring a diverse selection of itineraries ranging from 14 to 35 days, with departures from multiple ports across the region. 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, offering travelers a perfect balance of discovery and familiarity. With hundreds of excursions available, guests can choose how they want to explore each port thanks to the line’s expansive array of excursions in each destination. Among them, chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours to local restaurants or see a destination through the eyes of local fishermen and farmers.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Riviera to Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises. “This new chapter reflects our commitment to offering exceptional, immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Riviera’s voyages will offer travelers an unmatched opportunity to savor the finest local cuisine while exploring some of the world’s most iconic destinations in unparalleled comfort and style.”
A Ship for Foodies, by Foodies
Riviera features The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes inspired by regional flavors.
The award-winning culinary team has introduced a new class for this year designed to showcase local foodie highlights, the “Down Under Abundance” – a culinary experience inspired by the richness of ingredients found in Australia and New Zealand. Carefully crafted in collaboration with Oceania Cruises’ “Down Under” chef colleagues, the class celebrates the freshest offerings from the sea, the mountains, and the vineyards of this extraordinary destination.
Riviera boasts a remarkable selection of gourmet dining venues, each providing a unique culinary experience:
- Toscana – Authentic Italian cuisine utilizing seasonal ingredients
- Polo Grill – Elegant steakhouse in a refined setting
- Jacques – French bistro curated by Jacques Pépin
- Red Ginger – Innovative approach to pan-Asian gastronomy
- The Grand Dining Room – Where the menu is as sophisticated as the dining room itself
- Terrace Cafe – Open sky dining featuring a special destination-themed Chef’s Market Dinner
- Waves Grill – Relaxed and casual deckside diner-style dining
- Horizons – Enjoy decadent high tea with 180-degree views
Alongside the onboard Culinary Center, Riviera features the Artist Loft, an elegant creative space for artistic expression, plus an enticing array of enrichment and social activities, from mini golf and digital classes to a state-of-the-art fitness center. And for those who prefer pampering to paddle tennis, Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center offers a full suite of spa services.
To enhance Oceania Cruises’ exceptional itineraries, guests have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise land program, allowing them to immerse themselves further in the stunning destinations. Experience the Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland, New Zealand, which includes chartered fishing trips, star-gazing experiences, and a tour of Auckland’s vibrant metropolis, or embark on a Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, Australia, Here guests will soak up the breathtaking landscapes before joining an informative hike with a National Park Ranger who will share Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal people who first inhabited the area.
Australia and New Zealand/South Pacific Voyage Highlights:
Komodos & Kangaroos: 22 days from Singapore to Sydney visiting Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Waingapu Sumba, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), Adelaide, Melbourne and Burnie. Departs November 18, 2025.
South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete visiting Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Nuku’alofa, Vava’u, Apia, Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea. Departs December 10, 2025.
Azure Atolls to Auckland: 18 days from Papeete) to Auckland visiting Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Alofi, Pago Pago, Apia, Suva, Nuku’alofa and Bay of Islands. Departs January 6, 2026.
Maori Heritage Route: 14 days from Auckland to Sydney visiting Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne. Departs January 25, 2026.
Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 days from Sydney to Bali visiting Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs February 8, 2026.
Melanesian Marvels: 21 days from Bali to Sydney visiting Komodo, Kupang (West Timor), Darwin, Port Moresby, Alotau, Honiara, Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva and Noumea. Departs February 22, 2026.
Kiwi & Coral Seascapes: 21 days from Auckland to Singapore visiting Bay of Islands, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs March 30, 2026.
Contact us for additional information and to book your voyage with Oceania Cruises.