Oceania Cruises is gearing up for an exciting milestone as its luxurious 1,250-guest ship, Riviera™, prepares to embark on its first-ever Australia and New Zealand season of voyages.
Set to be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region offering exclusive itineraries with a gourmet foodie focus, Riviera will provide guests with unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culinary scene. Through a wide range of intimate shore excursions, travellers will explore local markets, rice fields, and truffle farms, indulging in some of the finest seafood Australia has to offer and savouring New Zealand’s world-famous lamb.
A Season of Culinary Discovery
Running from November 2025 to March 2026, the 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will feature diverse itineraries spanning from 14 to 35 days. With departures from multiple regional ports, guests can experience both hidden gems and renowned destinations. Highlights include Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Dunedin in New Zealand, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia, alongside iconic ports such as Sydney. Offering hundreds of excursion options, Oceania Cruises ensures travellers can customise their experience, whether through chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours™ to local restaurants or excursions with 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 of 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 travellers an unmatched opportunity to savour the finest local cuisine while exploring some of the world’s most iconic destinations in unparalleled comfort and style.”
A Ship Designed for Food Enthusiasts
Onboard Riviera, guests can further refine their culinary skills at The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea offering hands-on classes inspired by regional flavours. A new addition for 2026 is the “Down Under Abundance” class, created in collaboration with Oceania Cruises’ Australian and New Zealand-based chefs. This immersive experience celebrates the region’s diverse ingredients, from fresh seafood to exquisite wines.
Dining aboard Riviera is a gourmet experience in itself, with a selection of world-class venues:
- Toscana – Authentic Italian cuisine using seasonal ingredients
- Polo Grill – An elegant steakhouse with premium cuts
- Jacques – A French bistro curated by legendary chef Jacques Pépin
- Red Ginger – A contemporary take on pan-Asian cuisine
- The Grand Dining Room – A sophisticated menu in a refined setting
- Terrace Cafe – Al fresco dining featuring destination-inspired Chef’s Market Dinners
- Waves Grill – A relaxed deckside diner with gourmet options
- Horizons – Decadent high tea with breathtaking 180-degree views
Beyond its gastronomic delights, Riviera offers an array of enrichment and leisure activities, including the Artist Loft, mini golf, digital classes, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. For those seeking relaxation, the Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center provides a serene escape with a full suite of spa services.
Enhanced Destination Experiences
To complement its exquisite itineraries, Oceania Cruises offers pre- and post-cruise land programmes, allowing guests to explore each destination in greater depth. Options include the Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland, which features chartered fishing trips, star-gazing experiences, and a guided exploration of Auckland’s bustling cityscape. Alternatively, travellers can embark on a Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, enjoying spectacular landscapes and an immersive hike led by a National Park Ranger, who shares Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal people.
With its upcoming season in Australia and New Zealand, Oceania Cruises’ Riviera is set to redefine luxury cruising in the region, blending culinary excellence with breathtaking destinations and unforgettable cultural experiences.
- 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 18 November, 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 10 December, 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 6 January, 2026.
- Maori Heritage Route: 14 days from Auckland to Sydney visiting Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne. Departs 25 January, 2026.
- Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 days from Sydney to Bali visiting Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs 8 February, 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 22 February, 2026.
- Kiwi & Coral Seascapes: 21 days from Auckland to Singapore visiting Bay of Islands, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs 30 March, 2026.
