Oceania Cruises is preparing its 1,250-guest ship, Riviera, for its Australia and New Zealand season, offering exclusive gourmet-focused itineraries that allow guests to explore the local culinary scene through small-group shore excursions to markets, rice fields, and truffle farms, featuring Australia’s renowned seafood and New Zealand’s famous lamb.
The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season, running from November 2025 to March 2026, offers itineraries from 14 to 35 days with departures from various ports. Voyages include destinations like Mystery Island, Dunedin, and Kangaroo Island, alongside iconic ports like Sydney. Guests can choose from hundreds of excursions, including chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours or local experiences with fishermen and farmers.
Riviera’s Culinary Center offers hands-on cooking classes inspired by regional flavours. This year, the team has introduced Down Under Abundance, a class highlighting Australia and New Zealand’s fresh ingredients. Developed in collaboration with Oceania Cruises’ local chefs, it celebrates the region’s seafood, mountain produce, and wines.
Riviera offers a range of dining options. Toscana serves Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients, while Polo Grill is a steakhouse. Jacques features a French bistro menu curated by Jacques Pépin, and Red Ginger offers pan-Asian gastronomy. The Grand Dining Room provides a refined dining experience, while Terrace Café offers open-air dining with a destination-themed Chef’s Market Dinner. Waves Grill offers casual deckside dining, and Horizons serves high tea with 180-degree views.
Riviera offers onboard activities like the Artist Loft, mini golf, digital classes, and a fitness centre, alongside relaxation at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Guests can also enhance their experience with pre- or post-cruise land programmes, such as the Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland or the Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, featuring fishing, stargazing, and Aboriginal cultural hikes.
The Australia and New Zealand/South Pacific Voyage features several itineraries. The 22-day Komodos & Kangaroos cruise departs Singapore for Sydney on November 18, 2025, visiting Bali, Komodo, and Melbourne. The 19-day South Pacific Archipelagos journey from Sydney to Papeete departs December 10, 2025, with stops in Noumea and Bora Bora. The 18-day Azure Atolls to Auckland cruise leaves Papeete on January 6, 2026, visiting Moorea and Rarotonga. The 14-day Maori Heritage Route departs Auckland on January 25, 2026, visiting Wellington and Melbourne. The 14-day Outback to Verdant Bali cruise departs Sydney on February 8, 2026, with stops in Cairns and Darwin. The 21-day Melanesian Marvels voyage from Bali to Sydney departs February 22, 2026, visiting Komodo and Port Moresby. Finally, the 21-day Kiwi & Coral Seascapes cruise departs Auckland for Singapore on March 30, 2026, with stops in Sydney, Cairns, and Bali.
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer, Oceania Cruises said: “This new chapter reflects our commitment to offering exceptional, immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s diverse cultures and breath-taking 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.”
