Australia and New Zealand Set for Unmatched Culinary Journeys Aboard Oceania Cruises Riviera - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Oceania Cruises, the premier culinary and destination-focused cruise line, is preparing to launch its luxurious 1,250-guest ship Riviera

Oceania Cruises, the premier culinary and destination-focused cruise line, is preparing to launch its luxurious 1,250-guest ship Riviera™ for its inaugural Australia and New Zealand season. This upcoming voyage, scheduled for 2026, will mark a significant milestone for the brand, as Riviera will be the only Oceania Cruises ship offering exclusive itineraries tailored to culinary enthusiasts in this remarkable region.

An Immersive Culinary Experience Down Under

Guests aboard Riviera will experience an immersive journey, savoring the authentic flavors of Australia and New Zealand through a series of small-group shore excursions. These excursions will take guests to local markets, rice fields, truffle farms, and more, highlighting Australia’s renowned seafood and New Zealand’s prized lamb. The culinary focus will enrich the voyage, ensuring guests can truly experience the essence of each destination.

Voyage Details: 2026 Australia and New Zealand Season

The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 through March 2026, offering a selection of voyages ranging from 14 to 35 days, with departures from various ports across the region. The itineraries will feature hidden gems like Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Dunedin in New Zealand, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia, alongside more famous ports such as Sydney. Each voyage provides the perfect blend of well-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations. Travelers will have a wide array of excursions to choose from, including chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours™ and unique opportunities to explore through the eyes of local fishermen and farmers.

“We are incredibly excited to bringRivieratoAustraliaandNew Zealandfor the first time,” saidJason 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‘svoyages 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 a remarkable selection of dining venues, offering world-class culinary experiences that reflect both the region’s flavors and the ship’s dedication to gourmet cuisine. One of the highlights is The Culinary Center, an onboard cooking school that hosts hands-on classes inspired by regional ingredients. Riviera’s dining options include:

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 inAustraliaandNew 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.

Toscana: Authentic Italian cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients.

Polo Grill: A refined steakhouse offering elegant dining.

Jacques: A French bistro curated by the renowned Jacques Pépin.

Red Ginger: An innovative pan-Asian dining experience.

The Grand Dining Room: A sophisticated setting offering a gourmet menu.

Terrace Cafe: Open-air dining with a destination-themed Chef’s Market Dinner.

Waves Grill: Relaxed, casual deckside dining.

Horizons: Indulge in decadent high tea with panoramic views.

In addition to these outstanding venues, Riviera offers the Artist Loft, a creative space where guests can explore their artistic side. For those seeking more active experiences, there are mini-golf and digital classes, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guests can also unwind at Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center, enjoying a range of luxurious spa services.

Extended Land Programs for Deeper Exploration

For those wanting to extend their adventure beyond the ship, Oceania Cruises offers pre- and post-cruise land programs. Guests can enjoy the Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland, New Zealand, which includes chartered fishing trips, star-gazing excursions, and a tour of Auckland’s vibrant city life. Alternatively, a Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney allows travelers to explore breathtaking landscapes and learn about the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories through an informative hike with a National Park Ranger.

Australia and New Zealand/South Pacific Voyage Highlights

Komodos & Kangaroos: 22 days from Singapore to Sydney, with stops in Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Waingapu, Perth, Busselton, Albany, and Kangaroo Island. Departs November 18, 2025.

South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete, with visits to Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Apia, Rarotonga, and Bora Bora. Departs December 10, 2025.

Azure Atolls to Auckland: 18 days from Papeete to Auckland, visiting Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, and other exotic locales. Departs January 6, 2026.

Maori Heritage Route: 14 days from Auckland to Sydney, with stops in Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Melbourne. Departs January 25, 2026.

Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 days from Sydney to Bali, with stops in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, and Komodo. Departs February 8, 2026.

Melanesian Marvels: 21 days from Bali to Sydney, visiting Komodo, Darwin, Honiara, Port Vila, and more. Departs February 22, 2026.

Kiwi & Coral Seascapes: 21 days from Auckland to Singapore, with stops in Bay of Islands, Cairns, and Bali. Departs March 30, 2026.

To discover more about Oceania Cruises’ exceptional itineraries, small-ship luxury, and gourmet experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a travel advisor.

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