Oceania Riviera Makes Its Sydney Debut, Ushering In Oceania Cruises’ Much-Anticipated First-Ever Australia And New Zealand Season, Featuring Fourteen To Thirty five-Day Culinary-Focused Voyages

Published on December 11, 2025

Oceania Riviera has officially made its debut in Sydney, marking the highly anticipated start of Oceania Cruises’ inaugural Australia and New Zealand season. This season features a series of culinary-focused voyages ranging from 14 to 35 days, offering travelers an exclusive opportunity to explore the region’s stunning landscapes while indulging in world-class dining experiences. This launch represents a significant milestone for Oceania Cruises, as it brings its renowned luxury cruise experience to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

Oceania Cruises has officially launched its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, marking a significant milestone with the arrival of the Oceania Riviera in Sydney earlier this week. This 1,250-passenger vessel is the exclusive ship from Oceania Cruises to serve the region, providing a unique opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in a luxurious, food-centric cruise experience, with itineraries designed to connect Australia and New Zealand’s vibrant cities with their hidden gems.

The Australia and New Zealand season runs from November 2025 through March 2026, offering an array of voyages ranging from 14 to 35 days. The itineraries span both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing guests to experience the rich diversity of the region. Passengers can explore major ports such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, alongside more secluded destinations like Mystery Island, Dunedin, and Kangaroo Island. These lesser-known locations promise to offer a unique perspective on the beauty and culture of the region, far beyond the traditional tourist hotspots.

The cruise season is specially designed for those with a passion for culinary exploration. Oceania Cruises has built its reputation on providing extraordinary dining experiences, and the Riviera’s voyages reflect this ethos. Passengers will have the chance to participate in a wide range of excursions that cater to food lovers, including chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours. These excursions invite guests to visit bustling local markets, dine at iconic restaurants, and meet the artisans behind the region’s culinary traditions. One of the standout experiences is spending time with local fishermen and farmers to gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients that define the cuisine of Australia and New Zealand.

Guests aboard Oceania Riviera will also have the opportunity to engage in culinary experiences while still on board. The ship features the renowned Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea, where passengers can take hands-on cooking classes inspired by the regional flavors of Australia and New Zealand. These classes are a perfect complement to the shore excursions, as they provide passengers with the skills to recreate the region’s dishes once they return home.

A particularly exciting addition to the Riviera’s culinary offerings is the newly introduced class, which celebrates the abundance of ingredients found in Australia and New Zealand. This class, developed in collaboration with Oceania’s expert chefs, highlights the best of the region’s offerings, from fresh seafood to locally sourced produce, meats, and wines. The class gives guests the opportunity to explore the richness of these two countries’ diverse landscapes, with each session focusing on unique ingredients from the sea, the mountains, and the vineyards. The class aims to showcase how these elements come together to create the unforgettable flavors that define Australia and New Zealand’s culinary scene.

For those with a more adventurous palate, Oceania Cruises offers the “Culinary Discovery Tours,” a series of experiences that go beyond the traditional food tour. These excursions bring travelers up close and personal with local food cultures, introducing them to new tastes and cooking techniques that reflect the unique heritage of the region. Whether it’s a visit to a vineyard in the rolling hills of New Zealand, or a day spent fishing off the coast of Australia, these tours immerse guests in the stories behind the food they taste and learn about the connections between food, culture, and history.

In addition to its culinary experiences, Oceania Riviera offers a host of onboard amenities and services designed to cater to every guest’s needs. The ship boasts a variety of fine dining venues, spacious staterooms, and luxury suites, as well as a selection of enrichment programs focused on the culture, history, and art of the regions it visits. Passengers can unwind in the ship’s relaxing lounges, or take part in fitness and wellness programs designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. For those looking to indulge, there is also a world-class spa and a range of shopping options available on board.

As Oceania Cruises looks to make waves in the Australia and New Zealand markets, the launch of the Oceania Riviera signifies a broader effort to redefine cruising in the region. The itineraries are designed with both the discerning traveler and food enthusiast in mind, and the unique combination of culinary immersion, destination exploration, and luxurious accommodations offers an unmatched cruising experience. Oceania Cruises continues to build on its reputation as a leader in luxury cruising by offering travelers an opportunity to experience the very best that Australia and New Zealand have to offer.

Throughout its inaugural season, Oceania Riviera will deliver a truly distinctive experience, one that caters to those looking for more than just a typical cruise. By focusing on the gastronomy, culture, and hidden treasures of the Australia and New Zealand regions, Oceania Cruises promises an unforgettable adventure for anyone seeking to explore the beauty and flavors of the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you’re enjoying a gourmet meal at sea, participating in an interactive cooking class, or exploring remote islands with a local guide, this journey offers something for every traveler looking to enrich their culinary and cultural knowledge.

Oceania Riviera has made its Sydney debut, launching Oceania Cruises’ first-ever season in Australia and New Zealand. The season features 14 to 35-day culinary-focused voyages, offering a unique opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant destinations through exceptional dining experiences.

As the cruise season continues, Oceania Riviera will become a central figure in the growing trend of culinary-focused cruising. Its exclusive offerings will help raise the profile of Australia and New Zealand as premier travel destinations for food lovers, and with its combination of luxurious service, expert chefs, and vibrant ports of call, this new season promises to redefine the cruising experience for years to come.