Get ready to meet Oceania Cruises’ Riviera as she glides into Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific waters for the first time. From November 2025 through March 2026, this 1,250-guest ship brings a gourmet focus to some of the world’s most stunning coastlines.
The arrival of Riviera marks a milestone for food-loving travellers seeking immersive culinary experiences ashore and aboard. Whether you dream of savouring Sydney’s famed seafood or exploring the lamb-rich pastures of New Zealand, Riviera’s inaugural Down Under season is designed to delight every palate.
A Gourmet Voyage Down Under
Riviera will be the only Oceania ship offering exclusive itineraries with a gourmet foodie focus across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Each voyage pairs iconic ports—like Sydney’s Opera House panorama—with hidden gems such as Mystery Island in Vanuatu or Dunedin’s Victorian heritage streets.
Beyond the scenery, guests can dive into the region’s flavours through chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours™, meeting local fishermen at dawn or sampling truffles on small farms. These intimate shore programmes bring markets, rice fields and coastal fisheries to life, inviting travellers to dine like insiders.
To complement onshore experiences, Riviera’s expert sommeliers curate wine and craft-beer pairings that celebrate the vineyards of Margaret River and the breweries of Wellington. These onboard tastings invite guests to savour local vintages day by day, deepening their connection to each port’s gastronomic heritage.
Immersive Shore Excursions
Step off the ship and into authentic local life with small-group explorations that go deeper than the usual highlights. From kangaroo-dotted Kangaroo Island in South Australia to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, each excursion encourages hands-on discovery.
With hundreds of options, you choose whether to wander markets in Nouméa, trek through New Caledonia’s lush jungle or hunt truffles in Tasmania’s forests. This flexibility ensures every traveller—whether a first-timer to the region or a seasoned cruiser—crafts their perfect adventure.
Onboard Culinary Experiences
At sea, Riviera transforms into a floating gourmet playground. The centerpiece is the Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school where guests can master regional recipes—from Aussie seafood soufflés to Kiwi lamb tagines—in hands-on classes.
For those seeking a sit-down feast, Riviera’s award-winning venues span tastes and styles: authentic Italian at Toscana, refined steakhouse elegance at Polo Grill, and pan-Asian innovation at Red Ginger. Don’t miss decadent high tea at Horizons, where you sip under 180-degree ocean views.
A highlight for epicureans is the exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where small groups enjoy personalised, multi-course menus crafted by the ship’s executive chefs. Paired with boutique wines sourced directly from local producers, these intimate dinners offer an unforgettable taste of the region’s finest ingredients.
Enrichment, Wellness & Creativity
Riviera isn’t just about food—she fosters creativity and wellbeing, too. In the Artist Loft, travellers can try painting, ceramics or digital art under the guidance of resident tutors, capturing memories in more than just photographs.
For pure relaxation, the Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center offers signature treatments using native ingredients like Australian desert clay and New Zealand manuka honey. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the panoramic gym and deckside mini-golf, while digital workshops cover everything from photography to native language basics.
Sample Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Voyages
Here are a few of Riviera’s standout itineraries for the 2025–26 season:
- Komodos & Kangaroos (22 days, Singapore–Sydney): Surabaya → Bali → Lombok → Komodo → Sumba → Perth → Busselton → Albany → Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island) → Adelaide → Melbourne → Burnie. Departs 18 Nov 2025.
- South Pacific Archipelagos (19 days, Sydney–Papeete): Nouméa → Mystery Island → Lautoka → Suva → Nuku’alofa → Vava’u → Apia → Pago Pago → Rarotonga → Bora Bora → Huahine → Moorea. Departs 10 Dec 2025.
- Maori Heritage Route (14 days, Auckland–Sydney): Rotorua → Napier → Wellington → Christchurch → Dunedin → Hobart → Melbourne. Departs 25 Jan 2026.
Whether you’re seeking Polynesian culture or Australia’s rugged Outback, each voyage blends familiar highlights with off-the-beaten-path stops.
Discover even more immersive itineraries and tailor your cruise to match your passions—be it culinary adventures, wildlife encounters or cultural deep dives. Head to the Cruise Finder today for personalised recommendations and insider tips on every itinerary.
Book Your Riviera Adventure Today
Ready to savour life at sea? Secure your place aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera and immerse yourself in the flavours, cultures and panoramas of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Contact a travel adviser today to begin your gourmet cruise journey.
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