Australia welcomed Oceania Riviera for the first time earlier this week, with its Sydney arrival on Wednesday marking the beginning of Oceania Cruises’ inaugural Australia and New Zealand season.

The 1,250-guest vessel will serve as the region’s exclusive Oceania Cruises ship, introducing a suite of gourmet-focused itineraries crafted for travellers seeking immersive food and destination experiences.

The season, running from November 2025 to March 2026, spans voyages from 14 to 35 days and connects major ports like Sydney and Auckland with hidden gems such as Mystery Island, Dunedin, and Kangaroo Island. With hundreds of excursions on offer, guests will be able to tailor their exploration – whether joining chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours to bustling markets and local restaurants, or spending a day with fishermen and farmers to understand the region’s food culture firsthand.

Culinary enrichment sits at the heart of the Riviera experience. Onboard, The Culinary Center – a fully equipped cooking school at sea – will host hands-on classes inspired by regional flavours, including the newly introduced “Down Under Abundance,” described as “a culinary experience inspired by the richness of ingredients found in Australia and New Zealand.” Developed in collaboration with the line’s “Down Under” chef colleagues, the class highlights the best from “the sea, the mountains, and the vineyards of this extraordinary destination.”

Guests will also have their pick of the ship’s renowned dining venues, including Toscana, Polo Grill, Jacques, Red Ginger, The Grand Dining Room, Terrace Café, Waves Grill and Horizons, each offering its own distinctive culinary style.

Beyond food, Riviera brings a broad enrichment program to Australia, featuring the Artist Loft, mini golf, digital classes, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre.