Oceania Riviera set to return for a second season in a vote of confidence in Australia

• It’s been a week of good news for Australia’s cruise industry and here’s more.
• Oceania Riviera, a luxury 1,250 guest ship, is sailing her first deployment for five months.
• But Cruise Passenger has been told it has been so well received, it is almost certainly set for a second season.

In a major boost for the cruise industry, Oceania Cruises is set to announced that its luxury ship, Oceania Riviera, will return to Australian waters for a second season.

The ship, which is embarking on its maiden Australian season this year, is already making waves. Spanning five months, her inaugural deployment sees her sailing a series of immersive voyages around the country, offering guests a taste of Oceania Cruises’ hallmark luxury and destination-rich itineraries.

Now, the suggestion of a second season represents a resounding vote of confidence in Australia and New Zealand as marquee cruise destinations.

A Major Win for Australia and New Zealand

The Australasian cruise sector has faced significant challenges of late. Rising operating costs and complex regulatory requirements prompted some international lines to scale back their presence or even withdraw ships from the region altogether. Industry insiders have long voiced concerns that these hurdles risked deterring major players from investing in local itineraries.

That is why the suggestion that Oceania Riviera will return is being celebrated not just by cruise enthusiasts, but also by industry leaders.

Oceania Riviera – A Luxury Jewel

Oceania Riviera is one of the line’s most celebrated vessels. With space for just over 1,200 guests, she offers an intimate yet opulent cruising experience. Her reputation rests on culinary excellence, anchored by The Culinary Centre – a hands-on cooking school at sea – and a collection of specialty restaurants, including Jacques, the only restaurant at sea created by legendary French chef Jacques Pépin.

Her design emphasises understated luxury, with spacious staterooms, art collections curated from across the globe, and wellness offerings led by the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. She also features Aquamar dining.

For Australian and New Zealand cruisers, Riviera’s presence brings something unique: the chance to experience Oceania’s trademark luxury without the need to fly to Europe or North America.

Sailing the Southern Hemisphere

During her first season, Oceania Riviera is charting a diverse range of itineraries that showcase the breadth and beauty of Australasia. From circumnavigations of Australia’s dramatic coastline to voyages taking in New Zealand’s fjords and South Pacific jewels, the itineraries reflect a growing appetite for immersive, destination-led cruising.

Her deployment has also delivered tangible benefits on shore. Every time Oceania Riviera sails into port, she brings with her over a thousand high-spending international guests – travellers who dine in local restaurants, book excursions, and stay in pre- and post-cruise hotels.

For local economies, especially regional towns often overlooked by international tourism, the impact is significant.

Industry Rebuilding After Setbacks

An announcement of Oceania Riviera’s return for a second season would come at a pivotal moment. The Australasian cruise sector, one of the hardest hit by pandemic restrictions, has been in recovery mode. While domestic demand has remained strong, international cruise lines have sometimes been cautious about redeploying their fleets here.

High port charges, biosecurity requirements, and operational red tape have added layers of complexity. In recent years, some major lines quietly pulled back tonnage, redeploying ships to regions like the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where conditions were more favourable.

A Broader Cruise Resurgence

Australia’s cruise sector has been steadily climbing back towards pre-pandemic levels. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), more than a million Australians cruised last year, a figure that highlights both the resilience of local demand and the global appeal of the market.

The arrival of Oceania Riviera feeds into a broader narrative: international cruise lines are recognising the value of Australia and New Zealand not just as passenger markets, but as destinations in their own right.

With marquee ports like Sydney, Auckland, and Melbourne, alongside hidden gems such as Kangaroo Island, Napier, and Tasmania, the region offers the kind of variety and natural spectacle that today’s discerning traveller craves.

Looking Ahead

The cruise industry will be watching closely to see how Oceania Riviera’s season unfolds. Strong bookings for her first deployment suggest there is robust appetite for luxury sailings in the region. Travel agents report heightened interest in Oceania Cruises, particularly from clients seeking longer voyages with a strong focus on fine dining and enrichment.

For Australia and New Zealand, the return of Riviera is more than just another ship call. It is a symbol of renewal, optimism, and growing momentum after years of uncertainty.

As one industry commentator put it: “If luxury lines like Oceania are doubling down on Australia and New Zealand, it sends a powerful message: we are not just back on the map – we are a must-sail destination.”