Oceania Cruises is set to elevate luxury cruising in Australia, confirming that Oceania Vista—the first ship in its new Allura class—will sail an extended season in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28. The move marks a major moment for the brand locally, bringing one of its newest and most design‑forward ships to a market that has rapidly become Oceania’s second largest worldwide.
Vista will replace Oceania Riviera, which concludes her debut Australian season this month and returns again next year before redeploying to Alaska. Riviera’s success has paved the way for Oceania to send an even more contemporary, luxury‑focused vessel to the region.
Vista: A New Era of Luxury for Oceania
When Vista launched, she signalled a bold evolution for Oceania Cruises. Long known for its upper‑premium positioning, the brand used Vista to step confidently into the world of modern luxury cruising.
Key features include:
• A dramatic, light‑filled atrium
• Ralph Lauren‑designed public spaces
• Enhanced suite categories
• Elevated dining concepts and expanded culinary venues
Vista embodies Oceania’s refreshed identity—one that now proudly sits within the luxury cruise category. Bringing her to Australia is a clear vote of confidence in the region’s appetite for premium travel experiences.
Riviera’s Strong Season Sets the Stage
Riviera’s inaugural Australian season has been a standout success. Cruise Passenger’s recent visit found the 1,238‑guest ship in exceptional condition, with guests praising her intimate atmosphere, spacious design, and refined, adults‑focused onboard experience.
Oceania’s new 18+ policy has been warmly received, reinforcing Riviera’s appeal as a ship designed for grown‑up cruising—no waterslides, no theme‑park distractions, just relaxed elegance and destination‑rich itineraries.
A Culinary Reputation That Still Leads the Industry
Riviera continues to uphold Oceania’s reputation as the “foodie line”, with:
• One chef for every 10 guests
• No surcharges for specialty dining
• Signature dishes from Jacques Pépin’s culinary legacy
• A diverse menu spanning Toscana, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, and more
Oceania’s updated fare structure also resonates strongly with Australian travellers, offering inclusions such as specialty coffees, soft drinks, bottled water, smoothies, milkshakes, and even complimentary laundry access. Guests can choose between shore excursion credit or a wine‑and‑champagne package at booking.
Vista’s Arrival Signals Growing Confidence in Australia
With eight ships currently sailing and Oceania Sonata joining the fleet in 2027, the brand is expanding rapidly. Deploying Vista to Australia reflects a broader industry trend: luxury cruise lines are increasingly targeting Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific as demand for high‑yield itineraries grows.
Riviera will return for one more season next year, with limited availability remaining for her current sailings. For travellers wanting to experience the ship that helped cement Oceania’s presence in Australia, the window is narrowing.
Vista, meanwhile, represents the next chapter—a ship that doesn’t just continue Oceania’s evolution, but defines it.
For more information, visit Oceania Cruises https://www.oceaniacruises.com/
