5 Reasons to Go Down Under with Go Next in 2026
2026 South Pacific Cruises
Has an epic adventure to the land Down Under long been on your travel bucket list? We’ve got you covered! This year, start planning your next vacation with Go Next exploring the wild Outback, encountering quirky marsupials, and taking in the rugged beauty of New Zealand and Australia. Embarking early 2026, Go Next is offering three unique travel opportunities cruising the South Pacific on Oceania Cruises’ luxurious ship Riviera. In addition to New Zealand and Australia, our Australian Outback to Verdant Bali trip includes an exhilarating itinerary cruising to the beautiful islands of Indonesia.
You will not want to miss securing your spot on one (or more) of these exciting adventures. Check out our list below for five reasons to book a South Pacific cruise with Go Next in 2026:
- Sail in Style on a Modern Cruise Ship
Guests of our 2026 South Pacific journeys will sail aboard the elegant Riviera, one of Oceania Cruises’ spacious ships. With a thoughtfully designed deck plan offering increased square footage, Riviera features an array of luxurious amenities, including multiple gourmet dining options, a world-class Culinary Center for hands-on cooking classes, a serene saltwater pool, exclusive wine-tasting experiences, and so much more. This ship elevates the cruising experience, making it a standout choice for exploring the South Pacific. - Extend Your Adventure with Back-to-Back Cruises
Already explored Australia and/or New Zealand and craving more? Take your South Pacific experience to the next level by booking two incredible cruises back-to-back! Seamlessly combine our Maori Heritage journey, which concludes in Sydney, with the start of the Australian Outback to Verdant Bali cruise, embarking the same day.
This extended adventure offers exclusive discounted rates and an enriched itinerary, including extra time to enjoy Sydney and a breathtaking voyage along Australia’s Eastern coast to Bali, Indonesia. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler in the region, these back-to-back trips promise fresh discoveries and unforgettable memories!
- Best of Both Worlds: Opportunities for Both City and Nature Enthusiasts
Here at Go Next, we love to travel with friends. Planning a trip with people you know and love can be quite enjoyable, and deciding how to meet everyone’s preferences and bucket lists is all part of the experience. Do you prefer experiencing the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of a destination while your friends enjoy the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city? Our trips to the South Pacific have something for everyone, both city and nature lovers alike!
Are you a nature enthusiast? See the 12 Apostles off the coast on Australia’s Great Ocean Road, kayak in glowworm caves in Lake Rotoiti, or visit the Great Barrier Reef on our Australian Outback to Verdant Bali trip (or by adding a Go Beyond pre-cruise or post-cruise program to Maori Heritage or A Collector’s Treasure). Do you also love to explore new cities? Meander through Melbourne’s lively Queen Victoria Market, visit Sydney, home of the famous Opera House, admire Auckland’s iconic skyline, or encounter sacred temples in Bali. The South Pacific has it all! - Perfect for Animal Lovers
The South Pacific has many diverse ecosystems that are home to all different kinds of animal species. In Australia, you’ll find adorable wallabees and spunky (but very cute) wombats. Take the opportunity to encounter blue penguins in the cooler regions of New Zealand, feed kangaroos by hand in Tasmania, and, if traveling to Indonesia, visit Komodo Island to see if you can spot the famous Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. - New Zealand: The Vatican City of the Lord of the Rings Fandom
A destination on both A Collector’s Treasure and Maori Heritage, New Zealand is home to the stunning landscapes and unmatched beauty famously chosen as the film setting of the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you’re a fan of the books, movies, and Tolkein’s genius universe, then you will not want to miss stepping foot on the film sites of some of the movies’ most memorable scenes. Take the opportunity to stroll through the same woods the Hobbits ran through in the Fellowship of the Ring, tour the Weta Workshop complex to see props, models, and weapons made for the films, and visit the Wellington Studio where both LOTR and The Hobbit were created. Additionally, journey to Hobbiton in Auckland by adding an exclusive Go Beyond Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise program.
Spots are filling up fast for our 2026 Australia and New Zealand trips, so don’t wait to secure your place. Book today and look forward to the beauty, adventure, and experiences of traveling to the South Pacific with Go Next.