Celebrity Cruises has officially announced its schedule for the 2026/27 season in Australia and New Zealand, offering twenty varied cruises across two ships. The lineup includes a notable return to Luganville, Vanuatu, a destination that has been absent from recent schedules, and introduces a specialized wine-themed voyage designed for enthusiasts.
The announcement, released on October 21, 2026, marks the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere's peak cruising season. By expanding the itinerary options to include specific cultural and culinary themes, the line aims to attract travelers seeking more than just standard sightseeing. The inclusion of Luganville provides a fresh stop for passengers interested in exploring the less-visited islands of the South Pacific, while the wine voyage caters to a niche market looking for immersive experiences at sea and on land.
These sailings represent a strategic shift towards diverse, experience-driven travel. The return to Vanuatu suggests a renewed focus on regional connectivity, potentially opening up new opportunities for travelers who missed previous stops. The wine-themed voyage indicates a trend toward curated onboard programming, where the itinerary is built around tastings, vineyard tours, and educational sessions with experts.
Relevant planning links
- Celebrity Ascent ship guide — Ship-specific context for Celebrity Ascent.
- Celebrity Beyond ship guide — Ship-specific context for Celebrity Beyond.
- Celebrity Edge ship guide — Ship-specific context for Celebrity Edge.
Editor Take
This news matters because it expands your options for late 2026 and early 2027 travel. If you have been waiting for a chance to visit Luganville, Vanuatu, or if you are a wine lover looking for a dedicated cruise, these are now concrete booking opportunities. The specific inclusion of a wine-themed voyage means you should look for itineraries that explicitly mention this theme if you want that specific experience, as standard cruises may not include the same level of curated tasting events.
Key Takeaways
- Book early for the wine-themed voyage, as specialized itineraries often have limited cabin availability compared to standard sailings.
- Verify if the Luganville stop is included in your preferred departure date, as it is a new addition to the 2026/27 schedule and may not be available on all twenty cruises.
- Check the specific ship assigned to each sailing, as the two vessels may offer different cabin categories or onboard amenities that affect your choice.
- Review the inclusions of the wine-themed voyage to understand if tastings and vineyard tours are part of the base fare or require additional payment.
What Travelers Ask
Will the wine-themed voyage be available for existing bookings?
The wine-themed voyage is a new addition to the 2026/27 season. If you have an existing booking on a standard cruise, you would need to check with the cruise line to see if you can modify your reservation to the wine-themed voyage, subject to availability and fare differences.
Is Luganville, Vanuatu a new port for Celebrity Cruises?
Yes, the announcement highlights a return to Luganville, indicating it was not part of the immediate previous season's schedule. This makes it a new opportunity for passengers on the 2026/27 lineup.
How many ships will be operating in this region?
Two ships will be operating in the Australia and New Zealand region for the 2026/27 season, offering a total of twenty varied cruises.
What is the difference between the wine-themed voyage and a standard cruise?
The wine-themed voyage is specifically designed with a focus on wine, likely including tastings, vineyard visits, and educational sessions, whereas a standard cruise focuses on general sightseeing and entertainment without this specific thematic programming.