Published on
October 21, 2025
Season three for Celebrity Edge in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific is underway, and it brings a wider mix of sailings for different kinds of travelers. After a 19 night crossing from Honolulu, the ship reached Sydney and set off on an 11 night Great Barrier Reef journey to open the calendar. Between now and April 2026, the program lists 17 departures from Sydney and Auckland, from short four night escapes to longer trips that dive deep into the region. More time is set aside for New Zealand’s famous fjords over the holidays, an Australia Wine Journey adds vineyard stops across the south and east coasts, and a fresh set of shore tours puts more focus on local art, food, and wellness. Expect popular onboard spaces like the Magic Carpet and Infinite Veranda staterooms to feature again this season.
Season Snapshot
The headline number is 17 sailings through April 2026, split between Sydney and Auckland. Seven of those itineraries focus on New Zealand, including a 13 night Holiday Cruise that aims for Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds with seven port calls across both islands. A nine night Australia Wine Journey links Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Melbourne. The ship also opens up a slate of 54 new shore excursions, with a first ever call in Newcastle this December and wellness themed days near Wellington.
What Travelers Will Find On Board
Celebrity Edge was built around outdoor views, and that plays well in this region. The bright orange Magic Carpet is a cantilevered venue used for drinks and dining that shifts position along the side of the ship. Infinite Veranda cabins turn the window space into part of the room with a button control, which gives a more open feel on scenic routes. Around the ship there are 29 bars, restaurants, and lounges, plus 120 plus spa treatments, and evening productions that aim for large theater energy. Sea days carry plenty to do even if you stick close to the pool or the quiet corners by the lounges.
Extra Angle For TravelersWhy these routes help first timers
A cruise makes big distances simple. The Great Barrier Reef stretches for roughly 2,300 km along Queensland, and ships pair reef trips with easy transfers so you do not have to juggle flights and day boats. Fjord runs in Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds are famously weather dependent, so a longer voyage that includes all three gives better odds of good views across at least one of them. Wine themed days in Tasmania, South Australia, and Victoria remove the need to rent a car or plan tasting room times.
A second ship joins the action
In a first for the line, Celebrity Solstice meets Celebrity Edge on back to back port days in Sydney. Celebrity Solstice is set to return on 9 April 2026 with upgrades across the ship, part of a US$250 million refresh for the Solstice series. The brand signals eight new experiences, four of them new to sea for the class, along with updated favorites. The next Australia and New Zealand season for Solstice includes a 13 night Best of New Zealand route, a 10 night Australia Wine voyage, and a 12 night South Pacific trip.
Where The New Shore Tours Lean
The refreshed list includes 54 new and exclusive excursions. Newcastle gets a debut call this December with options that pair a sculpture walk with a wine tasting lunch. In Wellington, a countryside day at Mangaroa Farm adds a guided garden visit, a calm yoga session beside native bush and running water, and simple refreshments from the farm. These lighter outings give a good break between busier sightseeing days.
Smart Booking MovesPick the right window
Holiday sailings can sell out. If you are eyeing the 13 night Holiday Cruise with the three fjords, book early and choose a balcony or Infinite Veranda if views are your priority. For reef focused trips, look for itineraries with longer port hours so you can fit a snorkeling tour without rushing back to the pier.
Pack light, plan right
Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and a long sleeve rash guard for the water. Add a compact rain jacket for fjords, plus a small dry pouch for your phone on tender days. Binoculars help for wildlife spotting along the coast and inside the sounds.
Make the most of shore time
Keep an eye on the daily schedule, the pier map, and all aboard times. If you like quiet sail away moments, check when the Magic Carpet is in lounge mode or find space along the promenade before the horn. On wine days, sip plenty of water between tastings and set a simple food plan ahead of time.
What Should Travelers Do Next
Match the route to your style. Choose the Great Barrier Reef if warm water and marine life are your focus, the New Zealand sailings for glacier carved scenery and cool weather hiking, or the Australia Wine Journey for cellar doors and regional produce. Lock in small group tours early, then keep one port day open for a slow walk, a beach hour, or a museum visit. If you want a one way trip that links Australia and Hawaii, watch the 9 April 2026 date for Celebrity Solstice.
