The award-winning Celebrity Edge made her return to Sydney Harbor this morning, kicking off her third season sailing from Australia and New Zealand.
The innovative Edge-class ship will operate 17 itineraries through April 2026, offering travelers a premium, design-forward way to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Following an incredible 19-night transpacific crossing from Honolulu, Celebrity Edge’s arrival marks the beginning of a season packed with new itineraries and 54 exclusive shore excursions.
The milestone is a historic one for Celebrity Cruises, marking the first time the line will have two ships in Sydney Harbor on consecutive days when Celebrity Solstice arrives tomorrow.
“With its revolutionary, outward-facing design, Celebrity Edge has been a game changer for the cruise industry — offering guests premium travel with enriching experiences and culinary journeys,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
“Sailings on Celebrity Edge are much more than just a vacation, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back to these waters for a third season, providing immersive experiences that showcase all this incredible region has to offer.”
Celebrity Edge offers a busy season of cruise exploration
From Sydney and Auckland, Celebrity Edge will sail a diverse lineup of 4- to 14-night itineraries designed to immerse guests in the natural and cultural wonders of the region.
The season begins with an 11-night Great Barrier Reef sailing, departing from Sydney this afternoon and visiting Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Willis Island — offering guests a front-row seat to Australia’s most iconic natural wonder.
The cruise will also call on smaller coastal gems, providing opportunities for snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In total, Celebrity Edge will operate seven dedicated New Zealand sailings, including the highly anticipated 13-night Holiday Cruise, which features scenic cruising through Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds.
The festive voyage also includes port stops in Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, making it one of the most comprehensive itineraries Celebrity has ever offered in the region.
Wine enthusiasts can indulge in a 9-night Australia Wine Journey, sailing along the country’s southern coast with visits to Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore world-renowned vineyards, sample local vintages, and experience the distinct terroir of Australia’s wine regions.
For those seeking an island escape, Celebrity Edge will also venture into the South Pacific, visiting destinations like Nouméa, Lifou, and Mystery Island. Each voyage offers plenty of relaxation and exploration, capturing the diversity of the region’s landscapes and cultures.
New and exclusive shore excursions for Celebrity Edge guests
This season introduces 54 new shore excursions, curated to offer Celebrity guests a deeper connection to the destinations they visit. The experiences range from wellness-focused retreats to culinary adventures, art tours, and outdoor explorations — each designed to showcase the authenticity and spirit of local communities.
Among the highlights is Celebrity Edge’s first-ever visit to Newcastle, Australia, taking place this December. In Newcastle, guests can embark on a scenic sculpture walk complemented by a wine tasting and gourmet lunch — an experience that combines art, nature, and the Hunter Valley’s renowned culinary scene.
In Wellington, New Zealand, Celebrity has introduced a new wellness excursion that invites travelers to unwind in the serene countryside of Mangaroa Farm. The tour includes a guided walk through the farm’s gardens, a yoga session beside native bush and flowing water, and a farm-to-table tasting of locally grown produce.
Other new excursions across the season include sustainable culinary tours in Tasmania, Maori cultural immersions in Rotorua, and wildlife encounters along Australia’s southern coastline.
Celebrity Edge offers unparalleled luxury to cruisers
First launched in 2018, Celebrity Edge remains one of the most groundbreaking ships in the cruise industry. Designed by British architect Tom Wright and interior designer Kelly Hoppen, the ship is known for its outward-facing architecture, bringing guests closer to the ocean through sweeping panoramic spaces and transformative venues.
The ship’s signature Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform, continues to be a standout feature. Rising up and down the side of the ship, it transforms into an open-air bar, a specialty restaurant, or a tender platform depending on the deck. The Magic Carpet allows guests to dine, drink, or relax while suspended high above the sea.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Edge’s Infinite Veranda staterooms blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. With the touch of a button, guests can open floor-to-ceiling windows to create a private oceanfront terrace — one of the ship’s most defining features.
Onboard amenities include 29 bars, restaurants, and lounges, ranging from the Michelin-inspired Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Grand Bistro to the innovative Eden Restaurant, where nature, performance, and gastronomy come together.
The ship also boasts a spa with over 120 treatments, a Rooftop Garden with live music under the stars, and production shows that rival Broadway and the West End.
A milestone moment for Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises will make history this week as Celebrity Solstice joins Celebrity Edge in Sydney Harbour, marking the first time the brand has hosted consecutive port days in the iconic Australian city. The event highlights Celebrity Cruises’ long-term investment in the region, along with its growing popularity among Australian and international travelers alike.
Celebrity Solstice, a long-time favorite among Australian cruisers, will return to the market in 2026 after completing a $250 million modernization as part of the cruise line’s fleetwide “Solstice Series” update.
The revitalized ship will debut eight new experiences, four first-at-sea spaces, and redesigned accommodations, blending the ship’s classic charm with Celebrity’s next-generation luxury aesthetic.
When she returns for the 2026–2027 season, Celebrity Solstice will offer several new itineraries, including a 13-night Best of New Zealand cruise, a 10-night Australia Wine Voyage, and a 12-night South Pacific Adventure.
Celebrity Cruises’ growing footprint in Australia and New Zealand
Since debuting its first season in Australia in 2012, Celebrity Cruises has steadily expanded its presence in the region. The brand’s commitment to premium cruising, coupled with growing international demand for longer, experience-rich itineraries, has helped establish Celebrity as a leader in luxury cruising Down Under.
The cruise line’s emphasis on culinary excellence, wellness, and destination immersion aligns with broader trends shaping the post-pandemic cruise market — particularly among travelers seeking meaningful experiences rather than simply sightseeing.
Celebrity Edge’s return, alongside Celebrity Solstice’s modernization, reinforces that commitment. Together, the two ships will serve more than 40 ports across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific between now and 2027.
