A couple have gone overboard while on a luxury cruise, sparking a major sea and air search off the NSW mid north coast.

Paul Rossington, 30, and Kristen Schroder, 27, went overboard from the mid-deck of the ship about 8.50pm (AEST) on Wednesday, police said after reviewing the ship's CCTV.

A local emergency worker said Mr Rossington, a paramedic in Barraba, 90 kilometres north of Tamworth, and Ms Schroder were holidaying with a group of family and friends.

Police, Australian Search and Rescue aircraft and marine vessels are searching an area approximately 60 nautical miles east of Forster on the state's mid north coast, about 100 kilometres south of Port Macquarie.