Ovation of the Seas docked in Eden over the weekend. Photo: Port Authority of NSW.
A record was broken in Eden over the weekend when almost 5000 passengers docked on the NSW Far South Coast.
The Port of Eden has welcomed one of the world’s largest cruise ships, with the 348-metre-long, 168,666-tonne Ovation of the Seas making its maiden arrival in Snug Cove on Saturday (22 February).
The ship was carrying a record-breaking 4862 passengers, all keen to explore the sights and sounds of the Sapphire Coast.
The Ovation’s arrival at Eden Cruise Wharf follows the NSW Government’s approval of a planning modification, which permits ships up to 370 metres long to berth in Eden.
Port Authority Acting CEO John McKenna said the region’s cruise industry was growing.
“This is an exciting era for regional cruise tourism as some of the world’s biggest cruise ships can now add Eden onto their itineraries, with NSW leading the charge as the cruise capital of Australia,” he said.
“The arrival of Ovation of the Seas is a direct result of our work with the local community, business and stakeholders and the planning modifications the NSW Government approved to allow larger vessels to berth at Snug Cove, enabling Port Authority to bring in thousands more passengers each year.
“Our expert marine pilots and operations staff are key to safely bringing in these larger ships into port, creating a seamless start to exploring this beautiful region.”
Ovation of the Seas is one of the 25 ships stopping by Eden this summer cruise season, which will feature 12 maiden calls.
Across the season, more than 40,000 passengers and 20,000 crew are estimated to inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
Port Authority General Manager of Cruise Martin Bidgood said the South Coast had plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
“With thousands of visitors stepping ashore, the benefits of cruise tourism will ripple through the entire Sapphire Coast region,” he said.
“Ovation of the Seas brings a massive boost to Eden and will see a surge in business for cafes, retailers, tour operators and more.
“Eden is well and truly on the map as a must-visit destination, and Ovation’s visit is a fantastic opportunity to share the stunning coastline, history, and warm South Coast hospitality with so many new visitors.”
A list of upcoming cruise ship visits to Eden can be found on the Port Authority of NSW website.
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