The pool deck of the Seabourne Encore. Photo: Escape.com.au
Batemans Bay will get a surprise visit from an ultra-luxury cruise ship tomorrow (February 6) building on the port’s reputation as a cruise destination.
Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager Natalie Godward says the Seabourn Encore is scheduled to arrive at 7 am and depart at 4 pm.
“Seabourn Encore chose to visit Batemans Bay as a last-minute itinerary addition due to the fantastic experience the company have previously had with shoreside support,” she says.
“Last-minute calls can happen from time to time in the cruise industry. We’re very excited that Batemans Bay is on this list of port options in these times.”
The Seabourn Encore is on a 16-day Australia and New Zealand cruise, which started in Auckland and will finish in Sydney on Thursday.
Passengers are mostly from the USA and Canada, with some Europeans and Australians also on board.
The ship is probably the largest that has visited Batemans Bay, carrying more than 550 passengers and almost 300 crew.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s tourism and events team will have a marquee set up at the arrival jetty, between Starfish Deli and the Innes Boatshed, to ensure passengers are warmly welcomed and have access to information on things to see and do while they are in town.
Mayor Liz Innes says, “This is an exciting opportunity for Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla to show off our home, which we all know is magnificent.”
“It’s early days, but Council has plans to work with the local business community to make the most of these incredible opportunities.”
Passengers from the Seabourn Sojourn arriving in Batemans Bay via tender. Photo: ESC.
Seabourn Encore follows the Seabourn Sojourn which dropped anchor alongside the Tollgate Islands on December 12, 450 passengers were tendered ashore that day, navigating the town’s sandbar.
Batemans Bay is being promoted to expedition and luxury cruise liners as the best port for access to Canberra, with along with a host of local nature and aquatic experiences. It’s the only regional NSW port where tenders arrive in the CBD within walking distance to town’s attractions.
A further three cruise ships are set to visit Batemans Bay for the 2019/20 cruise season – the Caledonian Sky in October 2019, the Seabourn Encore will return in February and March 2020.
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