An extended pier and more
ship visits are planned for the
NSW south coast town.
Federal Government funding for the port
of Eden is expected to lead to a rise in calls by
local and international superliners.
The $10 million grant will be used to
lengthen the pier, allowing these larger ships
to dock at the only safe deep-water port
between Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia’s largest cruise operator has
welcomed the upgrade as good news for cruise
passengers and the coastal community.
“True to its name, Eden is a beautiful port
to visit but current infrastructure restrictions
mean only smaller ships can safely disembark
their passengers there,” Carnival Australia CEO
Ann Sherry said.
“Extending the pier to a total 260 metres
will make a big difference, enabling us to add
Eden to itineraries on short cruises and longer
voyages for many of our brands.”
Sherry predicted the local economy would
receive several hundred thousand dollars with
each ship visit.
“We are already working with local tour
operators, tourism bodies and the Chamber
of Commerce to discuss our passengers’
requirements, so we’re really looking forward
to putting this piece of paradise on the cruise
map,” she added.
Eden has previously been visited by Princess
Cruises’ 680-passenger Pacific Princess and
Holland America’s Volendam and Amsterdam,
with Seabourn Sojourn set to make its
inaugural call next February.
The new pier enables potential visits by other
ships from these brands, as well as P&O and
Cunard Line.
“Now that we know that our larger ships
can also visit Eden, we’ll be reviewing our
itineraries for P&O Cruises from 2016 with a
view to adding Eden on our short break cruises
out of Sydney and potentially Brisbane and
Melbourne,” Sherry said.
“We’ll also be talking with our international
brands to let them know Eden will soon be
open for their passengers.”
