Australia’s largest cruise operator Carnival Australia today welcomed new Federal Government funding for the port of Eden that will put the New South Wales town on the Australian cruise map and deliver significant benefits to the local economy.
Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said the Regional Development funding would allow the deep water port to extend its pier, clearing the way for calls by larger local and international ships.
“ 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, ” Ms Sherry said.
“Extending the pier another 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 .”
Ms Sherry predicted the benefits to the South Coast community would be significant with each ship visit estimated to inject several hundred thousand dollars into the local economy.
“ 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 .”
Carnival Australia represents seven major cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Holland America, Carnival Cruise Lines and Seabourn. Extending Eden’s pier to a total 260 metres will accommodate ships from most brands to pull alongside. A potential future extension of the pier to 300 metres would allow even larger ships, including those from Carnival Cruise Lines to berth at Eden.
Ms Sherry said Eden had been visited by the smaller 30,000-tonne Pacific Princess as well as Holland America’s Volendam and Amsterdam in the past, while the ultra-luxury 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will make her inaugural visit to the port next February.
“ 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. ”
“ We’ll also be talking with our international brands to let them know Eden will soon be open for their passengers. ”
Gail Ward, Coordinator of Cruise Eden , said that Cruise Eden and the Eden Chamber of Commerce were excited that funds had been approved to allow the extension of Eden Wharf for cruise ships to come alongside.
“ A lot of work has gone into the planning and we are looking forward to welcoming a lot more cruise ships into our port, ” Ms Ward said.
“ It is a chance for passengers to enjoy our beautiful Sapphire Coast and we thank Carnival Australia for the part they played in helping to bring this to fruition.
[mappress]
Press Release, July 8, 2013