Eden is celebrating 20 years since the first cruise ship sailed into town, with the region since welcoming more than 195 ships and over 400,000 visitors and crew. 

It follows 25 ships visiting Eden during the 2024-25 season, bringing more than 45,000 passengers and 20,000 crew to the region who injected millions of dollars into the local economy.

During the 2025-26 season, 34 ships are scheduled to visit, including the Celebrity Edge on 14  November 2025. Marking the 200th cruise ship visit to Eden, it will be another major milestone for the port’s growing cruise industry. 

Port Authority of NSW has supported this journey through initiatives including the funding, construction and operation of the new cruise wharf and Welcome Centre. 

Port Authority of NSW Chief Executive Officer John McKenna said: “The 20-year growth of cruising in Eden has been nothing short of remarkable.

“In that time, visitor numbers have increased tenfold, injecting tens of millions of dollars into the local economy and supporting jobs across the Sapphire Coast. This success is a testament to the drive and determination of the local community to embrace and grow cruise tourism. 

“Together, we’ve created a true gateway to the region’s natural beauty and coastal charm, where visitors are drawn to whale watching, bushwalking in Ben Boyd National Park, and exploring Eden’s fishing and rich maritime history. 

“I want to acknowledge Eden Tourism and Bega Valley Shire Council for their partnership and vision in putting Eden on the cruising map and showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage to the world.” 

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Russel Fitzpatrick said: “Eden is a true regional success story. Over the past 20 years, cruise tourism has helped transform our town into a vibrant hub, supporting local jobs and businesses, and showcasing the best of our region to the world. 

“The success of Eden’s cruise industry is a testament to the dedication of many volunteers. Every community member who has proudly worn a red shirt and welcomed visitors has played a vital role in reaching this milestone.

“The return of cruise after the pandemic, when visitor numbers dropped significantly, has played a vital role in our region’s recovery. We’re excited to see what the next 20 years will bring.”

Key milestones for the Port of Eden 

  • November 2005: Eden welcomes its first modern cruise ship - setting the stage for 20 years of expansion and development in the region’s cruise tourism sector. 
  • September 2019: The $44 million Eden Cruise Wharf is completed - funded and delivered by Port Authority NSW, allowing large cruise ships to berth alongside for the first time and unlocking new opportunities for regional tourism. 
  • October 2020: Wharf planning enhancements approved - work undertaken by Port Authority to expand the wharf’s flexibility, allowing non-cruise vessels up to 100m, equipment handling, refuelling, maintenance, and extended operating hours. 
  • May 2021: Cruise Eden Welcome Centre is completed - a partnership initiative enhancing visitor experiences and celebrating local tourism. 
  • July 2022: Coral Princess sails into Eden - the first cruise ship to return after the COVID-19 pause, signalling the revival of Australia’s regional cruise industry. 
  • July 2022: Port Authority, Bega Valley Shire Council and Eden Tourism sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote cruise visitation to Eden. 
  • July 2024: Wharf planning enhancements approved – increasing vessel size limits, allowing 24-hour berthing, approving future mooring and walkway works if required, and removing the 60-visit seasonal cap - supporting the next phase of Eden’s cruise growth. 
  • February 2025: Arrival of the Ovation of the Seas - at 348 metres and 168,666 tons, the ship brought a record 4862 passengers and crew to the Sapphire Coast - the largest ever to visit Eden.

Destination NSW supports cruise tourism

The cruise industry plays an important role in the NSW visitor economy.

The state welcomed more than 1.2 million passengers and crew from 312 cruise ships during the 2024-25 cruise season.

Cruise visitors are looking for great cruise shore experiences whether they’re exploring iconic attractions, discovering natural wonders or immersing themselves in local culture.

Destination NSW has produced an on-demand webinar that explores how businesses can create, enhance and deliver authentic cruise shore experiences and how to attract visitors before and after their cruise.

View the webinar here.


Cruise resources on the Destination NSW corporate website have also been updated and expanded to help visitor economy businesses learn more about the cruise sector and how they can get involved.

These resources include Cruise Sydney and NSW, an overview of the cruise industry; Cruise 101, which covers the fundamentals of cruising, including seasonality, passenger demographics and cruise terminology; Value of cruise tourism, a guide to the economic value of the cruise tourism and the benefits it can bring to a destination; and Quick tips for creating cruise shore experiences, a guide for visitor economy businesses seeking to make the most of cruise visitation.

Learn more here.