The Port of Eden in New South Wales welcomed the Ovation of the Seas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, the largest vessel to call at the port.

Meanwhile, the Port of Auckland announced that it welcomed the Queen Anne during her 107-day maiden world voyage on the same day.

NSW Port Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer John McKenna said: “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.”

“The arrival of the 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,” added McKenna.

The Port of Aukland also announced its long-term plans to move the large cruise ships from Princes Wharf in the Downtown Ferry Basin to a new purpose-built berth on the Northern end of Bledisloe Wharf.

Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray said: “The cruise sector is an important contributor to not only the port but to local and regional tourism.”

“Improving our infrastructure, facilities and processes is vital to maintain Auckland and New Zealand’s status as a popular cruise destination,” he added.

According to Gray, the port will focus on minimizing disruption in the Downtown Ferry Basin for Auckland commuters.