The Port of Eden in New South Wales, Australia, has announced that it welcomed its first cruise ship of the season, the Celebrity Solstice, for the ship’s maiden visit to the Far South Coast port.

The ship, according to the port, is the first of 25 cruise ships scheduled for the 2026-27 cruise season, which runs through to April 2027.

The port said in a press release that since it began in 2005, cruise has become an important part of the region’s visitor economy.

Port Authority of NSW, Bega Valley Shire Council and Eden Tourism continue to build on that success through an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the port added, with the partnership focused on growing cruise visitation and improving the visitor experience on the Sapphire Coast.

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said that Eden’s success demonstrated the long-term value that cruise tourism can deliver to regional port communities.

“Cruising in Eden started 21 years ago with one ship; now it brings tens of thousands of visitors to Eden to experience the local attractions, tours, cafés, businesses and natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast,” McKenna said.

“Port Authority’s role in Eden goes well beyond safely piloting ships into port. Supporting the growth of trade and tourism across NSW, including in our regional port communities, is a key focus for us.

“We are really proud to continue working hand-in-hand with Cruise Eden, Bega Valley Shire Council and the local community to continue to grow the Far South Coast as a cruise destination, and the Celebrity Solstice’s maiden visit is a fitting way to kick off another exciting season,” added McKenna.

Cruise Eden Manager Debbie Meers said that cruise days had become an important part of life in Eden, with the benefits flowing well beyond the wharf.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick added: “Cruise presents the opportunity to showcase our region to thousands of visitors and encourage them, and their friends and family, to come back to explore more of the Sapphire Coast.”