Last-minute cruise ship visit to Batemans Bay

The Port Authority of NSW on Friday confirmed another cruise ship will arrive in Batemans Bay on Wednesday 6 February.

Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager Natalie Godward said ultra-luxury cruise ship the Seabourn Encore was scheduled to arrive at 7am and depart at 4pm.

“Seabourn Encore chose to visit Batemans Bay as a last-minute itinerary addition due to the fantastic experience the company have previously had with shoreside support,” she said.

“Last-minute calls can happen from time to time in the cruise industry. We’re very excited that Batemans Bay is on this list of port options in these times.”

The Seabourn Encore is on a 16-day Australia and NZ cruise, which started in Auckland and will finish in Sydney on Thursday. Passengers are mostly from the USA and Canada, with some Europeans and Australians also on board. The ship is probably the largest that has visited Batemans Bay, carrying more than 550 passengers and almost 300 crew.

Council’s tourism and events team will have a welcome marquee set up at the arrival jetty, between Starfish Deli and the Innes Boatshed, to ensure passengers are warmly received and have access to information on things to see and do while they are in town.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes encouraged the community to make the visitors feel welcome.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Batemans Bay and Eurobodalla to show off our home, which we all know is magnificent,” she said.

“It’s early days, but Council has plans to work with the local business community to make the most of these incredible opportunities.”