Not even the threat of bad weather could rain on P&O Cruises’ parade as Pacific Pearl made her maiden call to the Sapphire Coast town of Eden yesterday.
Despite concerns about the impact of cyclonic wild weather in Queensland, Eden woke up to a beautiful day with a manageable swell on Sunday – a perfect day for tendering.
The 63,875-tonne ship anchored in the harbour and tendered guests to Breakwater Wharf for a day of sightseeing.
The town was out in force with local volunteers assisting guests along with representatives from Cruise Eden who have worked tirelessly to secure cruise ship visits.
State Treasurer and Member for Bega Andrew Constance joined a local press conference telling media that work would soon begin on a joint state and federal funded infrastructure project to enable mid-size ships to berth alongside the wharf.
Pacific Pearl Cruise Director Gemma Gregory-Jones, Hotel Director Roland Ringwald, Member for Bega Andrew Constance and his fiancée Jennifer Clarke.
Captain Tony Herriott conducted a plaque exchange with local representatives onboard the ship, commending the volunteers and representatives from Cruise Eden ahead of a tour of Pacific Pearl.
Pacific Pearl is scheduled to become the first cruise ship to call at Mornington tomorrow.
She will return to Eden on March 6, while Pacific Dawn will make her first visit to the Sapphire Coast town on November 24 this year.