The largest cruise ship to ever dock at Eden Cruise Wharf, carrying 3560 passengers, will make a grand maiden entrance on Monday November 11 – the first following the NSW Government’s planning approval to allow bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to Eden.

At 330 metres long, 36 metres wide and weighing 142,000 tonnes, Royal Princess is an impressive international cruise ship, stopping at the Sapphire Coast for the first time between calls in Sydney and then Port Arthur.

The Royal Princess is due to visit Eden again on 15 March 2025.

The arrival of ships up to 370 metres long (up from 325 metres) was made possible following recent planning modifications to cruise operations at the wharf. The modification also removed the 60 ships per year cap and now allows for overnight stays.

The Royal Princess will be one of 25 cruise ships to visit Eden this season, bringing 44,000 passengers and 20,000 crew. 12 ships will be making their maiden calls at Eden.

The season begins on Tuesday November 5 with the arrival of Disney Wonder.

Eden’s summer cruise season for 2023/24 was the busiest on record for the region, and injected an estimated $8.77 million into the local economy, as highlighted in the CLIA The Value of Cruise Tourism Report 2023/24.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: “The first of the many larger ships to come, Royal Princess brings with her thousands of passengers and crew ready to disembark and explore the Bega Valley.

“We know cruise passengers bring welcome dollars to the local economy, whether that’s here in Eden as they soak up the wonderful hospitality, or by joining shore excursions to immerse in the very best the Sapphire Coast has on offer.

“The arrival of the Royal Princess signals an exciting new era for regional cruise which will see a gradual increase in bigger ships not only this season but also for many future seasons ahead bringing enormous benefits to the region.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said: “With 25 cruise ships visiting Eden this season, including 12 maiden calls, the benefits for the local community are enormous.

“Allowing bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits to the Eden Cruise Wharf sets the stage for record-breaking tourism, showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality of this unique part of our state.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said: “A record-breaking $4.41 billion was injected into the state’s economy during the last cruise season.

It is great to see the Royal Princess will arrive in Eden on Monday 11 November, ensuring our region has access to the economic boost brought by these bigger cruise ships.

This time last year, the Royal Princess would have been 5 metres too long to dock here in Eden, but thanks to the new modifications to the

Port’s operations, Eden will see bigger ships and more frequent visits.”

“Every cruise season, visiting international cruise passengers can spend up to $283 a day, according to CLIA, injecting millions into local economies like ours.”

Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday said: “Since the first cruise ship arrived into Eden in 2005 there have been approximately 150 cruise ship visits, and more than 235,000 passengers visiting Eden.

“We are working closely with cruise lines to ensure the continuous growth of the NSW cruise market so even more cruise passengers can experience the best of NSW while injecting millions into local economies.”

“Recent Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data shows that more than six in 10 people who have taken a cruise say that they have returned to a destination that they first visited via a cruise ship.”