Eden Welcomes Celebrity Solstice as 2026–27 Cruise Season Gets Underway

Celebrity Solstice

The beautiful coastal town of Eden on the New South Wales Far South Coast has welcomed the arrival of its first cruise ship for the 2026–27 season, marking an exciting start to another busy year of cruise tourism on the Sapphire Coast.

On 9 November 2026, almost 3,000 passengers stepped ashore from Celebrity Solstice during the ship's maiden visit to Eden. The impressive 315-metre cruise ship's arrival signals the beginning of a season featuring 25 scheduled cruise ship visits, bringing thousands of international and Australian visitors to explore the region.

Eden's spectacular coastline, maritime heritage, fresh local produce and welcoming community make it an increasingly popular destination for cruise passengers discovering the Sapphire Coast.

A Growing Cruise Destination on the Sapphire Coast

The 2026–27 cruise season will continue through to April 2027, building on more than two decades of cruise tourism in Eden.

Cruise tourism generated an estimated $14.3 million for the local economy during the 2024–25 season. More than 85 per cent of the 52,660 cruise passengers who visited last year stepped ashore to experience Eden and surrounding Sapphire Coast attractions.

Since cruise ship visits began in 2005, the industry has become an important contributor to the regional visitor economy. Thousands of passengers have supported local tourism operators, restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers, retailers and community businesses.

Partnership Supports Eden's Cruise Tourism Future

Port of Eden

Port Authority of NSW, Bega Valley Shire Council and Eden Tourism continue to work together through an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Eden's position as a regional cruise destination.

Port Authority of NSW Chief Executive Officer John McKenna said Eden's development demonstrated the long-term benefits cruise tourism could deliver to regional communities.

He highlighted how cruise tourism had grown from one ship in 2005 to tens of thousands of visitors each year, providing opportunities for passengers to experience local attractions, tours, cafes, businesses and the natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast.

He also acknowledged the importance of working alongside Cruise Eden, council and the local community to continue developing the Far South Coast as an attractive cruise destination.

Local Businesses and Volunteers Welcome Cruise Passengers

Cruise days provide valuable opportunities for local businesses and community organisations to showcase what Eden has to offer.

Cruise Eden Manager Debbie Meers said the benefits extended well beyond the port, supporting market stallholders, local cafes, shops and tourism operators.

The Eden Welcome Centre features 18 market stallholders, while the main street has another 10 stalls operated by the Men's Shed, giving passengers opportunities to discover locally made products and souvenirs.

Volunteers also play an important role in creating a welcoming experience. During the 2026–27 season, 43 volunteer Welcome Ambassadors and shuttle guides will assist passengers, including 16 local students. A further 21 dedicated guides and shuttle coordinators will help visitors make the most of their time ashore.

Eden Celebrates Its Position as a Leading Regional Cruise Port

Port of Eden

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said cruise tourism had become an important part of Eden's identity and the region's visitor economy.

He recognised the contribution of volunteers, local businesses, tourism operators, council, Port Authority, the NSW Government and industry partners in establishing Eden as a leading cruise destination.

The arrival of Celebrity Solstice provides another opportunity to introduce thousands of visitors to the region's coastal scenery, local experiences and welcoming hospitality, encouraging passengers to return for longer holidays with family and friends.

Discover Eden and the Sapphire Coast

With 25 cruise ship visits scheduled for the 2026–27 season, Eden is preparing to welcome another year of visitors to the Far South Coast.

From its maritime history and beautiful coastal landscapes to local markets, seafood, cafes and nature-based experiences, Eden offers cruise passengers an appealing introduction to the Sapphire Coast.

The maiden arrival of Celebrity Solstice is more than the beginning of another cruise season. It is a celebration of the community partnerships, local businesses and volunteers that have helped make Eden one of Australia's significant regional cruise destinations.

Eden Visitor Information Centre

Website: https://www.visiteden.com.au/
Cruise Eden: https://www.visiteden.com.au/cruise-eden/
Email: info@visiteden.com.au
Cruise enquiries: cruiseeden@visiteden.com.au
Phone: (02) 6496 1953Address: Ground Floor, Eden Welcome Centre, 1 Weecoon Street, Eden NSW 2551, Australia.

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