One of the world’s newest and most luxurious vessels, Seabourn Sojourn, has arrived in Eden this morning on her maiden visit, and the ultra-luxury cruise line’s first call, to New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast.
Arriving from Sydney at 10am, Seabourn Sojourn’s arrival is one of only two cruise ship visits to the regional port this summer cruise season – with both ships calling at the town today in a major tourism boon for Eden.
The ultra-luxury ship’s 450 passengers were expected to spend the day exploring the picturesque region’s attractions including the Killer Whale Museum, Ben Boyd National Park and Twofold Bay, injecting an estimated figure of around $100,000 into the local economy during the inaugural visit.
The 32,000-tonne vessel’s call to the South Coast port comes during its 116-day world cruise, which includes 19 days cruising Australian waters from Sydney to Exmouth before heading north to Bali on February 27.
As well as Eden, Seabourn Sojourn will visit a further 10 Australian ports during its second trip down under including maiden calls to Burnie, Geelong, Kangaroo Island, Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth, overnight visits to Sydney, Adelaide and Fremantle and a call to Melbourne. Seabourn Sojourn will sail for Burnie at 6pm tonight.
Seabourn Director of Sales Australia Tony Archbold said Eden was typical of the boutique destinations the cruise line carried its guests to all around the world.
“Each year Seabourn seeks out new and interesting ports to provide guests with a unique insight into a country and the beauty of a small ship like Sojourn is that it can visit small ports where large ships can’t sail,” Mr Archbold said.
“Towns like Eden, which aren’t necessarily on the traditional cruise map, show a different side to regional Australia and open up a stunning part of New South Wales’ coast. Our guests really appreciate these types of ports.”
Shore excursions on offer to Seabourn guests in Eden include:
- A cruise on the two arms of Twofold Bay
- A historical and cultural tour of Ben Boyd National Park including a visit to the Davidson family cottage, spectacular views of the coastline, an insight into the local Aboriginal culture and lunch at Seahorse Inn
- An indulgent tour of Eden including high tea at Seahorse Inn and a visit to the Wheelers Oyster Farm
- A bushwalk through Ben Boyd National Park for spectacular coastline views, bird watching and a picnic hosted by a local Aboriginal
- A tour of Potoroo Palace home to koalas, kangaroos and potoroos and a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
Launched in 2010, the US$300 million Seabourn Sojourn features the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea and the largest spa on any luxury vessel. Famous for its highly personalised service, Seabourn is known as the “caviar of cruising” and has the highest space-per-guest ratio in the cruise industry with nearly one crew member for every guest. Seabourn’s ships travel the globe throughout the year, sailing to many of the world’s most desirable destinations. Cruises of seven days to more than 100 days visit hundreds of ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways.
For more information see a licensed travel agent, call 13 24 02 or visit www.seabourn.com
Images available on the Seabourn website here
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