The mega cruise ship Pacific Dawn arrived in Twofold Bay this morning, Tuesday November 24, and proceeded to ferry most of its 1909 passengers into Snug Cove.
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A flurry of meet n greet youngsters from Bega High School, Eden Marine High School and Bega TAFE called out “welcome to Eden” as visitors landed on the dock, handing out bags of goodies and brochures.
Tour guides, trained by Cruise Eden and Bega TAFE, then whisked the willing into one of four 57-seater coaches parked alongside, offering Eden tours including the Eden Killer Whale Museum, Seasalt Cooking School and Kiah Kayaking.
Natalie Godward from Cruise Eden was on the dock as part of the welcoming committee.
“This is the ship’s maiden voyage into Eden,” Ms Godward said.
“Eden is one stop on a seven day journey that began in Brisbane, and most of the passengers are Australian. So this is a great chance for people to see the region, hopefully fall in love with it, and come again.”
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Michael Britten and Councillor Sharon Tapscott were close by, observing the steady flow of tenders from mother ship to dock.
In Cr Britten’s hands was a small commemorative plaque.
“We give this to every new ship into Eden,” Cr Britten said.
“I will give it to the captain who will add it to a wall of plaques representing places all over the world.”
Crs Britten and Tapscott, Natalie Godward and the Eden Magnet were invited on board the Pacific Dawn for a rare private tour, during which Cr Britten met captain Lorenzo Paoletti and presented him with the plaque.
Captain Paoletti said the first thing that struck him sailing into Twofold Bay was the “quality of the air” and said it was his second visit to the port.
“Eden I was already,” Captain Paoletti said in a thick Italian accent, “but only in a simulator, simulating going alongside.”
Captain Paoletti said he expected to come alongside today, but of course needs to wait for the port re-development before he can finally put his simulator training to the test.
After pleasantries, the private tour began.
It took over an hour to meander up and down the 14 storeys of deck and kilometres of companionways, with glamour and intrigue at every bend.
The Pacific Dawn is a veritable floating skyscraper, a small city, with facilities that out class the average Australian town by a country mile.
This includes seven bars, three restaurants, a huge theatre and performance auditorium, multiple outdoor dining and recreation spaces, kids’ entertainment rooms, expansive pool and spa decks, even a gym, massage parlour, hair dresser and hospital.
Administration and revenue director Melissa Yates said this 77,000 ton ship caters for everyone, down to the finest detail.
“Every cocktail bar has two “mixologists” who will mix up or invent whatever drink you dare describe,” Ms Yates said.
“And guests are happy to pay extra for some of our special features, like our three hour chef-hosted dinner party, where they enjoy a galley tour then a 12 course meal.”
Back on the dock, there were only glowing reports from the passengers.
No one seemed to notice the building works on Imlay Street, offering only praise for the tour organisation, information offered, and the ambience and friendliness of Eden.
“It’s a wonderful town,” Janice Henry from Casino NSW said.
“I even got a real estate brochure.”
The Pacific Dawn will depart Twofold Bay Tuesday evening at 6pm, and turn her bow northward.
At first light on Wednesday, November 25, she will enter Sydney Heads at the head of a V formation of five mega cruise ships as part of a spectacular display of the P&O fleet.