Most cruise chip visitors and crew disembark at the Port of Eden and participate in amazing walks, sample delicious local food, purchase unique local arts and craft and sample exquisite local wines and beers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They also visit local op shops.
Rose Winnel, a volunteer at Joey’s Jumbles charity shop, said the weeks leading up to Christmas were extraordinarily busy. On December 14, 15 crew members from the cruise ship Pacific Jewel came in to browse the shelves.
“That Thursday was really busy! The place looked like a bomb hit it!” Ms Winnel said.
Crew members filled the small store stocking up on clothes, shoes and soft toys.
“They purchased nearly all of our soft toys to take back to Vanuatu,” volunteer Di Crehan explained.
Both Ms Crehan and Ms Winnel said they had a great time chatting with the crew and finding out more about them.
“They were nice, and excellent customers,” Ms Winnel said.
Sapphire Surprises Anglican op shop was also busy with cruise ship trade.
“On the days that the cruise ships are in we are flat out. When the visitors get off the ships they come straight here,” volunteer Maureen Walker said.
Ms Walker and volunteer Adele Chomatek both said the shop attracts visitors looking for unique knick knacks and clothes they may not be able to find elsewhere.
“It is mainly clothes, but also unique or interesting home wares,” Ms Walker said.
The summer period is a busy time for Joey’s Jumbles and Sapphire Surprises. Aside from cruise ship customers, other visitors to Eden also come in looking for unique finds.
“Every year a lady from Sydney comes in. She loves it,” Ms Crehan said.