There will be plenty of red flag waving as pupils from Eden Public School and Cruise Eden volunteers welcome passengers and crew of the Pacific Explorer to Eden on Sunday morning.
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Not only will the cruise ship be the first of the 2019/20 season, it will also be the first to berth at Eden's recently opened wharf extension.
Cruise Eden coordinator Deb Meers said the visitors would not be disappointed by what was on offer for the day. There will be the usual cruise markets at the wharf featuring local stall holders, but also the Taste of Eden Festival. Other tours on offer are the Wilderness Explorer, the Ultimate Oyster Experience and Kiah Wilderness kayaking.
READ ALSO: Optimism abounds as wharf extension opens
"It's an amazingly exciting day. A milestone for all of those who have worked towards the wharf opening. All of our Cruise Eden team are looking forward to welcoming the passengers on board the Pacific Explorer to the port of Eden and the Taste of Eden Festival," Ms Meers said.
Port Authority's Natalie Godward said those on board are set to get a real taste of Eden, as many will be whisked off to the Seahorse Inn to indulge in the best local produce.
Ms Godward said the festival created by Cruise Eden for P&O Cruises Australia, allows local foodies to really showcase what the Sapphire Coast has to offer.
"The combination of the finest delicacies from around the region are sure to impress the visitors, who will have a chance to taste what it is we are all about. The visitors can expect to be spoilt by our seafood and other gourmet delights," she said.
Ms Godward said the food venture, which was first sampled last year by a small group of visiting international diplomats, has P&O Cruises sending cruises to Eden specifically for the festival.
"The festival combined with Seahorse Inn's stunning location is real drawcard for passengers. Without our sponsors P&O Cruises, Pentarch, Seahorse Inn and and Svitzer it wouldn't have been possible," she said.
And it's not just all about food. Passengers will also get a taste of the region's finest musicians, with Ricky Bloomfield coordinating local performers for the festival.
The majority of the 2000-plus passengers on board the Pacific Explorer are said to be in the early 40s age range. The ship is on a three-night cruise from Sydney and Eden will be the only port of call.
Ms Meers said public are welcome to all of the organised events. A Taste of Eden Festival will be held at The Seahorse Inn from 10am until 3pm. The Pacific Explorer is scheduled to pull in at 7.30am. Passengers will disembark at 8am.
