The MS Caledonian Sky has sailed into Batemans Bay.

The cruise ship has been a talking point for residents from Rosedale north on Friday, October 26.

Batemans Bay could become a regular port for cruise ships, with Eurobodalla Shire Council currently working to establish a regular visiting timetable with the NSW Ports Authority.

The MS Caledonian Sky arrived with 90 passengers and 78 crew as part of a three-week voyage along Australia’s east coast.

The passengers will have the opportunity to discover the area’s heritage and natural beauty with a tour to the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens and Mogo Village. Another small tour will visit Canberra.

Some passengers will also come ashore to Batemans Bay.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes and welcome ambassadors were due to meet and greet the passengers as they were ferried from the ship to the Murrah Mia jetty. They will also receive information packs about the area.

The council’s tourism manager, Meredith Wray, said Batemans Bay was an appealing destination for smaller cruise ships as the closest port to Canberra

“NSW Ports Authority is working to attract cruise ships of no more than 1100 passengers, which also tend to be higher end,” Dr Wray said.

“The expectation is that they’ll give our economy a boost by supporting local businesses while they’re here.

“It also puts Batemans Bay in visitors’ minds if they plan to return to Australia, or they might recommend it to friends and family.”

Another 450-passenger cruise ship, the MV Seabourn Sojourn, is expected to visit Batemans Bay in December.

“We’ll continue to work with the NSW Ports Authority to attract these opportunities to our shire, and we are working with the Batemans Bay Tourism and Business Chamber to identify ways to showcase Batemans Bay,” Dr Wray said.