Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes was at the town wharf to greet about 450 passengers who chose to step ashore.

“This was a beautiful day for Batemans Bay to showcase what we’re good at, and that’s hospitality,” Cr Innes said.

“The passengers I spoke to felt incredibly welcome. One couple told me they’d done a heap of Christmas shopping in town.

“The tourism team were fantastic. I was listening to what they were saying, and honestly you couldn’t find a better bunch to be promoting our town, it was so well done.

“We’re learning every time these ships come in and we’re getting better and better at it.

“Batemans Bay really turned it on and shone today. We should be proud of ourselves.”

The Seabourn Sojourn’s stop was part of a growing itinerary of cruise ships visiting Batemans Bay thanks to a partnership between Eurobodalla Council’s tourism team and the Ports Authority of NSW.

A further three cruise ships are set to visit Batemans Bay for the 2019/20 cruise season – the Caledonian Sky in October 2019, and the Seabourn Encore in February and March 2020.

“Our tourism team and the Ports Authority of NSW have been working hard to attract these incredible opportunities for our shire,” Clr Innes said.

“Batemans Bay is being promoted to expedition and luxury cruise liners as the best port for access to Canberra, with amazing nature and aquatic experiences, and it’s the only regional NSW port where tenders arrive in the CBD within walking distance to town’s attractions.”

Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber was also on hand to welcome the visitors and says the industry is important for the shire.