There is no doubt the Queen Elizabeth will return, she is scheduled to arrive in Eden again at the end of the month and also next season. However, on Tuesday, March 10, during her maiden voyage, the captain Inger Thorhauge held out the promise of even more visits.
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She spoke of the ease of getting into Eden and tying up at the new wharf and said they hoped to make it part of their itinerary in the future, but said it was dependent on how the passengers felt.
"If the feedback is good from the passengers then the port gets pushed up in our ratings," the captain said.
The Cunard cruise ship had been scheduled to leave Australia for Asia and had taken on a number of Japanese-speaking staff especially for the tours. But within days of Ms Thorhauge joining the ship changes had to be made due the the effect of the coronavirus.
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"In the space of 14 days we had to change everything. On the 16th of February a change of itinerary came out and Japan was pulled."
The captain said there was a lot of work involved because passengers cancelled, tours had to be refunded and new tours organised for the new destination.
But she said bookings were looking quite good.
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"It has opened up the market for Australians," Ms Thorhauge said.
On board there was the traditional exchange of plaques between the captain and mayor Kristy McBain who said that while COVID-19 had been traumatic, it had been an opportunity for Eden because a number of cruise ships has changed their schedules to stay in Australian waters and include Eden.
Last Friday the massive Voyager of the Seas returned to Eden and over 4000 passengers disembarked.
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Jenny Robb was helping out as a volunteer and said a lot "went looking for, and were hanging out for, local seafood".
"Many of them were seeing Eden for the first time and said how lovely the coast was and said they would be back," Ms Robb said.
On Sunday, March 15, the Pacific Explorer returns to Eden for the third time this season.
Cruise Eden and the Seahorse Inn will be hosting A Taste of Eden Festival for the visit with shuttle buses running to the venue.
