The Port of Eden in New South Wales welcomed the Ovation of the Seas, the largest vessel to ever dock at the port on Saturday, February 22, 2025,

At the same time, the Port of Auckland announced the arrival of the Queen Anne as part of her 107-day maiden world voyage.

John McKenna, Acting CEO of the NSW Port Authority, remarked, “With the arrival of the Ovation of the Seas, some of the world’s largest cruise ships can now include Eden on their itineraries, solidifying New South Wales as the cruise capital of Australia.” He also noted, “This milestone is a result of our collaboration with the local community, businesses, and stakeholders, along with the planning modifications approved by the NSW Government to accommodate larger vessels at Snug Cove, allowing us to bring in thousands more passengers annually.”

Meanwhile, the Port of Auckland outlined its plans for the future, aiming to shift large cruise ships from Princes Wharf in the Downtown Ferry Basin to a newly constructed, purpose-built berth at the northern end of Bledisloe Wharf.

Roger Gray, CEO of the Port of Auckland, emphasized the importance of the cruise sector, stating, “The cruise industry plays a vital role in not only the port’s operations but also in boosting local and regional tourism.” He further explained, “Upgrading our infrastructure, facilities, and processes is essential to maintaining Auckland and New Zealand’s reputation as a leading cruise destination.” Gray added that the port would prioritize minimizing disruption to commuters in the Downtown Ferry Basin during these improvements.

The post Australia & New Zealand Ports Set to Welcome Record-Breaking Cruise Vessels appeared first on Travel And Tour World.