OREANDA-NEWS. January 18, 2016. P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden cruised into Portland early yesterday morning, completing a trifecta of maiden visits to regional ports along the Australian coast this week. 

Featuring a relaxed, stylish design which reflects modern Australia, the 55,820-tonne Pacific Eden docked in Portland’s harbour yesterday allowing its 1500 guests to spend the day exploring the picturesque Victoria town, famous for its rich seafaring heritage.

Pacific Eden’s passengers had the chance to discover the town’s many attractions, including special markets selling local produce, the serene Botanic Gardens and the popular Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.

Pacific Eden’s Portland call was her third maiden port visit on an eight-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney visiting only regional towns, with earlier inaugural calls including Eden (Sunday) and Mornington Peninsula (Tuesday). Pacific Eden will visit South Australia’s gourmet food hub, Kangaroo Island today before returning to Sydney.

P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said the cruise line was excited to have one of its latest ships visit Portland.

“Portland is an ideal port for P&O’s cruise passengers as its harbourside berth offers easy access to the town’s many attractions,” Mr Myrmell said.

P&O Cruises’ ships will make three visits in total to Portland in 2016, injecting more than half a million dollars into the local economy. Pacific Jewel called to Portland on January 7, while Pacific Eden will return on February 6, 2016.

Pacific Eden’s Portland call is her third maiden port visit on an eight-night roundtrip Sydney itinerary which visits only regional towns. After maiden visits to Eden, Mornington Peninsula and Portland, Pacific Eden will visit South Australia’s gourmet food hub Kangaroo Island before returning to Sydney.