Victor Harbor celebrated the arrival of Ponant’s luxurious cruise ship, Le Jacques Cartier on Wednesday 18 December.

The visit brought 88 guests and 37 crew ashore, showcasing the region as a potential cruise destination.

The City of Victor Harbor says its City Activation team has been working closely with the South Australian Tourism Commission and Ponant for several months to prepare for this and future cruise visits, focusing on building strong relationships to ensure Victor Harbor remains an attractive destination for future cruise ship arrivals.

While the ship’s excursions are independently managed, the City Activation team provided information and recommendations to encourage passengers to explore Victor Harbor’s local offerings. 

A small group of passengers travelled to McLaren Vale, while the majority stayed in Victor Harbor and Goolwa, with a few stopping by the Visitor Centre to seek more information.

Guests enjoyed highlights such as the Cockle Train and an excursion on the Spirit of the Coorong, followed by time to explore Victor Harbor at their leisure. 

The council says feedback from Ponant was positive, with guests describing their visit as, “one of their best days ever.”

To mark the occasion, City of Victor Harbor CEO Victoria MacKirdy presented Captain Christophe Depuy with a gift, including a polished horseshoe from the Horse Drawn Tram Authority mounted on timber from the historic old causeway, along with a bottle of Lost Phoenix Australia Day Gin from Cut Hill Distillery.

Ms MacKirdy says the arrival heralded new possibilities for Victor Harbor.

“The arrival of cruise ships in Victor Harbor is a new chapter for tourism in the region,” she says.

“Our City Activation team is committed to working with the South Australian Tourism Commission and cruise operators to ensure long-term benefits for the community.”

While the economic impact depends on passenger engagement, the team continues to advocate for local businesses and experiences through communication with future cruise lines.

Victor Harbor is gearing up to welcome the Coral Adventurer on 3 February 2025, as another opportunity to showcase the city’s tourism attractions.