More than 450 American tourists will call into the Port of Great Yarmouth this Saturday (30th June) as the Norfolk town prepares to welcome one of its first ever cruise ships.
The MV Seabourn Quest will dock at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour at around 7am, carrying 458 American passengers, as part of a Northern European tour offered by Seabourn Cruise Line.
Her arrival marks the first of several lines for the US-based luxury cruise operator planned for this year and in 2019. In September 2018 the MV Seabourn Ovation vessel will dock into the port, with the MV Seabourn Quest returning in July 2019.
Peel Ports has been working with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to ensure passengers receive a five-star welcome and a chance to explore what the town has to offer.
This includes a special coach tour which will visit some of the town's key attractions such as the Time and Tide Museum, Great Yarmouth Minster and Town Centre, and the famous Golden Mile.
As part of a special civic reception on the quayside, they will be greeted by local band Great Yarmouth Brass and magician Sean Goodman and will have the chance to take part in a guided heritage walk from the Fishermen's Hospital.
The arrival of the Seabourn Quest follows a period of significant investment at Great Yarmouth from Peel Ports, which includes an expansion of the Outer Harbour wall and an upgrade in facilities to attract new commodities and strengthen its capabilities in the offshore wind sector.
Richard Goffin, Port Director at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth said: "Investment has been crucial to the success of Great Yarmouth and we have made significant wins in areas including offshore energy, automotive and bulk cargo. This new cruise call is part of our ongoing success story, and yet another new opportunity for Great Yarmouth.
"The cruise industry in the UK is going from strength to strength, which makes it a key sector for us to expand into at Great Yarmouth and market it as a destination for cruise operators.
The arrival of the Seabourn Quest will officially be marked at 10am by a presentation to the ship's captain by Cllr Robinson-Payne, who will be accompanied by civic dignitaries including including Cllr Carl Smith, the deputy council leader, and Henry Cator, the high steward of Great Yarmouth.
MV Seabourn Quest will arrive into Great Yarmouth on Saturday 30th June, berthing at around 0700hrs and departing at 1800hrs.
For more information on the Port of Great Yarmouth click here.