A Norfolk town is getting ready to welcome some trans-Atlantic guests next month.

Welcome to Great Yarmouth, we hope you will have a wonderful day.

That is the message from borough council leader Graham Plant as preparations gear up for the arrival of a giant American cruise ship at the resort.

On June 30 the Seabourn Quest, which can carry up to 458 passengers is due to dock at the Outer Harbour with another cruise ship from the same American company due to drop anchor in September at the dock as well

According to the Seabourn Quest’s itinerary, she is due to dock at 8am and leave the harbour at 6pm with Great Yarmouth Borough Council working with harbour operator Peel Ports to make sure passengers are given a warm welcome and a chance to tour the town’s Golden Mile, the town centre and the Time and Tide Museum.

The Seabourn Quest will set off on her northern European cruise from Copenhagen on June 16.

Graham Plant, the council leader, said: “Great Yarmouth Borough Council is supporting Peel Ports Great Yarmouth to ensure we make the most of this exciting opportunity to develop a new side to our visitor economy and encourage repeat visits.

“While the decision of when and where to visit is in the hands of the tour operator, we understand that the first cruise ship, carrying 400 American passengers and 300 staff, will be docking at the Outer Harbour on June 30 as part of a tour including Norway and the Northern Isles.

“In order to ensure a really fantastic visitor experience, support the economy and showcase Great Yarmouth’s attractions and heritage, a civic reception will be staged at the quayside and there will be the option for staff and passengers to go on coach trips to the Golden Mile, Minster, Market Place and Time and Tide Museum.”

There had been hopes that five cruise ships could be docking in the harbour this year, including during next month’s air show, but that aim has now been firmly scotched by the cruise company.

Seabourn confirmed there will be two visits in the town’s port this year, with the other on September 30 by Seabourn Ovation.