Welcome to Great Yarmouth and have a nice day!

That is the message hundreds of American cruise ship passengers will hear in Great Yarmouth when their ship docks in the town on Saturday morning.

The Seabourn Quest is due to dock at Peel Ports’ Outer Harbour at around 7am.

She is carrying 458 American passengers as part of a northern European tour offered by Seabourn Cruise Line.

The passengers will be assured of a five star welcome thanks to a partnership between Peel Ports and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

There will be a civic reception on the quayside where the American visitors will be greeted by the band Great Yarmouth Brass and local magician Sean Goodman.

At 10am the arrival of the Seabourn Quest will officially be marked by a presentation to the ship’s captain by deputy mayor Kerry Robinson-Payne, who will be accompanied by civic dignitaries including Carl Smith, deputy borough council leader, and Henry Cator, the high steward of Great Yarmouth.

The passengers will also enjoy a special coach tour, which will visit some of the town’s key attractions such as the Time and Tide Museum, Great Yarmouth Minster, the market place and the Golden Mile.

They will also have chance to take part in a guided heritage walk from the Fishermen’s Hospital.

Mrs Robinson-Payne said: “This is a great opportunity to develop a new side to our visitor economy through the Outer Harbour.

“This will be the first time that some of our American visitors have experienced a traditional British seaside, and we’ve laid on a special, action-packed itinerary to showcase our rich history and fun attractions.”

Richard Goffin, port director at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth, said: “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.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Seabourn’s American passengers and hope they enjoy their time here.”