HARWICH was buzzing with people as the cruise ship season got under way this week.

Hundreds of German, Italian, Swiss, Japanese and Malaysian tourists flooded into the town to explore the historical sites, including the Treadwheel Crane, Maritime Museum and Redoubt Fort.

They arrived at Harwich International Port aboard the Coasta Pacifica and were welcomed by the Dovercourt Theatre Group and town crier James Cole.

Tendring Council leader Mick Page said: “I think today has been majorly successful. The feedback I am getting from people is absolutely magnificent – the ones who have gone down into Harwich really had a good time."