HARWICH is preparing to give a special welcome to 2,250 passengers as the first cruise ship of the season arrives in town.

Shops in Harwich and Dovercourt will be opening up on Sunday as part of welcome event for the Costa Luminosa.

The cruise ship, which will be carrying around 2,250 passengers and 1,000 crew, is due in port at around 8am.

Passengers will have the chance to go on organised excursions and Harwich Town Council will be providing a courtesy bus for cruise ship crew members.

It is the first time the service has been laid on for the Costa ships. The Costa Favolosa will also be visiting Harwich on May 24.

Paul Milsom, chairman of the newly-formed Harwich and Dovercourt Tourism Group, said the first ship of the season is always a special occasion.

“It is a chance to give a huge cruise ship, its passengers and crew a warm and friendly welcome to Harwich and Dovercourt,” he said.

“We are delighted to see that shops are opening up especially for the day and it just goes to show everyone is pulling in the same direction in an effort to boost tourism and visitors numbers to the area.”

The Harwich Society will be out in force on Sunday offering guided walks of Historic Harwich with attractions remaining open all day for the visitors.

The Harwich Ale Trail is also taking place on same day and passengers will be informed about the event.

A new guide, called Discover Dovercourt and Historic Harwich, has been produced in time for the arrival and will available in the cruise and ferry terminal, Dovercourt Library and the Guildhall.