THE cruise ship tourist season has kicked off with the first visit at Harwich International Port.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ 929-guest ship, Braemar, was the first the dock at the port for the 2015 season.

The seven-night ‘Easter City Getaway’ cruise was the first of five cruises being offered by the company from Harwich this year.

The town will also see the return of Holland America Line for 15 cruises in 2015 as well as regular calls by Royal Caribbean, Voyages of Discovery, Transocean Tours and Costa Cruises.

Mark Seaman, finance director of Hutchison Ports, said: “Although many operators choose to start and finish cruises at Harwich, the proximity to London, Cambridge and Constable Country has also made it attractive as a transit port for cruises beginning elsewhere.”