SOME 480 passengers will arrive on an ocean cruise liner calling at Pembroke Dock for the first time this weekend.

The MS Delphin, a German owned 16,000 ton vessel, will be alongside at Pembroke Port all day on Saturday, August 30).

The holiday makers will enjoy trips around the county as they take the chance to step off the 156metre long ship with a 6.2metre draft.

Although she is not the biggest cruise ship to enter the Haven, following her refit in 1993 MS Delphin boasts all the luxuries of a world class liner. Her current cruise started in Bremerhaven on August 21 and will be visiting the outer Scottish Islands, before continuing her journey towards Pembrokeshire via Londonderry and Dublin. She will arrive back to Bremerhaven on the September 2.

Sue Blanchard Williams, from the Port of Milford Haven who manages cruise visits says Milford Haven remains a firm favourite for liners sailing around the UK and Ireland.

“Saturday will see quayside events laid on throughout the day for the visitors. There’ll be classic car displays, tours of the outstanding Heritage Museum in the Docks, as well as local dancers and birds of prey on show,” said Sue. “The amount of money visiting cruise ships bring makes a real difference to the local economy with thousands spent by the passengers and crew during their stay,” she added. “Excursions to some of the 15 fantastic castles here in Pembrokeshire, to St Davids and some of the most stunning locations in the National Park make this a memorable stop for visitors.”

MS Delphin is one of eight cruise visits to the Port this year. For more information on cruise facilities at the Port of Milford Haven and dates for the remaining calls in 2014 visit www.mhpa.co.uk/cruise