FISHGUARD welcomed its first cruise ship of the year into port today (Wednesday).

The Corinthian was carrying 98 passengers from America, who are enjoying a tour around the British Isles.

Refurbished in 2009, the ship is 290 ft long with a 50 ft beam. She has 49 suites on board, and a crew of 56.

Corinthian had been due to dock in Fishguard at 7am but arrived late, with passengers finally disembarking at 12.30pm.

Among the welcoming party were the Mayor, Councillor Richard Grosvenor, Jacqui Scarr dressed as local heroine Jemima Nicholas, representatives from Refreshing North Pembrokeshire and the choir Bois yr Wlad, whose Welsh hymns were very well received.

Cllr Grosvenor said: “I’m very pleased to welcome the Americans to this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire on such a beautiful day.

“I’ll be greeting them off the ship and hopefully we will welcome them up to town later on to see the Tapestry.”

Among the passengers were Julia Causey and Bill Thorsen from South Carolina. Sue said: “It’s been a lovely welcome. I love music and I sing with a choir, so I can really appreciate it.

“I came to Wales about 15 years ago, but just for a couple of days, so it’s nice to be back.”

Sue Blanchard-Williams, who helped arrange the welcome, said: “The passengers will be going on an excursions to St David’s Cathedral and Bishops Palace, and when they return this evening the local sea cadets are going to be putting on a display. We will also have a choir on board this evening.”

The ship, which is due to leave Fishguard at 10pm, is one of seven scheduled to call into Fishguard this year, the next being on Friday, June 5.