The tourists - 1440 passengers and 647 crew - are scheduled to venture out into the city centre between 8am and 6pm.

This is the fifth time a cruise ship has docked in Esperance over the past year. Athena stopped in Esperance three times last year and once in February this year.

Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Marcus Tromp said that every business in town should put a welcome sign at the front on in their store to greet passengers.

“This is great for local business to have so many people in town for the day,” he said.

“Some passengers have pre-organised tours while others will enjoy the retail therapy.

“We have just had the Ulysses Club members in town which was great for the local economy so this is a bonus,” he said.

Holland America Line’s 2010 Australian Circumnavigation cruise departed from Sydney on March 14.

Esperance Regional Tourism Association chairperson Heather Gee said that it was a wonderful chance for Esperance businesses to benefit and show their customer service.

“We are very excited that a ship of this size is coming to Esperance,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity for locals to show the visitors a tremendous welcome.”

Mackenzie's Island Cruises, Kepa Kurl Eco Cultural Discovery Tours are just some of the tours booked out.

“It’s a great mixture of tours. But there are not enough spots for everyone to do the tours which is fine as not everyone wants to,” Ms Gee said.

Mackenzie's Island Cruises is booked out with three tours operating and a total of 238 people who will enjoy the views of Esperance and surrounding islands.

The company’s tourism consultant, Hayley Wells, said they are doing a morning, afternoon and a full day package tours.

“We are doing special cruises,” she said.

“They have extended their stay from 5pm until 6pm which will give them more time.”