The city was abuzz last Wednesday and Thursday when passengers from two ships were greeted with markets in Alison Hartman Gardens and music from a jazz band.

Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Graham Harvey said last week’s visit by the ships had again shown the importance of the city going out of the way to welcome the visitors.

He said the feedback from visitor ambassadors based at the ACCI has proved very positive.

“Anecdotal reports from passengers is that they were made to feel welcome,” Mr Harvey said.

“It is important we maintain this growing reputation as one of the best stopovers in Australia.”

The arrival of the Seven Seas Mariner on Wednesday and Dawn Princess on Thursday ensured more than 2,000 extra people took to Albany’s streets.

Shops reported increased activity and the CBD took on a whole new life for a couple of hours.

Mr Harvey was full of praise for the volunteer ambassadors who helped direct and provide information to the passengers when they made their way into the CBD.

“Once again they did an amazing job,” he said.

“From the Chamber as a business perspective, there was immediate benefit for the dollars spent on the day.

“But the longer term benefit is that people from past cruises are returning for an extended stay when their first and only experience of Albany was a stopover on a cruise ship.”