A global expedition ship which has toured some of the planet’s most remote destinations docked at the Port of Ipswich today for the first time in seven years.

Ipswich Star: National Geographic Explorer arriving in Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWNNational Geographic Explorer arriving in Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The MS National Geographic Explorer, which commenced its voyage at the Port of Edinburgh, is due to tour the fjords and snow-capped mountains of Norway later this week.

Around 120 passengers on board the ship are visiting Ipswich today before travelling to Sutton Hoo - they will leave for their final destination of Bergen at around 7pm today.

Ipswich mayor Roger Fern hopes to be there to see them off.

Divisional port manager at the Association of British Ports Paul Ager said such a ship docking at Ipswich was “momentous” for all involved.

He said: “We are very proud to be welcoming this fine expedition ship to our port and we hope its passengers will find their stay at Ipswich most enjoyable.

“This has been a momentous occasion for all of us and we were delighted to welcome the ship’s passengers to Suffolk.”