Classic International Cruises’ largest liner, Athena, will visit Kangaroo Island twice next week.

It will dock at Kingscote for the day at 7am next Wednesday, departing at 6pm.

It will return three days later for the day the following Saturday, with 600 passengers and staff aboard for a cruise chartered by the All Gay Cruises company.

The ship first visited Kangaroo Island in 2009.

Many of the passengers will leave the vessel for a pre-arranged Island tour but Tourism Kangaroo Island encouraged local businesses to meet and welcome Athena passengers who chose to spend the day within the Kingscote precinct.

“The vast majority of passengers travelling on the Athena will be Australian, so we anticipate that there will be more passengers who will come ashore wanting to explore Kingscote by themselves – and in particular seeking out art, food and wine experiences’, said TKI regional manager Tania O’Neil.

“In the past, Cruise Ships have proven to be a great way to market Kangaroo Island by providing a snapshot of our landscapes and culture. A sneak peek into what the Island offers will hopefully impress and encourage these domestic visitors back for a longer stay and a more diverse itinerary,” Ms O’Neil said.