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Freo a big ship magnet

The 620-passenger liner the Astor sailed into Fremantle yesterday for a five-month residency that will cap off one of WA's biggest cruise seasons.

The ship's stint in Fremantle is expected to attract many interstate and overseas visitors.

Already, almost one in five passengers booked on one of its 15 cruises this summer is from the Eastern States.

Several US groups are on a five-day cruise to Esperance and Albany and 140 British tourists will do a round-Australia trip.

The Astor, owned by British company Cruise and Maritime Voyages, is smaller than many liners but has 17 cabin categories, most with ocean views, five lounges and four restaurants.

Chief executive Grant Hunter said basing the Astor in Fremantle would benefit more than just the local tourism industry.

"During our stay, we will be spending about $6 million on servicing the ship on things such as fuel and food," he said.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said the State Government expected 65,000 extra visitors to Fremantle while the Astor was based at the port.

The 1224-passenger cruise ship Costa NeoRomantica arrives in Fremantle tomorrow.