HALIFAX — The Halifax Port Authority says it is preparing to welcome 135 cruise ships in 2016, carrying up to 240,000 passengers.

The first ship is scheduled to arrive April 30.

Spokeswoman Cathy McGrail says the authority is also anticipating the Sept. 1 arrival of the Anthem of the Seas, which would be the largest ship – in terms of passenger capacity – to visit Halifax.

The cruise ship can carry 4,900 passengers.

As well, the Queen Mary 2 is expected to make two visits – in July and September.

And Sept. 15 is expected to be the busiest day for cruise ships with more that 9,000 passengers and crew expected to visit the city.