Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Carnival Australia CEO Anne Sherry with volunteer ambassadors

Volunteer ambassadors will welcome cruise passengers when they arrive at Sydney Harbour over the coming months, celebrating the beginning of the 2012/13 ‘wave season’.

The volunteer program is a joint initiative crafted by the City of Sydney and Destination New South Wales.

The program was given the green light following a trial last year, and has been expanded to include ships berthing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal and at Barangaroo.

Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam arrived in Australia earlier this week and was greeted by volunteers who were tasked with providing expert advice and key information about the city’s tourism offerings.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Carnival Australia chief executive Anne Sherry were on hand to witness the inaugural berthing and promote the new initiative.

“Our ambassadors ensure that when visitors arrive in Sydney, they are greeted by a friendly face and a depth of local knowledge so that they can get the most out of their visit,” Ms Moore said.