SECURITY has been beefed up at the port of Palma, in readiness for the arrival of the world's biggest liner, the Queen Mary 2, which will sail into the bay this morning between 8 and 9am.
For the past week, Guardia Civil divers have been inspecting the sea bed and the landing facilities, and security has been stepped up gradually since then.
The docks are also inspected on a regular basis.
The liner is considered a possible target of Al Qaeda terrorists, hence the stringent measures which are being enforced.
National Police officers have also intensified their passenger checks on all ships arriving in port, seeking names which could be suspicious.
There will be strict controls at the accesses to the port today and the divers will be out from early light, inspecting the state of the sea bed where the Queen of the Seas will moor up.
Similar precautions have been taken at all the ports visited by the world's largest and most luxurious cruise ship.
Normally she is accompanied by a small fleet for the last mile, but this has now been restricted, although the port of Palma's tugs will go out to greet her, sounding their sirens and firing their water hoses in welcome.
The liner is carrying about 2'600 passengers and a crew of more than 1'000.
There will be a reception on board for the local authorities, who have also planned a welcoming party on the dock, which will include Majorcan dancers, and a gift package with information on the Balearics in each cabin.
As reported yesterday, the port of Palma has increased its security in preparation for the new anti-terrorist measures which come into force in July.
As a result, all visiting liners are carefully controlled, but extra security has been provided for the Queen Mary 2.
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