TIRANA, Nov 2 /ATA/ – Nieuw Statendam cruise ship with a total of 2497 foreign tourists on board arrived for first time at Saranda port on Wednesday, as the southern coastal town, one of the many hidden gems of Albania’s Riviera, is increasingly becoming one of the most preferred summer destination for foreign tourists for its beautiful coastline, crystal clear waters, ancient archaeological sites and cultural festivals.
The Director of Saranda Port Alket Qendro told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) on Thursday that the modern Nieuw Statendam ship arrived yesterday afternoon, bringing to the southernmost Albanian town along the Riviera some 2497 tourists mainly from the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands etc.
Qendro said that tourists got off the cruise ship and headed to the ancient city of Butrint, the museum city of Gjirokaster and other archaeological sites in Saranda.
“This the first time that a cruise ship with foreign visitors on board visits Saranda in the month of November. We expect more cruise ships to arrive the coastal town during November,” he added.
The 297-meter long and 34-meter wide cruise ship, worth 520 million dollars was built in 2018. The modern vessel is owned by “Holland American Line”. It has 12 passenger decks with a capacity of 3214 passengers and 1339 cabins.
Saranda, known for its beautiful pure waters, is one of the most popular destinations in the Albanian Riviera, attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists.
Known as the gem of Albanian Riviera, the southernmost Albanian district of Saranda is a top destination during summer, offering tourists a combination of rocky and sandy beaches as well as cultural heritage attractions such as the Butrint UNESCO World Heritage site and the Blue Eye spring.
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