The arrival highlights the continued growth of cruise tourism in Albania, with Saranda remaining a key entry point for foreign visitors beyond the summer season.

During their stop, passengers will have the opportunity to explore the coastal city and nearby tourist destinations, including the area’s natural attractions and cultural heritage.

The ship’s arrival is expected to bring additional visitors and business opportunities for local enterprises, adding to Saranda’s maritime tourism activity.

In recent years, the southernmost town of Saranda has become one of Albania’s leading cruise destinations, supported by its strategic location, proximity to the Greek island of Corfu and rich natural and cultural attractions.

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The visitors explored the coastal town of Saranda and nearby destinations, taking in the area’s natural and cultural attractions, the port said.

The arrival adds to cruise traffic in the Albanian Riviera, supporting activity among local businesses and tourism-related services.

The Brilliance of the Seas will remain in port, giving passengers time to explore the city and surrounding tourist destinations.

Last week, Saranda welcomed the Seven Seas Navigator, carrying 457 tourists from different countries.

Cruise arrivals have become an increasingly important part of Saranda’s tourism and local economy, bringing additional visitors to businesses, tourism services and accommodation providers.

Further cruise ship arrivals are expected during the season as Saranda seeks to strengthen its position on international cruise itineraries.

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The cruise ship “Seven Seas Navigation” arrived at the port of Saranda on Friday carrying 457 tourists from various countries, who visited attractions along the Albanian Riviera and explored the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Port of Saranda said the visitors toured several destinations and attractions in and around the city during their stay.

The cruise ship’s arrival added to tourist activity in Saranda, which remains a popular stop for visitors travelling on cruise itineraries.

The ship will continue its journey to its next port after its stay in Saranda.

Favourable weather, natural attractions and cultural heritage continue to draw visitors to the southern coastal city in September, while the quieter atmosphere offers an alternative experience of the Albanian Riviera.

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Saranda Port Director Admir Malaj told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that the arrival of the vessel reflected growing interest among foreign tourists in the Albanian Riviera and in Saranda as one of the country’s key tourist destinations.

“Visitors are expected to explore the area’s cultural and tourist attractions, including some of the most frequented destinations near the city,” Malaj said.

The ship is the second cruise liner to call at Saranda this month, following the arrival of MS Oosterdam on May 11 with 1,867 tourists on board.

Saranda Port has already received bookings from 28 cruise ships scheduled to visit in 2026, bringing tourists from around the world.

Authorities said security measures at the port have been strengthened during the tourist season through increased cooperation with border police, the harbour master’s office and customs authorities.

The southernmost coastal city of Saranda, one of the main gateways to southern Albania, welcomes thousands of international visitors each year, including many arriving by cruise ship.

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The Vlora Port Authority said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, is the first cruise ship to call this season. Carrying 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United Kingdom, it docked at 07:45 a.m.

Passengers are expected to visit several tourist attractions in and around the city.

The ship arrived from Durres and is scheduled to remain in Vlora until Friday evening before it departs for its next destination, Saranda.

The number of cruise ships calling at Vlora has been rising steadily in recent years, driven by growing interest in Albania’s Ionian coastline and its rich cultural heritage.

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The tourists, mainly from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Spain and Japan, disembarked at quay No. 5 of Albania’s largest port.

The Durrës Port Authority said thousands of tourists have arrived by cruise ships this year, confirming the city’s growing appeal as a stop on Mediterranean itineraries.

The presence of visitors during autumn, it added, shows that Durrës’s tourism season extends beyond summer and that maritime tourism is becoming a year-round trend.

After its stop in Durrës, the Seven Seas Grandeur will continue its voyage to Kotor, Montenegro. The visit marks the final cruise call of the 2025 season in Durrës.

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The vessel, with 108 American tourists on board, arrived in Durrës as part of an eight-day itinerary through Greece, Albania, and Croatia, aimed at showcasing cultural heritage and natural landscapes across the region.

“This is a new tourism line for Albania,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama, highlighting the country’s debut in the itinerary as a sign of growing international interest in its historical and ecological attractions.

Following its stop in Durrës – the second Albanian port after Saranda – American tourists will visit the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, home to the rare Dalmatian pelican, and then to the historic town of Kruja.

The 102-meter vessel features 50 cabins and a 70-member crew, catering to travelers focused on expedition-style and adventure tourism. Its maiden call to Albania is seen as a positive signal for the country’s efforts to expand its profile among premium and sustainable tourism markets.

Following its Albanian leg, the ship will continue its voyage to Croatia.

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Alket Qendro, Director of Saranda port, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that upon arrival, tourists, accompanied by local guides, visited local attractions including the ancient city of Butrint, Lekuresi Castle, the numerous beaches of the coastal city, and the museum city of Gjirokastra.

“We have taken all necessary measures to welcome cruise passengers,” Qendro said. “As in the past two years, cruise visits to Saranda are expected to continue through November,” he added.

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.

L’Austral is known for offering unique and relaxing travel experiences on various waters, featuring comfortable facilities suited for both short and long voyages.

After Saranda, the cruise ship is scheduled to sail to the port of Itea in Greece.

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The cruise ship “Seven Seas Voyager” with 630 foreign visitors on board arrived Tuesday morning in Durres, Albania’s largest seaport and the most popular beach destination, although the official summer tourist season is already over.

Durres Port Authority said that that the 206.5-m long cruise ship “Seven Seas Voyager” berthed at Durres port this morning, brining over 630 visitors from all over the world, and 450 of them from the United States of America.

The large group of cruise ship tourists is set to visit historic centres and museums in Durres, the neighboring historic town of Kruja, the capital Tirana and the museum city of Berat.

Durres Port Authority noted that although the tourist season is over, the cruise ships keep visiting Albania, increasingly integrating the country into their Adriatic itineraries.

“Seven Seas Voyager” stopped over in Durres after visiting the Greek island of Corfu and will then go on sailing to Croatia.

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Durres Port Authority said that the ship, with 120 French visitors on board, arrived at Durres port earlier today. French tourists will visit Albania, tourist attractions and cultural heritage sites in Durres, Tirana and Berat.

“La Belle De L’Adriatique, our loyal visitor, returned to Durres port today with 120 French tourists, who will visit sites in Durres, Tirana, Berat, etc,” Port Authority said.

The port of Durres has become an attractive cruise ship tourism destination with thousands of tourists visiting the ancient city of Durres as part of their Mediterranean tours.

More than 6.3 million foreign tourists visited Albania in the first seven months of 2024, up from 5. 1 million visitors recorded during the same period of the previous year.

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