TIRANA, May 11 – The cruise ship “MS Oosterdam” arrived in Saranda today with 1,867 passengers on board, marking another strong day for maritime tourism in southern Albania.

Meanwhile, Port of Saranda Director Admir Malaj told ATSH that visitors from different countries will explore cultural and tourist sites in Saranda and nearby areas. He linked the arrival of the vessel to rising interest in the Albanian Riviera, where Saranda remains a key destination.

At the same time, authorities implemented measures to manage visitor flows during the stay. Malaj also pointed to increased ferry traffic between Saranda and Corfu in recent years, driven by higher tourist demand.

For 2026, the Port of Saranda scheduled 28 cruise ship calls. These calls will bring tourists from around the world. In addition, security services strengthened controls during the tourist season. Border police, port authorities and customs services coordinate operations.

Saranda continues to function as a main gateway to southern Albania. It receives thousands of tourists each year, while many visitors arrive through cruise ships.

/a.p./