Oceania's Regatta became the first major North American cruise ship to call upon Sarande, Albania earlier this month. Located at the southwestern end of the Adriatic Sea, Sarande has just recently become accessible to western tourists. Ten more calls are scheduled for 2007 and 2008.
“Our guests are experienced travelers who appreciate Albania’s fascinating history and diverse cultures," said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. "We originally anticipated that our guests’ primary interest would be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, but many chose excursions that provided them with a glimpse into Albanian culture and offered opportunities to immerse themselves in the local color."
Oceania Cruises plans two more calls in Sarande during 2007; guests sailing on Insignia’s September 3 and October 17 departures of the Path of the Phoenicians will have the opportunity to explore the region, including excursions to the ruins of Butrint, its Amphitheatre, Basilica, and the five-centuries-old settlement which has been excavated over the past fifty years. In 2008, Oceania Cruises plans eight calls in Sarande: Nautica’s voyages departing on May 20, July 19, September 5 and 17, October 13 and 25, and Insignia’s August 20 voyage.
Guests on these voyages will also have the opportunity to visit Lekuresi Castle and Blue Eye, a natural deep-water lake with unusual coloring; the ancient city of Foenike, the church of Mesopotami, and the medieval village of Gjirokastra. Also, because of its proximity to Italy, shopping bargains abound on items such as Murano glass, marbled paper and Venetian masks.
“We look forward to our continuing relationship with Sarande, and the warm and endearing people of Albania who provided our guests with such tremendous hospitality,” added Binder.
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