April 11 marks the official opening of the 2025 cruise tourism season in Albania’s main port city, Durrës, with the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year, the "MS Hamburg."
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| MS Hamburg cruise ship in the Port of Durrës, Albania, April 11, 2025 |
Cruise tourism in Durrës has seen steady growth year after year, with an increasing number of international cruise lines including the city in their itineraries across the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. April traditionally welcomes the first wave of cruise visitors, and this year, a total of 13 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Durrës, with arrivals continuing into the fall months.
This season also brings a number of new vessels visiting Durrës for the first time. Among them is the “National Geographic Orion,” which is expected to arrive in June and return for five more visits throughout the season. Its inclusion signals growing international interest in Durrës as a destination rich in culture, history, and coastal charm.
The growing presence of cruise ships is a clear indicator that Albania’s tourism industry has entered a new phase of development. With Durrës increasingly recognized as a port of interest, cruise tourism is emerging as a significant contributor to the national economy, further solidifying the country’s position on the regional and international travel map.