The five-star expedition cruise ship SH Vega made a brief stop in Suriname on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism sector. Over a hundred passengers explored the historic inner city of Paramaribo and the Peperpot plantation in Commewijne during the short visit. Although the ship stayed for only a few hours, it is expected to return next year for a longer stay of at least two days, according to the organizers. Dinesh Ramlal, Director of Travel The Guianas, hailed this as a breakthrough for Suriname’s potential as a cruise destination. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, including a dedicated cruise terminal at the Waterkant, which he believes is ideal for accommodating larger vessels. During the visit, a traditional maritime ceremony took place aboard the SH Vega, involving the exchange of plaques between Ramlal, a representative of the Port Authority, and Captain Oleksii Varyvoda. The ship, en route to Antarctica via Guyana and Brazil, entered the Suriname River at 4:00 AM and departed at 2:00 PM. Ramlal described the ship’s arrival as the culmination of years of effort to position Suriname on the radar of international cruise companies. He highlighted the growing interest among travelers but stressed the need for better presentation of the country’s unique offerings. “Suriname’s inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Peperpot offers an authentic nature experience—these are invaluable assets,” he said. However, Ramlal acknowledged that Suriname’s tourism sector is still in its infancy, requiring improved marketing, branding, and a clear strategy. He also called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector, citing Guyana’s example of welcoming passengers with cultural performances—a practice hindered in Suriname last year due to port restrictions. Ramlal proposed the area near the Waaggebouw at the Waterkant as the most logical location for a dedicated cruise pier, citing its deeper waters and proximity to the city center.
Luxe expeditieschip doet Suriname aan: kans voor duurzame groei cruisetoerisme
