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Two cruise ships, the SH Diana and the Silverwind, were sighted off the shores of Freetown this weekend, later docking at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
The arrival of the vessels, carrying over 300 tourists, had initially sparked questions among residents and social media users.
Following the circulation of a video of one of the cruise ships, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs issued a statement clarifying the purpose of their presence.
The Ministry announced that the berthing of the SH Diana and Silverwind was a result of international marketing and promotion efforts by the Ministry and the Sierra Leone Tourist Board, in collaboration with private sector entities.
According to the statement, the tourists onboard will visit attractions such as Bunce Island and the Tacugama Sanctuary, experiencing firsthand the sites promoted to them virtually. The Ministry highlighted that this influx of tourists is expected to contribute foreign direct investment to the country’s economy.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs also credited the local tour operator, Visit Sierra Leone, for facilitating the arrival of the cruise ships.
In its statement, the Ministry noted the significance of this event coinciding with the 64th Independence Anniversary, highlighting it as a positive development for the tourism sector. The Ministry also mentioned the recent establishment of a direct flight from the United Kingdom to Sierra Leone (Air Sierra Leone) as another achievement for the nation.
The Ministry emphasized that 2025 is designated as the year of ecotourism, focusing on connecting culture, conservation, and communities within Sierra Leone.
