BY SABATINI DANIELS
The National Geographic Explorer cruise ship on Tuesday docked in Guyana for a two-day tour of the country, enhancing the growing profile of the local tourism sector. The 110 visitors on board the state-of-the-art, 148-passenger vessel will visit sites such as the Kaieteur Falls, Georgetown, and the Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers.
During a visit to the ship anchored in the Essequibo River, Captain Oliver Kruess disclosed that the cruiser visited Guyana more than 18 years ago, when it passed through the Orinoco River, but could not have stopped in the country as it had lacked the infrastructure to host guests and entertainment activities.
“Traditionally, we would sail by, the ships would visit the Orinoco and en route to the Amazon, they would only visit French Guiana’s Devil Island, they always looked along Guyana’s coast and it was always, gosh! One day we would really like to come and explore! And this year, it became a reality,” he said.
Captain Kruess said the massive infrastructural development the country has experienced during the past 20 years prompted the visit, noting that Guyana is a prime destination for cruisers.
Wilderness Explores Director Shaun Mc Grath said after years of lobbying the cruise ship, the company finally assented to come to Guyana, adding that one of the major challenges of bringing ships into the country is that the rivers are not deep or large enough to facilitate big vessels.
He disclosed that the tour company is constantly at trade shows pushing for persons to visit Guyana, and said with the National Geographic Explorer’s visit, it will be able to market Guyana as a prime destination.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali encouraged the tourists to enjoy the beautiful country which is known for its breathtaking and abundant flora and fauna. The journey is part of a 38-day cruise, visiting eight countries, including Guyana.
Onboard the National Geographic Explorer is a team of experts, including resident explorer Wade David and pioneering conservationist and National Geographic fellow Thomas Love Joy.
The ship carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorised landing craft, as well as sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. The public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, a fitness centre, a sauna and a selection of dining options.
Minister Ali and Captain Kruess also exchanged tokens of appreciations during the brief tour of the cruiser.
