MSC Bellissima arrives at Valletta for first time

MSC Bellissima arrived in the Valletta Cruise Port as the 16th ship joining the global feet of MSC Cruises, and the first of two vessels set to come in the Grand Harbour of Valletta this year, according to a press statement issued by the Valletta Waterfront. MSC Bellissima is the fourth MSC boat registered in Malta, flying the country’s flag.

The ship’s maiden call marks the start of a regular cruise schedule for MSC Bellissima with weekly port calls in Valletta until November. The 315-metre ship is the fourth of 17 cruisers which are set to come into service under MSC’s newbuild plan, the press statement says.

MSC Cruises tagged the event as a key milestone in its strategy. “Malta has always been important to MSC Cruises, and our partnership started many years ago,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman. He added that since the first ships arrived at Malta in the late 1990s, Valletta has performed well in their Mediterranean itineraries.

“Last year alone our cruise ships made 75 calls to Malta, bringing over 300,000 of our passengers to the Maltese shores, helping to generate a meaningful benefit for the local economy. Today, MSC Bellissima is our fourth cruise ship to have Valletta as her port of registry, and our newest ships all proudly fly the Maltese flag around the world,” he added.

“We are proud to welcome MSC Bellissima on her maiden call to Valletta Cruise Port, and to be welcoming her on 33 other occasions in our scenic, historic port, throughout her inaugural season in the Mediterranean this summer,” said Stephen Xuereb, Valletta Cruise Port’s CEO and Global Ports Holding COO.

“Valletta has positioned itself on the cruise map through close collaboration with all key players, and a drive for excellence. On behalf of both Valletta Cruise Port and Global Ports Holding, we congratulate MSC Cruises on their achievements and look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation and partnerships,” Mr Xuereb added.