Placed midway between ‘East’ and ‘West’, it’s the intense history of this tiny archipelago that has given Malta both its unique culture and style. The many spectacular gardens, palaces, churches and forts give and insight into the island’s past, and island which has been host to Phoenician sailors, Arabs, the Knights of St. John and the British among others!

 

MSC Cruises’ new and stringent health and safety measures received the total approval of the Maltese port authorities, meaning that MSC Grandiosa made history as the first cruise ship since March to visit the island.

 

The Historic Centre

 

You can enter Valletta by the City Gate, the new entrance to the city designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. As well as the City Gate, he also designed the new Parliament and restored the ruins of the nearby Opera House. The project focused keeping with tradition while making the most of modern technology, and involved the use, almost exclusively, of the famous local Maltese yellow limestone.

 

The Caravaggio Effect

 

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the symbols of Malta's history, undoubtedly worth visiting.

The Cathedral also houses some incredible works of art, two of the most prominent by Caravaggio. While in Malta, Caravaggio painted of his greatest masterpieces, The Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome Writing.

 

Spectacular Landscapes

 

Malta and Gozo are true examples of Mediterranean beauty. Steep fossil-filled cliffs dive into crystal clear waters, and dozens of hidden coves shelter incredible yachts and speedboats. The islands are also a haven for divers and snorkelers who’ll both find no end of marine life and wrecks to discover.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet from the bustling cosmopolitan city of Valletta, The Barakka Gardens are famous above all for their beautiful view: over the entire Grand Harbour Marina, with the ‘Three Cities’, Birgu, Senglea and Bormla in the background.

 

MSC Seashore, our new ship coming into service in July 2021, will visit Valletta during her ‘Six Pearls’ itinerary calling the Italian cities of Genoa, Naples for visits to Pompeii, Messina, Sicily, Valletta, Malta, Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.