The Seabourn Odyssey made her maiden call in Valletta, Malta, on Oct. 23, following calls by sister ships Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit earlier in the year.
Captain Mark Dexter welcomed onboard representatives from Mifsud Brothers Ltd. – local agents for Seabourn, the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as VISET Malta plc – operators of the Valletta Waterfront and the Valletta Sea Passenger Terminals.
Captain Dexter commented that Seabourn’s relationship with the Maltese Islands and praised Malta’s progress during the last years, ensuring the preservation of the Islands’ historic fabric. He mentioned that no other port is as accessible and historic as Valletta, saying Malta and its Grand Harbour offer an astounding experience to guests.
Ivan Mifsud, managing director and Maria Mifsud, director of Mifsud Brothers, presented the Captain with a hand-sculpted limestone carving by local artist Joseph Xuereb from Gozo. Mifsud commented that this sculpture was commissioned especially for this maiden call and inspired by the word Odyssey and will be a constant reminder of the Maltese Islands onboard. He was happy to note that the Seabourn Odyssey called in Valletta only a few months after being launched in Venice and the next sister ship which will be launched next year has already booked a berth in Valletta in 2010.
Meanwhile VISET’s CEO, John Portelli presented the Captain with a locally-crafted glass plaque showing the historic Valletta Waterfront buildings. Portelli stated that VISET’s investment in the Valletta Waterfront and the terminal facilities, including the careful restoration of the historic buildings, have greatly contributed to the regeneration of the cruise product on offer to visiting guests. As terminal operators, VISET strives to offer a memorable experience to its individual guests, as well as to help cruise lines in any of their requirements.
Yachts of Seabourn will be visiting Valletta on a number of calls in 2010 with Seabourn Legend, Odyssey, Spirit as well as the newly launched Sojourn.
