Valletta Cruise Port Welcomes Two Historic Maiden Calls

Two cruise ships made history in Malta recently when they pulled into port for the very first time. Here’s what happened and what it means for cruise travelers heading to the Mediterranean.

Two Ships Make Maiden Calls in Valletta, Malta

The Valletta Cruise Port welcomed two big arrivals on the same day. Both the Norwegian Pearl and the MSC Euribia made their first-ever visits to this beautiful Mediterranean port. Valletta Cruise Port is operated by Global Ports Holding, one of the world’s largest cruise port operators.

Norwegian Pearl Celebrates With a Local Welcome

The Norwegian Pearl’s arrival was a festive occasion. Port officials, local authorities, and ship officers gathered for a traditional plaque exchange ceremony. Guests were treated to a live performance by a local village band, arranged by the port as part of the welcome celebration.

The Norwegian Pearl had arrived in Europe in mid-April after its winter Caribbean season. The ship is now sailing its first Mediterranean cruise of the season. The seven-night voyage started in Barcelona, Spain, and will wrap up in Ravenna, Italy — a popular jumping-off point for visiting Venice.

What’s on the Norwegian Pearl’s Mediterranean Itinerary?

This cruise visits some truly stunning destinations. Along with Malta, guests will stop in Corfu and other ports in Greece, as well as Kotor in Montenegro and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia. The Norwegian Pearl is also scheduled to return to Valletta for another visit in November.

MSC Euribia Passes Through on Its Way North

The MSC Euribia had a very different kind of visit to Malta. The ship was on a repositioning voyage, meaning it was moving from one region to another without any guests on board. It’s heading to Northern Europe for a summer season sailing the Norwegian Fjords.

A Long Journey Back to Service

The MSC Euribia had a challenging few months before reaching Malta. The LNG-powered ship spent nearly two months docked in Dubai because of armed conflicts in the Middle East. It finally made its way through the Suez Canal earlier this month before reaching Valletta.

The ship is expected to welcome passengers again on May 16, 2026, when it arrives in Kiel, Germany. The MSC Euribia can carry up to 4,888 guests and runs on liquefied natural gas, making it one of the greener ships at sea.

What’s Next for MSC Cruises in Malta?

Even though the MSC Euribia won’t be back in Valletta, MSC Cruises isn’t going anywhere. The cruise line has plans to send several ships to Valletta through 2027. The biggest news is the arrival of the brand-new MSC World Asia.

MSC World Asia to Make Weekly Malta Visits

The massive 205,700-ton MSC World Asia will begin its inaugural season in December 2026. During that season, the ship is scheduled to make weekly stops in Malta. That’s great news for anyone planning a Mediterranean cruise in late 2026 or 2027.

Valletta is a port well worth adding to your cruise wish list. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history, stunning architecture, and incredible food.