Viking Sea and Viking Venus will sail three different roundtrip itineraries from Valletta Cruise Port
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Malta’s Valletta Cruise Port is to serve as the homeport for two of Viking’s ocean cruise ships – Viking Sea and Viking Venus – in summer 2021.
Both vessels will sail three new roundtrips from Valletta, including the 11-day ‘Malta & the Adriatic Jewels’, the 11-day ‘Malta & Greek Isles Discovery’ and the 21-day ‘Malta, the Adriatic & Greece’ itineraries.
The calls will be operated in accordance with the new ‘COVID-19 Cruise Operations Guidelines for a Safe Continuation of Cruising in Valletta’ protocols, which have been developed by the port in collaboration with Malta’s Ministry of Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta International Airport the Health Authorities and local agents to bring safe cruising back to Malta.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Viking, esteemed guests and crew on a regular basis this summer. Viking’s, well-travelled guests are also experiencing our islands’ 7,000 years of history and culture on pre- and post-cruise stays,” said Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port. “Their savviness is the ultimate stamp for Valletta’s cruise industry. We are thankful for Viking’s trust in what team Malta can offer.”
The Maltese government eased rules for the arrival of international travellers in June 2021, allowing vaccinated Americans with CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Cards to arrive in the country. Consequently, Viking has also partnered with airline Lufthansa to offer non-stop charter flights from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, USA, to Malta for a number of turnaround cruises.
“We are delighted that Viking’s operation will bring the Maltese islands and their very diverse offering closer to the American market at a time when the demand for travel is gradually recovering,” said Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport. “Beyond crystal-clear waters, a mix of rocky and sandy beaches and good year-round weather which make Malta quintessentially Mediterranean, the island’s impressive history, culture, eclectic architecture and hospitable locals give it a unique character which we are confident will delight our American visitors.”