Welcome to Valletta! Long considered to be a microcosm of the Mediterranean, with 7,000 years of recorded history, and a favorite with travelers seeking an authentic island experience.

Stephen Xuereb

Valletta Cruise Port GM

Welcome to Valletta! Long considered to be a microcosm of the Mediterranean, with 7,000 years of recorded history, and a favorite with travelers seeking an authentic island experience.

ABOUT US

About
Valletta Cruise Port

There’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for engaging experiences, local discoveries, or a chance to relax, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during your visit. Visit these top attractions and create lasting memories.

The Historic Destination with the Coloured Doors

With a history dating back to 1752, the Valletta Waterfront seamlessly combines dining, shopping and entertainment within a maritime hub and commanding some of the Islands’ most impressive views, has proved to be a highly popular destination with locals, cruise passengers and land-based tourists alike over the last years.

The iconic buildings of the Valletta Waterfront, located in Valletta’s majestic Grand Harbour, were built in 1752 by Grandmaster Emanuel Pinto da Fonseca and designed by Andrea Belli. The 19 spacious warehouses, still known as ‘Pinto Stores’, were built to further boost harbour activities, and to be used as stores by the Knights of Malta and other merchants. A large bronze bust of the Grand Master was placed above the portal of the middle warehouse. When this bust was ceremoniously unveiled on the evening of 10 August 1752, the whole wharf was lighted with torches as part of a majestic water carnival, with activities including a full orchestra on a barge.

Read More

ABOUT US

Our Journey of
Success

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in prestigious awards and milestones, showcasing the hard work of our global team. These achievements inspire us to continue setting high standards and leading the way in world-class port operations.

2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001

Historic Sustainability Agreement & Peak Performance

• Signing of the first Power Purchase Agreement in the Mediterranean cruise region with Carnival UK & P&O Cruises on behalf of all Carnival Corp brands
• Record cruise passenger numbers with more than 960,000 total movements

Resilience & Passenger Growth

• Record number of cruise passengers, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2019
• More than 940,000 total passenger movements

Sustainable Innovation & Historic Preservation

• Implementation of shore-to-ship power technology
• Hosting the naming ceremony for Oceania’s Vista
• Restoration of Forni Stores façade

Global Ports Holding Bond Issue

Global Ports Holding launches €25m bond issue

Historic US-Malta Charters & Viking Homeporting

Commencement of Viking Cruises homeporting, including the first direct non-stop charter flight from the USA

Valletta Waterfront Revitalisation & APS Summer Festival

Investment of over €2m in revamping the Valletta Waterfront outdoor area, and co-producing and hosting the APS Summer Festival, a pioneer mass event with COVID-19 protocols in place

First Pandemic Call & Safe Travels Accreditation

Welcoming the first international cruise call under strict health & safety protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accreditation of the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council

Record Performance & Industry Leadership

• Record 900,000 cruise passenger movements
• Hosting of CLIA’s Cruise360 conference in November

Seabourn Ovation Maiden Naming Ceremony

Hosting of Valletta’s first-ever Cruise Ship naming ceremony: Seabourn Ovation

Operational Expansion & Record Growth

• Commencement of second homeporting operation by P&O Cruises
• Record number of cruise liner passenger movements: 778,000

Forni Retail Expansion

Expansion of travel shopping outlet at Forni terminal

Global Ports Holding Acquisition

Global Ports Holding acquires majority shareholding in Valletta Cruise Port

Launch of Laguna Yacht Marina

Opening of the Laguna Marina – a boutique destination for small crafts at Valletta Waterfront

Corporate Rebranding

Rebranding to Valletta Cruise Port

Travel Retail Expansion

Expansion of travel retail outlet at Pinto terminal

Homeporting Excellence

Commencement of regular homeporting operation by TUI Cruises

MSC Cruises Partnership

Signing of long-term commercial agreement with MSC Cruises

Strategic Share Restructuring

Redemption of Government 10% preference shares, through a private preference share issue

Enhanced Vessel Capacity

Removal of Ro-Ro ramp to increase vessel capacity

Retail Expansion at Forni & Pinto Terminals

Increase of travel shopping outlet space at Forni to 200sqm and opened new outlet at Pinto Embarkation Lounge.

Destination Launch & Infrastructure Development

• Opening of the Valletta Waterfront destination
• Restoration of new check-in for homeporting operations and building of Pinto Departure Lounge and facilities
• Refurbishment of Quays 1 & 2 deck and installation of new fenders
• Restoration of Old Power House façade and internal structural interventions to Pinto Vaults
• Construction of new arrival halls at ferry terminal and completion of marina entrance and bridge

Destination Development

• Internal structural interventions
• Construction of the iconic waterfront promenade and completion of the laguna works
• Construction of retail and passenger facilities

Infrastructure Development & Heritage Restoration

• Restoration of Pinto Stores façades and rebuilding of stores destroyed in WWII
• Construction of the Malta Maritime Authority offices and a new police station
• Establishment of administrative offices and improvements to ferry terminal facilities
• Formation of the laguna and other excavation works

Launch of Travel Retail

Commencement of travel shopping operations

Operations Handover

Hand over of existing cruise and ferry operations

Concession Agreement Signature

Signature of 65-Year emphyteusis upon the award of a tender for the development of an International Cruise Liner Passenger & Ferry Terminal

Cruise Tourism for a Better Future

By supporting local businesses, fostering education, and preserving cultural heritage, we ensure that the benefits of cruise tourism reach beyond the present, leaving a valuable legacy for future generations. Believing in the power of collaboration and responsible practices, we work with our partners to shape a future where cruise tourism enriches lives, supports communities, and protects the environment.

Supporting Cancer Research Through ALIVE Charity Foundation

25 March 2026

Valletta Cruise Port operators of Valletta Waterfront, are honoured to present a donation to the ALIVE Charity Foundation in sincere appreciation of their inspiring and impactful work.

Founded in 2013, ALIVE Charity Foundation has become one of Malta’s leading voluntary organisations dedicated to funding cancer research, raising over €1.1 million through endurance cycling challenges and community-driven initiatives. These efforts continue to support vital research focused on early detection, improved treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

This contribution was made possible also through proceeds raised during the Valletta Waterfront Oktoberfest. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who supported this event.

Here’s to continuing to come together as a community to support initiatives that truly make a difference!

Support ALIVE Charity Foundation by donating through alivecharity.com.

A New Year’s Tradition: Valletta Waterfront Fireworks at the Grand Harbour

30 December 2025

For over 20 years, Valletta Waterfront, has welcomed the New Year with a fireworks display that lights up the Grand Harbour at the stroke of midnight, organised by Valletta Cruise Port and the Valletta Waterfront restaurants. It has become a much-loved moment in the Harbour’s festive calendar.

Rooted in local firework traditions and organised as a way of giving back to the community, the display organised by Valletta Waterfront takes place within Id-Daħla tal-Franċiżi (French Creek). Set within a living, working harbour – the Grand Harbour – the destination offers a unique setting where history, everyday activity and celebration come together.

Malta’s Grand Harbour has earned a strong reputation as a top location to celebrate New Year’s Eve, made possible by the collaboration of many local stakeholders who work together to showcase Malta to visitors from around the world, and fills locals with pride.

The fireworks can be enjoyed from many vantage points, including Valletta Waterfront itself — whether dining comfortably at its varied restaurants or dropping by for a drink — as well as the Floriana Bastions and surrounding harbour areas such as the Barrakka Gardens, Triq Girolamo Cassar, Crucifix Hill, Triq il-Vittmi Furjaniżi tal-Gwerra, Birgu, Senglea, Bormla and other key spots around the Grand Harbour.

Spread the Love This Christmas in aid of YMCA Malta & YMCA Ukraine supported by Valletta Cruise Port and Valletta Waterfront

12 December 2025

Valletta Cruise Port and Valletta Waterfront are proudly supporting the second edition of a heartfelt Christmas concert, Spread the Love This Christmas – Xerred l-Imħabba dan il-Milied, held in aid of YMCA Malta and YMCA Ukraine. This concert will be held on Sunday, 14 December 2025 between 19:30hrs and 20:30hrs at St. Publius Parish Church, Floriana, Malta.

Under the direction of Maestro Andrea Cassar, the concert will feature: International Welsh Soprano, Judith K. Evans along with Malta’s Beloved Tenors Joseph Aquilina, Frans Mangion and George Zammit along with renowned Maltese Singer Fabrizio Faniello.

This concert is organised by the Floriana Local Council and St Publius Parish, Floriana with the support of various entities. All proceeds will be going to YMCA Malta & YMCA Ukraine. The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is a global non-profit organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Now one of the largest community-focused organizations in the world, active in 120+ countries, YMCA has a key participation in local communities. YMCA Malta runs several programmes to support vulnerable people, youth, families, and the community at large. Core areas include residential & homelessness support with YMCA Malta’s Residential Programme ongoing since 1995 providing accommodation for people experiencing homelessness; shelters & housing services whereby operating shelters such as Dar Niki Cassar (for individuals/families in need), and another shelter/home called Y’Communal Home (providing semi-independent living while still offering social support), wellbeing & psychotherapy, social business and enterprise, volunteer and internship programmes and more.

Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port commented, “Supporting YMCA through the proceeds of this concert is more than a contribution — it’s an investment in people and the community. The YMCA’s work in homelessness support, youth empowerment, and mental-wellbeing programmes aligns closely with our mission to create meaningful, lasting impact. We are committed to standing with organisations that build a stronger, more inclusive society.”

Tickets for this concert are available via: https://www.showshappening.com/ymca-malta/spread-the-love-this-christmas-in-aid-of-ymca-malta

Valletta Waterfront supports the LifeCycle Challenge Malta 2025

4 November 2025

2,000 km in 10 days to raise funds for renal patients

Valletta Waterfront is proudly supporting the LifeCycle Challenge Malta 2025, organised by the LifeCycle Malta Foundation — a gruelling endurance cycling challenge that this year will take participants from Petra in Jordan to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, covering approximately 2,000 kilometres in just 10 days.

This year’s route will see a team of dedicated cyclists traverse dramatic desert terrain, coastal roads along the Red Sea, and historic landscapes such as AlUla, Tabuk and Khaybar, all in the name of raising funds and awareness for individuals living with renal failure. The team will depart Malta on 13 November and return on 28 November, taking on some of the most demanding cycling conditions imaginable — from intense desert heat to long-distance endurance riding.

Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, operators of Valletta Waterfront, expressed continued support for this noble cause, “It is truly inspiring to see the determination and commitment of these cyclists as they tackle such extreme conditions for a worthy cause. Covering 2,000 kilometres across challenging terrain in just 10 days demonstrates immense stamina, both physical and mental. Their dedication helps shine a light on the struggles faced by kidney patients — a condition that affects around one in ten people in Malta. We are proud to support an initiative that transforms endurance and teamwork into tangible help for those who need it most.”

Founded in 1999, the LifeCycle Malta Foundation raises funds and awareness for renal health, supporting patients in Malta and Gozo through initiatives such as the TRACCIA software system for donor-recipient matching, dialysis equipment, patient transport and kidney disease research in collaboration with the University of Malta’s Research, Innovation & Development Trust (RIDT). Over the years, the Foundation has raised close to €4 million in aid of renal patients.

Donations to the LifeCycle Foundation can be made via: https://gogetfunding.com/cycling-from-petra-to-jeddah-in-10-days-to-raise-funds-for-renal-patients

Morning wellness in aid of the SiGMA Foundation

1 September 2025

SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 officially opened its doors in Malta on Monday, 1st September, welcoming thousands of delegates from across the globe to the Mediterranean’s leading iGaming and tech summit. The first day was bright and colourful, as the event struck an appropriate balance between wellness, culture, networking and recognition, giving delegates every opportunity to settle in and establish connections.

On the first morning of the summit, delegates and locals participated in the Wellness Morning on the panoramic Valletta Waterfront, organised by Gaming Malta and sponsored by Valletta Cruise Port and led by professional coaches from SportMalta. From 07:30hrs to 10:30hrs, delegates participated in sessions across wellness and fitness activities – with a focus on aerobics, guided stretching, and cardio, while enjoying healthy snacks and refreshments on the Valletta Waterfront promenade in Malta’s Grand Harbour.

The event was completely free, and a voluntary donation was encouraged, with all donations directed to the SiGMA Foundation’s school-building projects in Africa and the Richmond Foundation’s work in mental health advocacy. The spirit of the wellness morning was one of inclusion, with a further emphasis on team building among colleagues, as well as an essential message raising awareness of psychological and physical well-being.

Valletta Cruise Port was also generous in its sponsorship of the event, donating resources and hosting the event on the Valletta waterfront for the benefit of the greater community.

“As operators of Valletta Waterfront, we believe in creating spaces that bring people together, not just for leisure, but for purpose. Supporting initiatives like this one, which blend wellness, community, and meaningful impact, aligns perfectly with our values. We are proud to have hosted an event that not only celebrated movement and inclusivity, but also contributed to causes as vital as education for underserved communities and the promotion of mental well-being. Our thanks go to all the stakeholders and participants who made this day truly special,” commented Stephen Xuereb, COO Global Ports Holding and CEO Valletta Cruise Port.

This statement encapsulated the spirit of the morning: a celebration of movement, community, and collective contribution to causes that extend well beyond the gaming sector.

You Should Explore
Our Media Center

News
Blog
Instagram
Corporate Documents
30 Mar 2026

Valletta Cruise Port has presented a landmark retrospective publication to the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, celebrating over two decades of transformation, stewardship and vision at one of the Mediterranean’s most historically layered maritime gateways. The publication offers a rich journey through the history, milestones and achievements of Valletta Cruise Port, weaving together photography, […]

02 Feb 2026

Top rankings in accessibility, beauty and security earn Valletta Cruise Port international recognition at FITUR Valletta Cruise Port has once again been recognised on the global stage, receiving the Best Global Port of Call award for the fourth consecutive year at the Cruceroadicto Awards. The prestigious accolade was presented during FITUR, held this January in […]

27 Jan 2026

Record cruise passenger numbers in Malta in 2025 Valletta Cruise Port announced its cruise traffic results for the full 2025 season, reporting continued growth in both passenger numbers and ship calls. The year’s performance underscores the port’s importance as a key global cruise destination and reflects strong demand from international cruise lines and travellers. 2025 […]

13 Sep 2025

Cruise passengers disembarking at Valletta Cruise Port find themselves at the gateway to one of Europe’s most walkable and culturally-rich capitals. With only a few hours ashore, the challenge is choosing how to best explore a city that offers thousands of years of history alongside a vibrant contemporary scene. History enthusiasts can head to Fort […]

25 Jun 2025

Valletta has a rich history associated with jazz. The city was a melting pot of culture and a hub for live jazz music during the 20th century, thanks to the presence of Allied troops. American and British military personnel mingled with locals, creating a unique and energetic nightlife in the streets of Valletta. Valletta Cruise […]

03 Jan 2025

As every year, Valletta Waterfront located in Valletta’s historic Grand Harbour and operated by Valletta Cruise Port is decked up for the holiday season. Guests can stop at platform 1752 – Valletta Waterfront, and arrive into a world of Christmas magic featuring a towering 35-foot tree, larger-than-life characters including the 20-foot nutcracker soldier and a […]

📆 Keep following us to learn what’s happening on the strolling #VallettaWaterfront promenade:
https://www.vallettawaterfront.com/activity

#EatExploreEnjoy #CreateMoments #FamilyFun #FreeActivities #Valletta #Floriana #Destination #MaltaEats #VisitMalta #MomentsThatMatter #Mediterranean #MaltaFood #WineOClock #Seaside

With the Grand Harbour as your backdrop, enjoy diverse cuisines and a relaxed waterfront vibe that captures the best of Maltese living.

From casual bites to fine dining, every meal comes with a view — and often a side of live music or waterfront entertainment 🎶🇲🇹

Whether it’s a long lunch under the sun, a refreshing drink by the water, or simply soaking in the historic beauty around you — Valletta Waterfront is the perfect spot to unwind and explore ✨

Discover what’s happening and plan your visit via 👉 www.vallettawaterfront.com/fun

#VallettaWaterfront #VisitMalta #WaterfrontDining #MaltaEats #TravelMalta #Harbourside #FreeEvents

Swipe through the moments, feel the vibe, and don’t miss out on what’s next 🎶🍷🎨

📅 Check out the full event schedule here 👉 vallettawaterfront.com/events

#colourfest2025 #freefamilyfun #springvibes #maltaevents #somethingalwayshappening

Valletta Waterfront Logo

Download

Valletta Cruise Port Brochure

Download

Valletta Cruise Port Brochure April ‘024

Download