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, archival material and personal narratives. It reflects on more than 20 years of dedicated work across a densely stratified site surrounding and including the Valletta Waterfront—a space where heritage and contemporary intervention coexist in dynamic dialogue.
Developed and narrated by AP Valletta with the contribution of NOI Studio, the publication brings together a wide array of historical documents and site-based insights. The work is further enriched by extensive research which has informed and propelled architectural interventions and documentation efforts throughout the years.
In 2022, photographer David Degano was commissioned to undertake a photographic study of the site. His storytelling-driven approach captures the evolving character of Valletta Cruise Port, offering a visual narrative that complements the publication’s layered structure.
The book also features literary contributions from distinguished authors Immanuel Mifsud, Mark Vella, and Liam Gauci, each offering a unique interpretative lens on the project’s cultural, historical, and social significance.
Structured as a collection of fragments and parallel narratives, the publication resists linear storytelling. Instead, it presents a series of interconnected snapshots—moments that inform and reshape one another—embracing the idea of history as an active, evolving force. It is a reflection of Valletta Cruise Port itself: a perennial work in progress shaped by continuity and change.
Commenting on the occasion, Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, said: “This publication is a testament to our commitment to preserving our past while continuously investing in our future. Valletta Cruise Port is not just an infrastructure project—it is a living site of cultural and historical significance. Documenting this journey is essential, not only to honour what has been achieved, but also to inform and inspire what lies ahead. Through this work, we celebrate the people, the stories, and the ongoing transformation that define this unique destination, the very first successful milestone of the Grand Harbour Revival Plan.”
The presentation to the Prime Minister underscores the national importance of Valletta Cruise Port’s contribution to Malta’s cultural heritage, tourism sector and urban regeneration, while reaffirming a shared vision for sustainable development rooted in respect for history.
About Valletta Cruise Port
Fresh from celebrating its 20th anniversary from the start of cruise operations, award-winning Valletta Cruise Port Malta is a key port of call and a thriving homeport, with a strategic location in the central Mediterranean. It offers a safe haven for ships and a variety of 24/7 support services. Valletta’s quays are ISPS-compliant and can handle the largest cruise vessels. Shore-side operations are complemented by various shops, cafes, restaurants and other amenities situated opposite the berthing quays on the Valletta Waterfront. A signatory to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, Valletta Cruise Port has also been awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
For more information, please visit: www.vallettacruiseport.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Global Ports Holding
Global Ports Holding (GPH) is the world’s largest cruise port operator with an established presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific regions. Established in 2004 as an independent cruise port operator, GPH holds a unique position in the cruise port landscape as the world’s largest & leading cruise port brand. GPH operates 32 cruise ports in 19 countries, providing services for over 20 million cruise passengers annually.
For more information, please visit: www.globalportsholding.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
