MaltaMedia.com

The ultra-luxury cruise vessel Seabourn Odyssey has called into Valletta for the first time last week, following calls by sister ships Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit, earlier on this year.Captain Mark Dexter welcomed onboard representatives from Mifsud Brothers Ltd – local agents for Yachts of Seabourn, the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as VISET Malta plc – operators of the Valletta Waterfront and the Valletta Sea Passenger Terminals.

Captain Dexter said the Seabourn’s relationship with the Maltese islands goes a long way. He praised Malta’s progress during the last years, progress which still ensured 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 Ltd, presented the Captain with a hand-sculpted limestone carving by local artist Joseph Xuereb from Gozo. Mr Mifsud said 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 on board. 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. Mr Portelli said 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 the terminal operator, VISET strives to offer a memorable experience to its individual guests, as well as to help cruise lines in any of their requirements.

The $250 million Seabourn Odyssey was ushered into service last June. The first of three new ships to be launched by Seabourn, the Odyssey is an intimate 450-guest vessel, with an innate sense of style, elegance and grace. Along with a multitude of other features, the Odyssey boasts expansive outdoor dining venues, a state-of-the-art gym and the largest spa facility on any luxury vessel. And there are savvy touches that delight a worldly crowd, such as the avant-garde tasting menus served in Restaurant 2, the pizza oven and gelateria by the pool and the European-style coffee bar in the cosy confines of Seabourn Square.

Yachts of Seabourn was founded around 20 years ago and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carnival Corporation on the top end of 12 brands that span all segments of the market. Seabourn appeals to the sophisticated traveller seeking a personalised service and attention to detail. It has since earned a large and loyal following of repeat cruise guests.

Meanwhile MV Seabourn Sojourn will be launched in 2010. The Sojourn will also accommodate 450 passengers, compared to Seabourn’s preceding three ships – Seabourn Legend, Pride and Spirit – which carry around 200 passengers each. A third, as yet unnamed, vessel is due in 2011. 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.