Many cruises begin in Malta, where there’s always a sense of history. Sailing away from this Mediterranean isle, you are welcomed by a fine coastline alongside the feeling of olden days. Because of its historical backbone, cultural aspect and breathtaking sight, Malta serves as an ideal point of departure.
Moreover, the island boasts a blend of ancient edifices, middle-age buildings and current-day recreational facilities that guarantee an unforgettable trip before you even board your boat. Every traveler can find something appealing to them in Malta – whether exploring historical sites or basking in sunshine.
If you are planning to go on a cruise from Malta, it will be advisable to spend some time on the island before you proceed. For history lovers or for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sea view, Malta has a lot to offer. Here are some top activities to enjoy before setting sail:
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is not only an important historical but also a cultural place that has been marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Baroque architecture dominates the city streets, and this includes St. John's Co-Cathedral with its beautiful artworks such as “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio. The narrow streets are full of cozy little squares, artisan shops and small coffee houses. For calm moments while exploring the area one may find solace at Upper Barrakka Gardens where one can have an overview view of Grand Harbor.
Mdina, popularly known as the "Silent City," is a quiet, ancient town placed on a hill in the center of Malta. This fortified city dates back more than 4,000 years and sees the collision of medieval and Baroque architectural styles that can take you back in time. The narrow, winding streets are quiet because there are no cars allowed within the city walls, which keeps the air of timelessness alive. Enjoy wide views of the island from the top of its great bastions. In Mdina, enjoy St. Paul's Cathedral, among several quaint restaurants and cafes within the walls of this ancient town.
St. Julian's Bay is a lively coastal town well known for mixing leisure with good nightlife, just the sort of place for unwinding before your cruise. Still, it's quiet and pretty during the day when you can enjoy a pleasant promenade or one of the many sidewalk cafes overlooking the Mediterranean. Excitement is another story, though; the place becomes the equivalent of any Roppongi or Soho at night, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants in nearby Paceville. Whether you are seeking a quiet night in on the beach or a wild night out, St. Julian's Bay offers you a little of everything.
The Blue Grotto is probably Malta's most famous natural attraction along the southern coast. This series of sea caves is indeed very famous for its bright blue waters that reflect sunlight and dance with glimmering shades of blue and green. Boat tours enable visitors to sail through the caves, thereby viewing closely these magnificent formations and crystal waters. A nature lover or photographer will not want to miss this experience. Further up, one may walk along the cliffs for a panoramic view. Blue Grotto is an excellent destination for scenic walks and wonderful photography.
The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni is an underground wonder and one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Dating around 4000 B.C., this ancient underground temple is one of the best-preserved prehistoric buildings under UNESCO World Heritage and includes three different levels with carved chambers featuring intricate designs and unique acoustics. The access is limited, and because it is a fragile area, it is advisable to make prior bookings. It is a very limited chance to walk through Malta's ancient past and be in awe of the engineering marvels that once lay within that world.
Among the cruise lines that should look for a stop in Malta is those known for their great history and culture. Luxury and family-friendly, these cruise lines offer exciting itineraries that include one of the richest gems in the Mediterranean. Here's a guide on top cruise lines making Malta a highlight of their voyage:
MSC Cruises, including MSC Fantasia, MSC Magnifica, and other cruise ships carrying Mediterranean flair in their itineraries, such as in Malta, focus on family groups, modern ships, and a great deal of onboard activities. And while in Malta, individuals may spend some days exploring museums and historical sites or buying products in local markets or along the beautiful seafront promenade. Thus, the port of Malta is a great destination for young and older explorers.
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Princess Cruises, with ships like Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, or Majestic Princess, offers a cozy and enriching experience when sailing to Malta. With fantastic shore excursions and world-class service, Princess Cruises makes sure you make the most of your time on the island. Malta is an amazing destination where you can enjoy exploring the walled city of Mdina, the Blue Grotto, and much more on any Mediterranean adventure with Princess Cruises.
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Cunard is known for glamorous and traditional cruising with vessels such as Queen Anne and Queen Victoria, Malta. Cunard, established on luxury, fine dining, and classical cruising, offers a luxurious voyage to those wanting just that-the most luxurious vacation experience. Here in Malta, a guided tour of Valletta historic sites can be organized, visit the Hypogeum or take a scenic walk along the breathtaking coast of the island.
Book Cunard Cruises
Costa Cruises offers yachts, such as those on the Costa Fascinosa and the Costa Fortuna, complete with an unrestrained Italian flair to the land as they keep the time lively and entertaining. Costa Cruises is indeed known for its lively ambiance and exciting itineraries that make it ideal for families who want to spend their time enjoying entertainment onboard and learning about the rich cultural heritage of Malta. While you bask in the history of Mdina and lie back in St. Julian's Bay by the sea, Costa Cruises makes Malta a memorable stop.
Book Costa Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a luxurious experience with a stop in Malta on its ships like Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Eclipse. It is famous for modern luxury and spacious staterooms and phenomenal services. It's perfect to achieve that ideal balance between leisure and adventure. Passengers will get the opportunity to see the fantastic architecture and historical landmarks as well as Malta's beautiful coastline. Therefore, Malta may be one of the destinations a person wants to visit while on Mediterranean cruise.
Book Celebrity CruisesMalta is in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoys pleasant weather all year round, hence a great destination for all the cruise travelers. However, there are better seasons with better weather and fewer crowds depending on what you would want to take away during your visit. Let's see the best times to visit Malta.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Malta because the temperatures during that time are at a moderate level that begins from 15°C to 25°C or 59°F to 77°F, respectively. It also has lots of sunny days without much rain during spring. This season is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and the beautiful coast. By May, the sea has already started getting warm enough for swimming and other water sports. This season has the advantage of fewer tourists where one can explore the many attractions on the island without large crowds.
Summer in Malta is extremely hot, sunny, and a great combination of temperatures; it's usually in the range of 24°C - 30°C or 75°F- 86°F. This season is proper beach time for the tourists who want to visit and enjoy the place because the sea waters are just warm enough to get a refreshing swim. On the other hand, it does get crowded, especially during August when most Europeans travel here. A refreshing sea breeze cools down the heat wave, making it a nice time to explore. Whether you celebrate festivals or just like a festival atmosphere, Malta's got plenty of local events and celebrations during the summer months.
Malta is terrific in autumn. Temperatures nicely trend down from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) through October, which is perfect for walking, exploring, and swimming at sea up until end October. The rain though, does start to increase, particularly in November, so prepare yourself for brief showers during your visit. Autumn is still the perfect time to appreciate the beauty of Malta's historical sites as well as its scenic beauty without the scorching sun of summer that crowds summer tourists to the islands.
Malta is mild during winter with average temperatures ranging between 10°C and 17°C (50°F to 63°F). Rain is more frequent during the same period but usually a brief affair. Although the sea is too chilly for swimming, the weather is still warm enough for tourist sights and outdoor adventure. In any case, winter is the quiet season in Malta to stay away from other tourists. If you feel the need to leave the cold elsewhere, then Malta's winter can warm up with mild temperatures and radiant sunny days.
Pack as lightly as you can before leaving for Malta so that you can be comfortable both on the island and onboard the ship. Here is a list of essentials to make sure you do not forget anything important for your trip:
Clothing: Light breathable layer, modest wear to religious sites, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, and light jacket for the cooler evenings.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat, refillable water bottle, and little day pack for day trips.
Documents: Passport, visa-if required, travel insurance, and important documents photocopies.
Health and Safety: First aid kit, hand sanitizer, any medicine if on prescription, and mosquito/insect repellent.
Technology: Universal adapter for the appropriate source of power, a portable charger, and a phone with a local SIM or roaming plan.
Money: Local currency; Euro, credit/debit cards, and money belt for maximum protection.
