Cruise industry stakeholders at Valletta, Malta teamed up to celebrate Costa Cruises’ 65th anniversary. For the arrival of the Costa Favolosa on the March 29, the Costa Fascinosa on April 2 and the Costa Favolosa on April 5, 2013 a special welcome was organised by Valletta Cruise Port and SMS International Shore Operations, local handling agents for Costa Cruises.

“The business relationship between Valletta and Costa Cruises goes back a considerable number of years. We look forward to yet another joint fruitful year,” said John Portelli, Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port.

The ships were greeted by an eight-cannon salute, fired from the historic Saluting Battery.

The Valletta Cruise Port pier and terminals were decorated with festive banners and blue and yellow balloons, the colours of the Costa Cruises’ brand.

On arrival, a 15-piece village band entertained guests with a number of lively compositions.

Girls in traditional local costume handed out local sweets. An Inguardia re-enactment courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority showed events happening during the Knights of St John period.

The 65th anniversary will be celebrated on all 14 ships of the fleet, all over the world – in the Mediterranean, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Valletta Cruise Port, www.vallettacruiseport.com