The cruise ship Costa Deliziosa has been the venue of a fundraising event in aid of "L-Istrina" an event organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr George Abela - President of Malta.
The event formed part of the official L-Istrina 12-hour TV marathon that was broadcast on all of Malta’s main 3 TV stations and is watched by around 85% of the Country’s population. The TV programme was mainly shot at Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, with special TV links to the Costa Deliziosa.
350 guests have been hosted on the Costa Deliziosa to spend the best part of Boxing Day on board this magnificent ship. The guests enjoyed a sumptuous lunch followed by a tour of the ship whereby they visited the vessel’s many public areas – restaurants, lounges, casino, spa facilities, open decks and pool areas, and the glittering theatre whereby they were entertained with an amazing show by Costa’s on-board artists.
The highlight of the event took place when the President of Malta paid a visit on board the ship and was presented with a cheque for €12,215 that were raised as a contribution towards L-Istrina.
Costa Cruises are active with a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing Malta’s welfare. The Company is a founding member of the philanthropic “Friends of Santa Caterina d’Italia Association” which looks after the restoration and upkeep of one of Valletta’s oldest churches. Last September it co-organised a fundraising event, on board the Costa Favolosa with leading Italian fashion house Luisa Spagnoli with proceeds of over €11,000 also going to the MCCF.
During 2013 in excess of 5500 Maltese guests travelled on board of Costa Cruises and Ibero ships – this is around 1.5% of the country’s entire population. During 2014 Costa Cruises is once again offering one-week cruises on Costa Favolosa as well as a new programme of longer, unique itineraries on the Costa Neo Riviera which offers a more upmarket product emphasising more on individual attention and enhanced service. Costa’s authorised sales agents in Malta are Orange Travel Group Ltd whilst smsmondial are the preferred sales partners.