The Malta Independent 8 June 2025, Sunday
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Maltapost Issues special First Day Cover

Malta Independent Sunday, 12 July 2009, 00:00 Last update: about 12 years ago

Wednesday 15 July will be a red-letter day for Malta when at 8am the most beautiful ship in the world – the MSC Splendida – will sail into our magnificent Grand Harbour and berth at the newly rebuilt and extended Viset Waterfront quays 1 and 2.

On the occasion of the maiden visit to Malta of the Cruise liner MSC Splendida, MaltaPost plc’s Philatelic Bureau is issuing a special second set of four stamps in the Maritime series, entitled Cruise Liners. This collection follows the first set which was issued in November 2008 and which among others featured the MSC Musica.

MSC Cruises have entered a new era, where this brand new 138,000 tonnes mega Cruise Liner combines the most advanced technology with an innate sense of beauty. The MSC Splendida, to be christened this evening by Sophia Loren, MSC’s godmother, during a grand celebration in Barcelona shall enter Malta’s Grand Harbour for the first time on 15 July, marking the 10th anniversary of MSC Cruise Liners calling at Malta on a regular basis.

The stamps were designed by Fabio Agius, from MaltaPost plc. The first day cover of this set of stamps will have the date of Splendida’s maiden call at Malta – 15 July 2009.

The stamps will be on sale on 15 July at all MaltaPost branches, from the MaltaPost Mobile van, from the Philatelic Bureau as well as from MaltaPost’s special kiosk at the Valletta Waterfront.

MSC Cruises and Hamilton Travel will be presenting personalised limited edition copies of the Splendida first day cover stamp to all invited guests on board.

The presentation ceremony of this prestigious first day cover will be held on board the MSC Splendida in Malta’s Grand Harbour on 15 July when the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, Dr Austin Gatt will present sets of stamps to the Splendida’s Captain – Commandante Giuliano Bossi and MSC’s Commercial Manager Emerging Markets – Dr Alfredo Spadon.

Hamilton Travel of 4, St Publius Street, Floriana are the exclusive General Sales Agents for MSC Crociere in the Maltese Islands and are proud to welcome their new flagship to Malta.

Hamilton Travel are also responsible for the carrying out of shore excursions for the passengers on board.

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