The ultra-luxury cruise vessel Seabourn Odyssey called at Grand Harbour for the first time last week, following visits by sister ships Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit earlier this year.

Captain Mark Dexter welcomed on board representatives from Mifsud Brothers – local agents for Yachts of Seabourn – the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as VISET Malta – operators of Valletta Waterfront and Valletta Sea Passenger Terminals.

Captain Dexter said Seabourn’s relationship with the Maltese Islands goes back a long way. He praised Malta’s progress over the past years, progress which still ensured the preservation of the islands’ historic fabric. He commented that no other port is as accessible and historic as Valletta, saying Malta and its Grand Harbour offer an amazing 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 the sculpture was especially commissioned for the vessel’s maiden call and was inspired by the word Odyssey and will be a constant reminder of the Maltese Islands on board.

He noted that the Seabourn Odyssey made its maiden call 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 for 2010.

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 the 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 will be visiting Valletta on a number of calls in 2010 with Seabourn Legend, Odyssey, Spirit as well as the newly launched Sojourn.