The luxury cruise ship Costa Deliziosa has been the venue of a fundraising event in aid of L-Istrina which is 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 broadcasted on all of Malta’s main 3 TV stations and is watched by around 75% of the Country’s population.  The TV programme was mainly shot at a purposely set up tent at the Presidential Palace grounds at Verdala, with special TV links to Smart-City, Aurora Opera Theatre in Gozo, and the Costa Deliziosa.
500 guests have been hosted on the Costa Deliziosa by owners Costa Cruises to spend the best part of Boxing Day on board this magnificent 93,000-ton, 2,826 passenger cruise vessel. The guests enjoyed a full 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 before being treated for a sumptuous lunch. The event came to an end when after lunch the Master of the Costa Deliziosa gave the President of Malta a cheque for Euro15,000 as a contribution towards l-Istrina.
Costa Cruises is 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 Costa Cruises co-organised a fundraising event, on board the Costa Magica with leading Italian fashion house Luisa Spagnoli with proceeds of Euro7,000 also going to the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF).
With so far over 3000 cruises sold in 2013, Costa is by far Malta’s most popular cruise company and sales are expected to increase further following the recently introduced all-inclusive concept on all cruises departing and finishing in Valletta. Costa Cruises’ agents in Malta are Orange Travel Group Ltd, whilst smsmondial are the preferred sales partners.