Monday and for the very first time, the cruise ship “Ocean Princess” arrived in Valletta. The “Ocean Princess” is one of the Small Ships of Princess Cruises, reserved for sailing some of the most exotic destinations in the world. She mainly sails around the French Polynesian islands, Africa, New Zealand, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and often sails to Hawaii. 

On its premier in Valletta, “Ocean Princess” together with its crew and passengers were greeted by a full cannon salute from the Old Saluting Battery as it sailed past St. Peter and St. Paul’s bastions at Barrakka Gardens.

The traditional plaque ceremony was later held whereby Thomas Smith Group and Valletta Cruise Port officials presented Captain Carlo Servillo with commemorative maiden call plaques. Officials present for this ceremonial exchange included Mr. Anton Buttigieg, Port Agency General Manager at Thomas Smith, Mr. John Portelli, Chief Executive Officer at Valletta Cruise Port plc, and Ms. Liana Cachia, Marketing Manager at Thomas Smith Group.

Built in 1999, the cruise ship was formerly named “Tahitian Princess” and can accommodate 680 passengers.

“Ocean Princess” visited a number of ports prior to Valletta, namely Piraeus, Port Said, Dubai, Mombai, Singapore, and Ko Samui; and will continue its journey through the Mediterranean towards Northern Europe.

Thomas Smith Group is the Princess Cruises port agent in Malta since 1999.