The old power station complex in Floriana will be converted into a boutique hotel, Stephen Xuereb, CEO of the Valletta Cruise Port, told The Malta Independent.

This is one of the many projects that are currently in hand at the cruise port, Xuereb, who is also the chief Operations officer of Global Ports Holdings, said in an interview.

"The government, through Transport Malta and Infrastructure Malta, are widening the Pinto 4 and 5 quays. We are now in the process of developing a four-storey car park in the central part of the Valletta Waterfront. Work should soon commence," he said.

"As part of our facility we also have the old power station complex in Floriana, at the foot of Crucifix Hill. We will soon sign an agreement with a renowned hospitality company in Malta to restore it and turn it into a boutique hotel."

One major undertaking by the government in the area was the shore-to-ship project, which has helped reduce pollution.

Valletta was the very first port in the Mediterranean to provide onshore power supply to cruise ships, Xuereb told this newspaper. "We had around 107 vessels connecting last year, which reduces pollution considerably in the port."

He said that it takes a lot of testing and commissioning for cruise ships to connect, adding that a ship doesn't just come to port for the first time and connect, because the system needs to be adapted to the requirements of that vessel. "But it has been a huge success and will contribute immensely to the reduction of carbon emissions in the port area."

Cruise passenger trips

He described Malta as being "very much pro cruise".

Cruise visitors are increasingly exploring beyond the capital during stopovers, he said. Many major cruise operators include half-day and full-day excursions that take passengers to a range of iconic destinations. For instance, he mentioned Mosta, Mdina and Rabat tours.

He said that Malta also highlights excursions combining the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John's Co Cathedral, with the prehistoric Tarxien Temples and Mdina Ramparts. There are also hands-on cultural experiences such as Maltese cooking classes, wine and olive oil tastings and tours of ancient temple complexes on some cruise offerings.

He added that cruise passengers are increasingly opting for smaller-group or private excursions, including visits to the Blue Grotto caves or day trips to Marsaxlokk.

The first part of the interview was carried yesterday