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Valletta Waterfront is set to receive no less than seven cruise ships in one day, next Friday, making the 13 October a logistical nightmare for the operators.
Approximately 10,000 passengers are reported to be scheduled to arrive at the Grand Harbour in Valletta aboard cruise ships Costa Crociere, MSC Opera, Gran Mistral, Deutchland, Athena, Arielle and Insigna.
Speaking to MaltaToday, Viset general manager Chris Paris explained that the arrival of seven ships in one day has raised important logistical issues, relating to berthing space and passenger disembarking.
A series of meetings with the maritime authority have been held in a bid to solve the logistical difficulties, and so far it has been decided to berth three ships at the Valletta waterfront, two at the Deep Water Quay in Marsa, while another two will be berthed at Laboratory Wharf.
Chris Paris explained that the berthing logistics are subject to weather conditions and other talks are underway with harbour masters as to the manoeuvring of the ships in a full harbour.
Contingency plans are also being prepared, including the possibility of berthing ships at Bighi, and transferring the passengers with motor-launches to the Valletta waterfront, giving them an added value to their stop with an out-of-programme Grand Harbour tour.
Chris Paris explained that this year is set to become an all-time record in passenger arrivals by cruise ships, with projections estimated to stand at 390,000 in 12 months.
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