Orient Express Corinthian: Maiden Call to Malta with MBL handling Turnaround Operations

A new chapter in luxury sailing has arrived in Malta with the maiden call of Orient Express Corinthian to Valletta. Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL) were delighted to support the yacht’s first visit to the Maltese Islands, providing ground handling services, pre/post cruise arrangements and operational coordination for her turnaround operation.

The arrival marked an important milestone for both Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Malta’s growing position within the luxury yachting sector, bringing one of the world’s most distinctive sailing yachts to Valletta.

Orient Express Corinthian Arrives in Valletta

Measuring 220 metres in length, Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest sailing yacht. Despite her impressive scale, the yacht offers an intimate experience for just 110 guests across 54 suites, combining spacious accommodation with the elegance and craftsmanship associated with the Orient Express name.

The yacht represents a new approach to luxury sailing, bringing together sophisticated design, exceptional hospitality and the spirit of exploration that has long been synonymous with the Orient Express brand.

Her maiden call to Malta provided an opportunity to showcase Valletta and the Maltese Islands as a destination capable of welcoming some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, while also supporting turnaround operations.

MBL handles the Yacht’s Turnaround Operation

For her maiden call, MBL was entrusted with handling the turnaround operation, coordinating the ground handling and operational requirements associated with the yacht’s visit.

Turnaround operations require careful planning and coordination across multiple services to ensure that guests, crew, luggage, transportation and other operational requirements are handled efficiently and to the highest standards.

With extensive experience in cruise and yacht ground handling, turnaround operations and destination management in Malta, MBL works closely with its partners to deliver seamless port calls and tailored services across the Maltese Islands.

“Our team was proud to support the maiden call and turnaround operation of such an extraordinary sailing yacht. Moments like these showcase Malta’s potential as a destination for the world’s most prestigious luxury yachts, and we are proud to play our part in delivering seamless operations for our partners and their guests.” –  Michela Mifsud, Managing Director, Mifsud Brothers Ltd.

Celebrating a Maiden Call in Malta

As part of the special occasion, MBL’s Managing Director, Michela Mifsud, had the pleasure of boarding Orient Express Corinthian for the traditional plaque-giving ceremony. The ceremony is a longstanding maritime tradition marking a vessel’s first visit to a destination and provided a fitting way to commemorate the yacht’s maiden call to Malta.

For MBL, the occasion also reflected the company’s longstanding role in supporting the Maltese Islands’ cruise and yachting sectors and its commitment to delivering professional, detail-driven operations for international partners.

Malta as a Luxury Yacht Destination

Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean, historic ports and strong maritime heritage make the Maltese Islands an attractive destination for luxury yachts and sailing vessels.

Valletta, in particular, offers an impressive setting for visiting yachts, with its historic waterfront and proximity to the islands’ diverse range of cultural, culinary and experiential offerings.

As luxury cruising and yachting continue to evolve, Malta is well positioned to welcome vessels that combine exceptional scale, design and service. Supporting calls such as that of Orient Express Corinthian further strengthens Malta’s profile within the international luxury travel and yachting market.

At MBL, we combine local expertise, operational experience and destination knowledge to support cruise calls, yacht calls, turnaround operations, pre/post cruise stays and bespoke destination services across Malta and Gozo.

Supporting Luxury Yacht Operations in Malta

The maiden call of Orient Express Corinthian represents another important milestone in Malta’s growing luxury yachting landscape and a proud moment for the MBL team.

From operational coordination and ground handling to destination management and guest services, MBL provides integrated solutions designed to ensure that every call to the Maltese Islands is managed with precision and care.

To learn more about MBL’s cruise, yacht, turnaround operations and destination management services across the Maltese Islands, contact us at info@mbl.com.mt.