A Star-Studded Welcome: Luminara’s Maiden Call to Valletta, Malta

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At Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL), we recently had the immense honour of welcoming Luminara, one of the newest gems in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, on its maiden call to the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta.

As the designated ground handlers and port agents, we were proud to support this prestigious arrival — a moment that reinforces Malta’s status in the world of luxury travel and elite cruising.

Adding even more allure to this extraordinary occasion was the arrival of several A-list celebrities, including Sofia Vergara, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Dakota Johnson, and many others who graced our shores.

Our team at MBL ensured that every detail was flawlessly coordinated — from high-end logistics to seamless hospitality on land.

This was a turnaround operation, with both embarkation and disembarkation carried out in Valletta. We coordinated the check-in process at the historic Magazino Hall, where arriving guests were welcomed with a charming setup that included local almond sweets and infused water.

Guests were then escorted to the yacht by our dedicated team, ensuring a stress-free and elegant transition.

Luxury vehicles lined the quay right by the gangway, ready to transfer disembarking high profile guests and celebrities directly to the airport for their chartered private flights. Security and privacy were top priorities — many of the celebrities were accompanied by personal assistants and bodyguards.

Tourism Minister Ian Borg was also on board the yacht, after which he escorted two well known individuals on a private experience in Valletta — yet another reflection of the close collaboration between public and private stakeholders in promoting Malta as a luxury destination.

As part of its commitment to sustainable operations, the yacht plugged into shore power while docked — a small but significant step toward reducing emissions and protecting our Mediterranean environment.

This unforgettable day was the result of meticulous planning and teamwork between MBL and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection team:

 

Mifsud Brothers Ltd.

Managing Director: Ivan Mifsud

Director:  Michela Mifsud

Director of Operations: Maria Mifsud

MBL Team: Sandy, Luisa, Nathalie, Ryan, Naomi, and Benjamin

 

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Operations & Project Management: Astrid Coppex

Destination Experience Manager: Flavius Nedelcu

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As Director of Mifsud Brothers Ltd., I couldn’t be prouder of the professionalism and dedication shown by every member of our team. This was not just a visit — it was a statement. A statement that Malta is ready to host the world’s most discerning travellers. 

Michela Mifsud

Director

Mifsud Brothers Ltd.

 

MBL Proudly Sponsors the King’s Birthday Party

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Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL) was honoured to sponsor the King’s Birthday Party hosted by the British High Commission in Malta. This prestigious event brought together distinguished guests to mark the strong and enduring ties between Malta and the United Kingdom.

We were proud to be part of this remarkable evening, which highlighted the shared values and deep-rooted friendship between our nations. The event was a true testament to diplomacy, unity, and celebration.

We extend our sincere thanks to the British High Commissioner, H.E. Ms Katherine Ward, for the kind invitation, and to Deputy High Commissioner Tristan Gilchrist and the entire team for organising such a memorable occasion.

Representing MBL at the event were Managing Director, Ivan Mifsud, and Director, Michela Mifsud.

 

 

Valletta Concours d’Elegance

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Mifsud Brothers Ltd. – 20Twenty is proudly supporting the Valletta Concours d’Elegance 2025 as one of this year’s sponsors. The event was officially launched at the iconic Is-Suq tal-Belt in Valletta, an evening that celebrated elegance, heritage and a shared passion for classic cars.

As a leading Destination Management Company specializing in luxury travel at the heart of the Mediterranean, we were proud to be present at the launch and to connect with fellow enthusiasts, partners, and visitors. Our stand showcased our top marketing material such as our VeryValletta coasters and notepads as well as our bespoke services we offer to high-end travellers seeking refined experiences in Malta.

We are thrilled to be part of an event that brings together the best of design, culture, and community spirit.

Luxury Tourism from China l ITB China 2025

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Mifsud Brothers Ltd (MBL) – 20Twenty decided to investigate the potential of the long-haul Chinese Market three years ago by participating for the first time at ITB China in Shanghai. This reconnaissance was an eye opener as it immediately became clear to us that we were in uncharted waters and needed to quickly understand which geographic areas to concentrate on, and which niche tourism sector to focus on. The interest was there, as our desk was overwhelmed with Chinese operators. Several were evidently well versed in their sector but knew little about Malta, so we enjoyed highlighting the unique selling points of the Maltese Islands.

We soon realised that most cities they wanted to feature in programs, were driven by the feedback from social media in China with applications like WeChat Moments and Red Note. They also like to visit more than one destination, so we started suggesting combining Malta with other European cities that are high on their wish list like Rome, Milan, Munich and Paris. Initially requests were few but with our consistent presence at ITB combined with highly targeted sales visits, we are seeing an encouraging increase in requests. Our serious commitment to this intriguing market included investing in human resources. We currently have a licensed Mandarin-speaking tourist guide and destination executive, Lian, a Mandarin speaking Destination Executive, Siwei and a Mandarin speaking Shore Excursion Executive, Nathalie.

Late last year, we were presented with the opportunity to collaborate with Malta’s Leading Hotel of the World (LHW), the Phoenicia Hotel, to support their guests’ local experiences. Other partners included Heritage Malta, Visit Malta, Luke Azzopardi Studio and Alistair Floral Designs. Together we provided an exceptional experience on our islands. Ivan Mifsud (Managing Director of MBL) together with his daughter Michela Mifsud (Director of MBL) attended the 2025 Leading Experience China Gala dinner at the Phoenicia Hotel to further nurture fruitful collaborations with Chinese luxury travel agents and hoteliers.

On one of the evenings, LHW guests were treated to a marching band welcome in Vittoriosa, a “Taste History” dinner at the Maritime Museum, fireworks and transportation in a Vintage Bus. It is difficult to impress seasoned luxury travel advisors and LHW hoteliers, but I think Malta’s unique charm did it. Short speeches were delivered by Heritage Malta Senior Curator Liam Gauci, H.E. John Busuttil, Ambassador for Malta in China, Arthur Grima, Marketing Director at the Malta Tourism Authority, Ms. Fiza Han Hui, Director of Greater China for the LHW and Ivan Mifsud, representing 20Twenty.

Exclusive tours to Valletta, the Blue Grotto, and Dingli Cliffs were organised by 20Twenty in luxury buses as well as smart chauffeur driven transportation from the airport to the Phoenicia and vice-versa.

During their stay in Valletta, we had the opportunity to have one-to-one meetings with each participant which gave us quality time to understand better the needs of their clientele.

The China story continued in May 2025 as Ivan, Petra, Lian and Siwei visited Shanghai and Beijing to continue nurturing our contacts and business relationships.

 

Miami Seatrade – 2025

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Mifsud Brothers Ltd. participated at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami. This convention offers an invaluable platform to explore emerging trends, and strengthen partnerships in the maritime sector.

We had a productive and motivating 3 days. Michela Mifsud, Company Director and Maria Mifsud, Director of Shore Operations held a number of high-priority meetings with our cruise principals and met with several industry leaders. As a company that handles luxury and expedition yachts and cruise ships, we are impressed at how they are steering towards offering a more exclusive and unique guest experience.

It is inspiring to see how swiftly the cruise industry is growing, adapting, and improving its efforts to meet guest expectations, support the local communities to which they sail to, and reduce its ecological footprint.

Sustainability is top priority in the cruise industry, resonating with our company’s ethos for sustainability were we are proud to be Travel Life recognised.

Proud to Partner for a Greener Future!

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Mifsud Brothers Ltd. – 20Twenty are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of Coast is Clear, an inspiring NGO dedicated to protecting our oceans, coastlines, and marine ecosystems. Together, we’re taking action to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Their mission resonates deeply with our core values. From organising beach cleanups to advocating for sustainable practices, Coast is Clear embodies the urgency and passion needed to drive real environmental change.

Their work aligns perfectly with our ethos! Sustainability as a priority – We’re committed to reducing our ecological footprint through eco-conscious processes and long-term sustainable goals. Community Impact – We believe in collective action. By supporting grassroots initiatives, we amplify our ability to make a difference. Future-Focused – Protecting the environment isn’t optional—it’s essential to ensuring a thriving world for all.

This partnership isn’t just about funding; it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility. At Mifsud Brothers, sustainability is woven into every decision we make—from sourcing materials responsibly to empowering our team to champion green initiatives. Coast is Clear’s dedication to education, advocacy, and action mirrors our vision of a cleaner, healthier planet.

We invite our network to learn more about Coast is Clear’s incredible work and consider how you, too, can contribute. Whether it’s volunteering, reducing plastic use, or supporting eco-friendly businesses, every action counts.

Let’s prove that when businesses and communities unite, the ripple effect can transform the world.

Valletta, Malta – Onshore Power Supply – Power Purchase Agreement

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Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow was in Malta on the 17th March to sign a Shore Power Agreement with the company’s partners in the home port of Malta, on behalf of Carnival Corporation & Plc, many of whose 9 cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Cunard, AIDA, Costa, Holland America, Seabourn and Princess Cruises regularly call at Malta. This agreement is a first for the Mediterranean cruise region.

The introduction of fully electrified cruise berths in Valletta and the signing of this long-term agreement reflects a mutual commitment towards more energy-efficient cruising.

P&O Cruises, along with sister cruise lines within Carnival Corporation have made significant investment to retrofit their ships, enabling connection to shore power when available and operationally feasible.

Carnival Corporation pioneered shore power in the cruise industry as part of their strategy to improve air quality and reduce emissions and today roughly two-thirds of  their global fleet can plug in to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG), other emissions and noise in port where connections to electric power are available.

P&O Cruises home ports every week in Valletta during the summer season as part of its Europe Fly programme which facilitates fly-cruise itineraries in the Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean and is a significant source of tourism in Malta. Prior to the start of this 2025 season, P&O Cruises Azura underwent a drydock refit in its home port of Valletta. Azura will then be fully equipped and ready to connect with shore power systems worldwide.

The signing of the shore power agreement on the 17th of March was a celebration of an important milestone on this journey. Through these actions and together with the valued relationships nurtured, CUK is helping to advance sustainable tourism in Malta that delivers economic, cultural and social value for the wider community.

I was invited to this event together with Michela Mifsud, my daughter and Director of Mifsud Brothers Ltd. and Massimo Schembri, Managing Director of our sister company specialising in port operations for cruise ships and Super Yachts. We were very proud to be there, representing a cruise line group that is at the forefront of sustainability. Last year, in our desire to pivot to sustainable tourism, we started aligning our services to specific guideline, which led to us being accepted as a Travelife Recognised destination management company. This year, our reinforced Sustainability Project Team, led by Petra Galea Debono and Naomi Mifsud and Siwei Xia, we are working towards certification, which not an easy feat. This is a journey that we voluntarily chose to take, well before it became apparent that this is the road towards responsible tourism. As a family run business (since 1860) we have it ingrained in us to lead by example, even if initially it may not be immediately financially viable. My late father used to often tell me “bitter pills have sweet effect”.

MBL Appointed Port Agent for Princess Cruises

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As of 1st March 2017, Mifsud Brothers Ltd (MBL) which does business as Malta Cruise Services has been appointed as Port Agent for Princess Cruises for the Maltese Islands. As a result of this appointment MBL now represents the entire Holland America Group which consists of Seabourn Cruise Line, Holland America Line (HAL) and Princess Cruises as well as Cunard and P&O (known collectively as Carnival UK) and Carnival Cruise Line.

MBL now represents six of the eight Carnival Corporation brands that call to the Maltese Islands. MBL was also the catalyst in attracting Seabourn in 2006 and later HAL to call at the sister island of Gozo (at anchor) making it the port agency that has handled by far the largest number of calls at anchor at the picturesque Xlendi creek, off Mgarr Harbour and even off Dwejra.

Since 1998, under the helm of myself and director of port operations, Massimo Schembri, MBL has grown steadily and represents Hapag Lloyd, Viking Cruise Line, Saga Shipping, Clipper Cruise Line, Phoenix and ISP vessels together with the six Carnival lines brands which cumulatively in 2017 will translate into ninety day calls made up of overnight, regular day calls, turnarounds and homeporting calls. In a recent effort to increase efficiency and to cater for the increase in the number of vessels being handled, Giuseppe Attard has joined the company as Port Agency Executive to assist the team.

MBL operates out of its modern offices close to the cruise terminal in an area called Grand Harbour, Marsa which is only three minutes away from Valletta Cruise Port (Cruise Terminal).

Queen Elizabeth 2: Forty Years Famous and Counting

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Queen Elizabeth 2, launched by the Queen of England in 1967 had been Cunard’s flagship liner for 40 years. For four decades, the ship brought prosperity to many guests. On a bitter note, all good things come to an end, and in 2008 the great ocean liner made her final call at Malta’s Grand Harbour on her way to Dubai.

We could write a book on the history of this ship. It is really special. The ship’s core mission was to deliver exquisite cruise voyages, yet this legendary ship had done some quite remarkable heroic voyages. In May 1969, she entered service as a troop transporter in notable wars including that of the Falklands War.

Expanding on her valiant heart, in 1971 she rescued survivors from the burning French liner ‘Antilles’ off the Caribbean Island of Mustique. The mayday call reached Queen Elizabeth 2 on the evening of a hot summer night. A ball of flames was spotted on the horizon and by the time Queen Elizabeth 2 reached the blazing wreck, Antilles’ lifeboats were full of passengers signalling for help. There had been an abandon ship and miraculously all passengers and crew had managed to get off safe and sound. The following morning, after a very long night, the shipwreck survivors were disembarked off Queen Elizabeth 2 and given further medical treatment.

Throughout her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth 2 hosted 2.5 million passengers, including well known international celebrities and heads of state. Just to mention a few; Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana and former rockstar David Bowie have all cruised on board. Undoubtedly, Queen Elizabeth 2 became a showcase of Cunard’s rich maritime heritage.

In 2008, it was time for the great ocean liner to sail her last cruise. On her final voyage from Southampton to Dubai she was carrying 1,685 guests, many attracted by the fact that they got to experience her last voyage that would go down in history.

En route on her final voyage, Queen Elizabeth 2 called to Valletta, Malta. Her seventh and last visit to Malta was an important day for Mifsud Brothers Ltd, the Cunard Line agents. Four generations of the Mifsud family were on board to mark the maiden call in 1998. This time in 2008 only, I presented the first of a limited-edition print of an oil painting that had been commissioned by the company to Captain McNaught.

You can view a video of the special day here

But where is the ship now?

After nearly 40 years in service, Queen Elizabeth 2 was given a well-deserved rest. She has moved on to new pastures. Her superstructure stands out very well as does her mast.

The legendary ship continues to live on.

20Twenty in Creative mode: A Seabourn UNESCO Initiative

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Seabourn Cruise Line recently partnered with UNESCO to promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites.

20Twenty were entrusted to enhance those Seabourn tours that were being offered and create new ones to allow guests to immerse themselves in Malta’s unique UNESCO sites. Using our experience in bespoke destination management we discussed the concept with the Maltese National Commission for UNESCO who gave their wholehearted endorsement following which, a meeting was held with the curators of the National Archaeological Museum in Valletta, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples to the South of Malta and the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo.

Tours were redesigned to offer a morning visit to Ħaġar Qim temples with a special welcome upon arrival by the curator herself. Then they will have a tour of the visitor’s centre and the site together with their guide. After, guests will drive to Valletta and visit the Museum of Archeology. The curator at the Museum will arrange an exclusive exhibition which will consist of the mysterious ‘elongated’ skulls which are not usually on display and the unique statue of the Goddess of Fertility and give them an explanation of these exhibits. Then guests will have time to visit the museum and Valletta, soon to be crowned “2018 European Capital of Culture”.

In conjunction with the board of management of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, another UNESCO site, an evening event is also being planned which will include a sacred music recital followed by a private viewing of the world famous Caravaggio “The Beheading of St. John” in the Oratory.

I am personally very excited about this UNESCO project because Seabourn Cruise Line is keen to make both Valletta (Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo) its showcase UNESCO ports giving the Maltese islands a unique edge over other Mediterranean destinations and also increasing awareness about our islands’ awesome archaeology and history.

UNESCO’s General Director Irina Bokova discusses the unique nature of UNESCO’s partnership with Seabourn in a video here