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.

At Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL), we believe that delivering exceptional travel experiences goes hand in hand with protecting the destinations that make those experiences so memorable. As one of Malta’s leading destination management companies and cruise ground handlers, we recognise that sustainability is not simply an industry trend, it is a shared responsibility.

That is why we are proud to support Coast is Clear Foundation, the Maltese environmental NGO founded by Mark Galea Pace, whose work continues to inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to care for the natural environment.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Malta

The Maltese Islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, historic cities, and unique cultural heritage. Every year, thousands of cruise passengers and visitors choose Malta and Gozo as part of their Mediterranean journey.

Preserving these natural and cultural assets is essential to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy everything our islands have to offer.

Our Managing Director, Michela Mifsud, recently met with Coast is Clear Foundation founder Mark Galea Pace to discuss the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives and MBL’s commitment to supporting its mission of environmental conservation across the Maltese Islands.

Protecting Malta’s Coastline

Coast is Clear Foundation has become one of Malta’s leading environmental organisations through its commitment to:

• Organising regular beach and seabed clean-ups
• Promoting environmental education and awareness
• Supporting marine conservation initiatives
• Encouraging businesses and local communities to take an active role in protecting Malta’s natural environment

These initiatives contribute directly to preserving the beauty of Malta’s coastline while encouraging more sustainable practices throughout the country.

Responsible Tourism Starts with Collaboration

As a destination management company, MBL works closely with cruise lines, travel advisors, tour operators, and visitors from around the world. We believe that responsible tourism extends beyond creating memorable itineraries, it also means supporting the communities and environments that welcome our guests.

By partnering with organisations such as Coast is Clear Foundation, we hope to contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the Maltese Islands.

Environmental responsibility is a collective effort, and meaningful change is achieved when businesses, NGOs, local communities, and individuals work together towards a common goal.

Our Commitment

At Mifsud Brothers Ltd., we remain committed to supporting initiatives that safeguard the natural beauty of Malta and Gozo while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

We are honoured to support Coast is Clear Foundation and applaud the dedication of everyone involved in protecting our islands for generations to come.

If you would like to learn more about Mifsud Brothers Ltd.’s destination management, cruise ground handling, and sustainable tourism initiatives in Malta, contact us at info@mbl.com.mt.

Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL) was honoured to be among the sponsors of the celebration commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, hosted by Her Excellency Somers Farkas, United States Ambassador to Malta, together with the United States Embassy in Malta.

Representing MBL at the event, our Managing Director, Michela Mifsud, joined members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating this significant historic milestone and the enduring friendship between the United States and Malta.

As a company with longstanding international partnerships, MBL values opportunities to support events that strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and business relationships. The celebration reflected the close ties between the two nations while providing a platform for meaningful connections across the public and private sectors.

We extend our congratulations to the United States on this remarkable anniversary and thank the United States Embassy in Malta for the opportunity to contribute to such a memorable occasion.

We attended Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 at the Miami Beach Convention Centre, a three-day trade show that continues to set the pace for the global cruise industry.

Representing Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL), Managing Director Michela Mifsud attended alongside Maria Mifsud, Director of Operations – Shore Experiences & Turnarounds. Throughout the event, they engaged in a full programme of meetings with cruise principals and industry partners, focusing on strengthening existing collaborations while also developing new opportunities across the cruise sector.

MBL acts as agents for several cruise lines and yachts, providing comprehensive operational support including ground handling, logistics, shore experiences, turnarounds, and homeporting. Through our destination management company 20Twenty DMC, we also manage pre- and post-cruise stays, ensuring a seamless and curated end-to-end guest experience in Malta and beyond.

A key highlight of the week was our presence at the Visit Malta stand, alongside the Malta Tourism Authority and Valletta Cruise Port team. This joint participation reinforced Malta’s strong positioning within the cruise industry and highlighted the close collaboration between key stakeholders in promoting the destination as a premium cruise hub.

The days were highly productive and rewarding. We strengthened established relationships, made tangible progress on ongoing projects, and connected with new principals as we continue to expand our international network.

The conference also provided valuable insight into the evolving direction of the cruise industry, particularly around operational efficiency, guest experience, and destination development. Above all, it reinforced the importance of strong, trusted partnerships in delivering seamless and high-quality cruise operations.

We return to Malta energised and focused, carrying forward the momentum and discussions initiated during this important industry event.

On 28th March 2026, Four Seasons Yacht I made its inaugural call into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of ultra-luxury yachting in Malta.

As appointed agents and ground handlers, Mifsud Brothers Ltd (MBL) were honoured to support this exceptional occasion. The call was commemorated with a plaque exchange ceremony attended by key industry stakeholders, celebrating the arrival of one of the most anticipated vessels in the ultra-luxury segment.

Michela Mifsud, Managing Director of MBL, had the privilege of welcoming Captain Kate McCue, presenting her with handcrafted gifts by local artisans. This gesture highlighted Malta’s rich cultural heritage while underscoring the importance of fostering meaningful relationships within the global cruise community.

The inaugural call of Four Seasons Yacht I reinforces Valletta’s growing reputation as a distinguished destination for luxury cruise lines and boutique yachts, setting the tone for future high-profile calls.