A Local's Eye-Opening Cruise Through Malta's Wonders
Residing in Malta, Ally Wybrew had grown accustomed to the daily rhythms of island life, but a 16-day cruise aboard the Viking Vesta unveiled a fresh appreciation for the archipelago's rich history and stunning natural landscapes. This journey, part of Viking's "Quiet Season Mediterranean" itineraries, offered a unique vantage point from which to rediscover her homeland.
Setting Sail from Familiar Shores
As the curtains drew back in her stateroom, Ally was greeted by the vibrant rainbow colours of Maltese boat houses along Valletta's limestone dockside. Though similar sights were common on Gozo, Malta's smaller sister island where she lives, viewing them from a seven-metre-high balcony on the Viking Vesta felt entirely new. The 784-foot luxury ship, on a circuitous route around the Mediterranean, provided an unexpected opportunity to see Malta through a tourist's eyes.
The itinerary departed from Barcelona, with scheduled stops including Marseille, Ajaccio, Rome, Valletta, Tunis, Algiers, Casablanca, Cadiz, and Malaga. Sailing in mid-January meant minimal ocean traffic and empty docks, securing prime mooring spots like the one in Malta, just steps from the capital. Despite living on an archipelago ideally situated for exploring Europe and North Africa, Ally had rarely ventured beyond its shores, often content with local activities like hiking and scuba diving during Malta's long summers.
Rediscovering Malta's Layers of History
Growing up with visits to her mother, who moved to Malta over a decade ago, Ally had marvelled at UNESCO sites like the Ggantija Temples and Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, explored the cinematic alleyways of Mdina, and admired underwater seagrass fields. However, full-time residence had dulled the magic, with daily routines overshadowing the islands' warm waters, ancient buildings, and vibrant festivals. The cruise aimed to reinvigorate her outlook, and by day six, as the Viking Vesta coasted into Valletta's Grand Harbour, she had fully embraced cruise life.
Onboard, the Deluxe Stateroom offered 288 square feet of space, a private veranda, underfloor heating, and a replenished mini bar. Between Port Talks and spa visits, Ally found relaxation in the Explorers' Lounge, surrounded by nautical-themed decor and panoramic ocean views. Yet, as she boarded a coach for a half-day tour of southern Malta, trepidation set in, heightened by Storm Harry's 60mph winds that veered the ship off course and cast a golden Saharan haze over the skies.
Connecting Malta to Its Mediterranean Neighbours
Malta's complex history, from the Knights of St John to World War remnants, became more vivid through comparisons with other ports. In Tarquinia, near Rome, ancient Etruscan tombs echoed Malta's St Paul's Catacombs, while Cagliari's salt pans mirrored Gozo's traditional Xwejni pans. Corsica's wartime tales reminded Ally of Malta's role as the "Nurse of the Mediterranean." These connections underscored Malta's relevance within the broader European continent, revealing it as a Russian doll of a country with endless layers to uncover.
On her second day in Valletta, limited time became a blessing, fostering urgency to explore. Guided excursions provided historical insights, but free time allowed Ally to tick off overdue items: visiting the Esplora Interactive Science Centre's planetarium, touring Spazju Kreattiv, and meandering along Fort St. Elmo's 500-year-old fortifications. For the first time since moving to Malta, she had permission to stand, gawk, and admire with abandon, reconnecting with the islands' essence through a tourist's lens.
Practical Details for Future Travellers
Fares for a 15-night Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean sailing with Viking Cruises start at £6,195 per person, including return flights, a Veranda stateroom, meals, excursions, and spa access. This experience highlights how even locals can benefit from exploring their home with fresh eyes, uncovering hidden depths through structured travel.
