Malta’s historic Port of Valletta has welcomed Queen Elizabeth for the first time this past Saturday, November 13.

The vessel was greeted with an 8-gun salute from Valletta’s Barrakka Gardens as she went into the Grand Harbour, while a considerable crowd applauded the vessel. Meanwhile a fifteen-piece band greeted the liner with a number of lively tunes including a number of British and Maltese compositions.

The customary plaque exchange ceremony with the Captain took place on board the ship, together with Mr. John Portelli, CEO of VISET, operators of the Valletta cruise port, and Ms. Michela Mifsud, daughter of MBL Directors, Mr. Ivan and Ms. Maria Mifsud, Cunard’s port agents since 1945.

In the evening, prior to the ship’s departure, guests onboard were treated to an Inguardia re-enactment, showing events happening during the Knights of St John period, courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.