Malta Cruise Ship Schedule 2026
Every cruise ship arriving in Valletta this week and the next 30 days — updated automatically from the official port schedule.
Ships in Port Today
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
No cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in Valletta today.
Tomorrow's Arrivals
Cruise Ships in Malta — September 2026
Updated 9 Sept 2026All ships docking at Valletta Cruise Port, grouped by week. Updated daily.
Book a Tour for Your Malta Port Day
Skip the cruise line excursions — book independently and save 30–50%. Walking tours, Blue Lagoon cruises, Mdina trips and more, timed to your ship's stay.
Cruise Lines That Visit Malta
Valletta is a regular port of call for most major Mediterranean cruise lines.
MSC Cruises
Regular weekly calls throughout the Mediterranean season
Costa Cruises
Italian-line sailings with frequent Valletta stops
P&O Cruises
British cruise line with Malta on many Mediterranean itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL features Valletta on select Mediterranean cruises
Royal Caribbean
Includes Valletta on longer Mediterranean itineraries
TUI Cruises
German line with regular Malta port calls
AIDA Cruises
German market, frequent Valletta visits
Viking Ocean Cruises
Smaller ships, extended Valletta stays
Getting from Valletta Cruise Port to the City
The cruise terminal is at the Valletta Waterfront — here's how to get into the city and beyond.
On Foot
Valletta city centre is a flat 10-minute walk along the waterfront into the city gate.
Public Bus
Valletta bus terminus is just outside the city gate — routes 13, 14, and 16 connect to Sliema and the ferry.
Taxi
Taxis wait at the terminal exit. A ride to Valletta centre costs about €10; to Sliema €15–20.
Ferry to Three Cities
The Valletta–Senglea ferry departs from near the Waterfront — €1.50 each way.
Malta Cruise Season by Month
Valletta welcomes cruise ships year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons.
Spring (Mar–May)
Shoulder season brings mild weather and fewer crowds. Ships arrive 2–4 times per week. Perfect for walking tours of Valletta and Mdina.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Peak cruise season with daily arrivals. Expect hot weather and busy streets. Book shore excursions and restaurant tables well in advance.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Still busy with 3–5 ships per week. Sea is warm for Blue Lagoon trips. October is one of the best months for a cruise stop — warm but not sweltering.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Quieter season with 1–2 ships per week. Some outdoor attractions have reduced hours, but Valletta's museums and churches are open year-round.
Where to Eat Near Valletta Cruise Port
Top-rated restaurants within walking distance of the cruise terminal — perfect for a leisurely lunch on your port day.
Valletta Waterfront
Restaurants right at the cruise terminal — Italian, Mediterranean and seafood with harbour views.
Browse restaurantsValletta City Centre
From casual cafés to fine dining, all within a 10–15 minute walk from the port.
Browse restaurantsThree Cities (Birgu)
A 10-minute ferry ride to hidden gems in Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.
Browse restaurantsAbout Valletta Cruise Port
Valletta Cruise Port is Malta's main cruise terminal, located at the historic Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour. It is one of the Mediterranean's most popular cruise destinations, welcoming over 300 ship calls each year from major lines including MSC, Costa, P&O, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean.
The terminal is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city packed with baroque architecture, the magnificent St John's Co-Cathedral, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their panoramic views over the Grand Harbour. Cruise passengers can easily explore the city on foot, take a short ferry to the Three Cities, or venture further afield to Mdina, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, or the island of Gozo.
Our schedule above is updated automatically every day from the official Valletta Cruise Port timetable, so you always know exactly which ships are arriving — whether you're a cruise passenger planning your shore day or a local heading down to watch the ships sail in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cruise ships are in Malta this week?
Our live Valletta cruise port schedule above shows every ship arriving in Malta for the next 30 days, updated automatically from the Valletta Cruise Port schedule. Each entry lists the ship name and arrival date.
Where do cruise ships dock in Malta?
All cruise ships dock at the Valletta Cruise Port (Valletta Waterfront), a 10-minute walk from the centre of Valletta. From the terminal you can walk into the city, take a short shuttle, or catch a taxi or hop-on/hop-off bus.
How often is the Malta cruise schedule updated?
The schedule is refreshed automatically every day from the official Valletta Cruise Port timetable, so the list above always reflects the latest confirmed arrivals for the coming month.
What can I do in Malta during a cruise stop?
It depends on how long your ship stays. For a 2–3 hour stop, walk Valletta or take the 3 Cities ferry. For 4–5 hours add Mdina or a Blue Lagoon cruise. For 6+ hours you can do a full Gozo tour or hire a private boat. See our Malta Shore Excursions guide for full details.
Can I book Malta tours independently as a cruise passenger?
Yes — and you'll usually pay 30–50% less than booking through the cruise line. Guided walking tours, Blue Lagoon cruises, and Mdina tours are all easy to book independently and can be timed to fit your port stop.
What is the best month for a cruise to Malta?
The Malta cruise season runs year-round, but the peak months are May to October. September and October are ideal — the weather is still warm, the sea is perfect for Blue Lagoon trips, and the summer crowds have thinned. Spring (March–May) is also excellent for sightseeing with mild temperatures and fewer ships in port.
How far is Valletta city centre from the cruise port?
Valletta city centre is a flat 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal along the waterfront. You can also take a 5-minute bus ride, a taxi (about €10), or the ferry to the Three Cities from the nearby ferry terminal.
Which cruise lines visit Valletta, Malta?
Major cruise lines including MSC, Costa, P&O, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, TUI Cruises, AIDA, and Viking Ocean Cruises all include Valletta on their Mediterranean itineraries. The port receives over 300 ship calls per year.
Can I visit Gozo or Comino during a cruise stop in Malta?
Yes, if your ship stays 6+ hours. The ferry to Gozo takes 25 minutes from Ċirkewwa (a 45-minute drive from Valletta), and Blue Lagoon cruises to Comino depart from Sliema and Buġibba. For shorter stops, stick to Valletta and the Three Cities.
Is there free WiFi at Valletta Cruise Port?
Yes — free public WiFi is available at the Valletta Waterfront cruise terminal. Connection can be patchy during peak times when multiple ships are in port, so many passengers use ship WiFi or buy a local SIM/eSIM before disembarking.
How many cruise ships visit Malta each year?
Valletta Cruise Port receives over 300 ship calls per year, bringing approximately 700,000 to 1 million cruise passengers to Malta. The busiest months are May through October, with multiple ships arriving on the same day during peak summer weeks.
Can I walk from the cruise port into Valletta?
Yes — it's a flat 10-minute walk along the waterfront from the cruise terminal to Valletta's city gate. No shuttle or transport is needed for able-bodied passengers. The route is paved, signposted, and offers views of the Grand Harbour.
What is there to do near Valletta cruise port?
Within walking distance of the terminal: the Valletta Waterfront restaurants, the Upper Barrakka Gardens (5 min), St John's Co-Cathedral (12 min), the Grand Master's Palace (15 min), and the Three Cities ferry (10 min). For longer stops, Mdina is a 20-minute drive and the Blue Lagoon is a 45-minute boat trip.
What time do cruise ships arrive in Valletta?
Most cruise ships arrive early morning, between 6:00 and 9:00 AM, and depart in the late afternoon or early evening (4:00–7:00 PM). Some ships stay overnight — check the schedule above for your ship's date. If you want to watch the ships sail in, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer the best free viewpoint.
Is there luggage storage at Valletta cruise port?
There is no dedicated luggage storage facility inside the cruise terminal. However, some passengers leave bags at their hotel or use left-luggage services in Valletta. If your ship departs late, ask your cruise line about late checkout or onboard bag storage.
Do I need euros in Malta, or can I use my card?
Malta uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in Valletta, but it's worth carrying some cash for small purchases, taxis, and ferry tickets. ATMs are available at the cruise terminal and throughout the city.
Do people speak English in Malta?
Yes — English is an official language alongside Maltese, and everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry speaks it fluently. You will have no language difficulties as an English-speaking cruise passenger.
Can I get a hop-on hop-off bus from Valletta cruise port?
Yes — hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses depart from the Valletta bus terminus, a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. They cover the north (Mdina, Rabat, Mosta) and south (Three Cities, Blue Grotto) routes. Tickets cost around €20–25 for a 24-hour pass.