Malta is an island country in southern Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been independent since 1964 but has been ruled at various times by the French, British, Arabs, ad Italians and more. I felt that the Italian influence was the greatest however. The architecture, especially, was very Italian.

My excursion did not leave until 1:00 so I took my time getting up and went up to the front of the ship and scored a front seat and just watched as we navigated a small entrance to the port and then backed into our mooring.

I was scheduled to kayak the Blue Grotto and this was on e of the excursions I was looking forward to the most. Supposedly, there was a big storm the night before which created hazardous conditions so the excursion was cancelled. (Funny that none of the non-NCL excursions were cancelled!) And I did not find out about the cancellation until I made my way to the meeting point at the appointed time. By the time I found out, it was too late to join any of the other excursions. I went to the Guest Services desk (because the Excursion desk was closed!!!) and they were no help at all. As I walked away, on of the agents called me back and explained a few things I could do on the island.

So I walked off the ship and made my way to the Barrakka Lift which was quite the walk. I stopped along the way an asked a “hop-on hop-off” bus tour if they had English guides and they said no so I kept walking. The Barrakka Lift brings you from sea level to the main level of the town of Valetta. Nice wide streets, cool shops, so crowded. I toured St. John’s CO-Cathedral (the CO part indicating it shares the bishops seat with another church). It was the most Baroque church I have ever seen. Not an inch of space left undecorated!!

I tried to get a lunch of a fish dish specialty but it was so crowded I didn’t fee like waiting forever. I got back to the ship and went to the main gathering area and had my first frozen Mud Slide…..where have you been all my life!!!

Dinner at the specialty restaurant Le Bistro of lamb chops and lamb shank was very good. Delicious and beautiful dessert.