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Sea: Calm
Weather: Hot
Every Thursday, Azura returns to Valletta for a turnaround day. She sails three different routes on rotation – one to France & Italy, another around the Aegean Sea and the third route was sailing down the Adriatic coast. This was our opportunity to explore Valletta as we wouldn’t have any time on the day we disembarked.
Azura was already in port when we got up and luggage was being unloaded and coaches lined up to take passengers to the airport. We headed to breakfast before heading off to explore Valletta before it got too hot.
To reach the town centre, you needed to walk along the harbour front until you reach a rickety lift which takes you up to the town.
Jon looked distinctly nervous when he spotted the lift. However, it was either a case of using it or wandering around until we found some steps to climb!
It cost a couple of Euros each to use the lift.
Once you get out the lift, you are treated to some fabulous view across the harbour and of Azura.
The city is pretty stunning and you can see why it’s become popular with location directors as a backdrop to films. It featured heavily in one of the Jurassic World films, Napolean, Murder on the Orient Express and also the last James Bond film. Close to the where the cruise ships dock, the set for Gladiator II was being built.
Malta has a very proud history and the courage of the island during World War 2 earnt the grateful thanks of the UK and the USA.
The main square in Valletta facing the Grandmasters Palace. On the walls of the square are two plaques; both replicas of messages sent to them by King George VI and Franklin D Roosevelt, thanking the country for their heroism and bravery throughout World War 2. Malta is the only country to receive the George Cross in recognition of this – the symbol now features on Malta’s flag.
We wandered around the lanes – they were narrow with buildings rising 3 or 4 storeys high, offering a little shade from the sun until it was directly overhead.
We headed back to the ship and had a late lunch in the buffet
We were back in the Main Dining Room for Dinner this evening. Jon and Callum had the Goulash Soup for starters whilst I had the Asian Platter (really good). For mains, Callum had the Beef Rump whilst Jon and I had the Garlic Tiger Prawns with Orzo. Apple Crumble with Custard had Callum’s name on it. Jon went Ice Cream and it was cheese again for me.
Down to Brodies this evening for the Back 2 School Quiz. We scored 17/20 – whilst the winners got an impressive 19/20.
