Cruise passenger movements in June this year totalled 74,239, an increase of 60 per cent over June last year.

This was the busiest June on record since 2001.

June's visits brought the total number of visits for the first six months to 201,657.

This month, a 300-metre vessel berthed at Pinto 4 and 5, a first for the company, following works at Lascaris Wharf, completed by Transport Malta.

The vessel was the Malta-registered Celebrity Solstyce, which was on its maiden call in Valletta.

Another maiden call was that made by the Star Flyer, also registered in Malta.

Another first in June was the MSC Fantasia call, the first cruise liner to call with more than 4,000 passengers on board.

On June 28, the Navigator of the Sea was diverted to Valletta from Piraeus.

On that same day, Transport Minister Austin Gatt officially launched a water taxi service from the Valletta Waterfront.