Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela yesterday Monday 1st June, 2020 revealed that both airport and ports due to COVID-19 restrictions will reopen so that means that Malta-Sicily run operated by Virtu Ferries will be done again.
Health and safety of the passengers remain the utmost priority and soon over 20 new safety mandatory measures will be introduced to be put in place as from the first of July.
In fact Virtu Ferries decided to make 40% of her seating capacity unavailable for the foreseeable future. This decision will ensure that everyone aboard has sufficient space to stay socially distanced. While this means that passenger capacity is decreased, the health and safety of the passengers remain top priority.
As usual non sense comments are being seen and Unfortunately, the re-introduction of the service has coincided exactly with the beginning of the high season, when seasonal prices are always higher. In my opinion, Virtu Ferries have been very prudent in the price increase given the seats they have to leave empty due to social distancing. They are also to be commended for not applying the €20 increase to the period from 18/7 to 31/08. Those who wish to travel at lower rates can always avoid the high season and travel in the period from October to June when the prices are not peak season ones. Also, it is normal for Virtu to introduce special rates like for travel in September or for travel on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which they have been doing over the years, as also the fantastic family offer where children under 14 pay only €23 return. Try to match that by air. The return fare for those under 26 years of age is a very decent €55 return per person. It is very easy to shout about with claims of “isthu” and “hallelin” but I strongly feel that one should be realistic that COVID-19 social distancing measures do not come free but come at a price.
Contact Virtu Ferries on Tel: + 356 22069022 – Email [email protected] – www.virtuferries.com
Thank you to our doctors, nurses, other health professionals and all those who are risking their own lives to save ours. Everyone at Virtu Ferries is eternally grateful to you all for putting the public interest before yours.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Tuesday 2nd June, 2020
