Day 319/17. Entering the Grand Harbour, Valletta

The Norwegian Spirit cruise ship passing the Siege Bell on her way into the Grand Harbour, Valletta.
The Siege Bell is situated near the Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, and is a Memorial to the people who died on Malta during World War II. Malta was severely bombed by the Axis powers during the war, being hit by a greater number and a higher tonnage of enemy bombs than London during the blitz.
The massive bell is rung at noon daily and is shown in todays extra picture.
Cruise ships are very regular, year around visitors to Valletta, bringing thousands of tourists presumably spending many thousands of euros and boosting the small island's coffers. The Grand Harbour certainly must be a spectacular port of arrival during a cruise.