In the 1860s, Orazio Mifsud set up a ship chandler business in Valletta's Grand Harbor. His grandson Silvio, Neville's father, established his own shipping agency, Mifsud & Sons, in 1950. In the early 1960s, Neville recognized the growing importance of travel and tourism, and developed this area.
'Under our father's leadership, SMS Group identified the necessary fields ... and is considered one of Malta's earliest pioneers for outgoing and incoming travel and tourism. His foresight saw the potential for what we have become today,' said his younger son, Sam Mifsud, co-managing director — with his brother Simon — of SMS Group, and responsible for the travel and tourism businesses.
'Great man, father and leader'
He called Neville a 'great man, father and leader.'
In the mid 1990s, they traveled to Florida to bid for the business of Norwegian Cruise Line. Winning that, SMS International Shore Operations was born in 1996, first operating turnarounds at the UK's Port of Dover.
The company thrived, adding services and clients. SMS ventured across the Atlantic in 2011 and set up headquarters for SMS International Shore Operations at PortMiami. The following year, the company began serving all NCL ships in Miami.
Today SMS International Shore Operations provides port agency, turnaround and shore excursions services at the leading cruise homeports.
Clients have included AIDA Cruises, Costa, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, Virgin Voyages and The World Residences at Sea. Stateside, Sam Mifsud estimated the company handles more than half of the cruise turnarounds, with operations at Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and, in Canada, Vancouver, BC.
Besides cruise operations, travel and tourism, SMS Group is involved in Insurance, logistics, real estate, corporate services, conference/incentive travel and an English language school.
Even after retiring as SMS Group chairman, Neville Mifsud remained actively involved in operations and consulted for his sons, the board and current Chairman Lawrence Gonzi, a former prime minister of Malta.
'The light in the room that everyone flocked to'
'I was lucky enough to spend time with him and he was the light in the room that everyone flocked to,' said Christopher Blanchard, EVP global operations, SMS International Shore Operations. 'Along with a great sense of humor, he made everyone feel special.'
In a note to employees, Sam Mifsud said: 'It is hard to say goodbye to someone who impacted our lives. The greatest tribute we could pay to Mr. Mifsud is to continue to be the best shore operations company in the world by caring for our clients and each other as a family.'
Besides his sons, Neville Mifsud is survived by his wife Aida, brother Adrian, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Services April 11
A funeral mass is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ibragg Parish Church, followed by interment at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, which cares for people with disabilities.
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