A boat day in Malta beats the bus. You get live English commentary as you cruise the coast, plus swim-and-snorkel time in warm Mediterranean water with lunch and drinks built into the price. The main thing to plan for is that the schedule and how close you get to the famous sights can shift with sea conditions and crowd levels.

For my money, the sweet spot here is simple: you’re paying for a full day on the water, not a short hop, and the cruise includes a proper meal. The onboard layout also helps if you want a mix of relaxing and swimming, with areas that are shaded and air-conditioned, plus showers for after. The only drawback worth thinking about is that the narration can be hard to catch at times, and you’ll spend a lot of the day on the boat even if you mainly want shore sights.

What You’re Really Getting on the Faith Cruise

This is a 3 Island Cruise based out of Sliema, designed for an easy day on and around Comino and Gozo—without you needing a rental car or complicated connections. You leave the dock at 9:00 am from Sliema Ferries Terminal and return back to the same meeting point.

Your day is built around three water-access stops: two shorter bay visits (about an hour each) and one longer stretch at the Blue Lagoon (about 3 hours). Between those stops, the boat keeps moving and a guide provides live commentary in English. That structure is great if you like variety: looking from the water, then jumping in, then doing it again.

The boat itself is set up for comfortable cruising. You’ll find onboard showers and air-conditioned areas, which matters when the weather is warm. There’s also mention of a snack bar onboard, so if you get hungry between lunch and swimming, you’re not completely stuck.

The price—$90.12 per person—is only “worth it” if you really want a full day on the water with lunch and transport handled. If your priority is only walking around towns, you may feel like you’re paying for time mostly spent afloat.

Key Points Before You Go

• Live English commentary keeps the cruise from feeling like just a ferry ride.
• Two 1-hour bay stops give you quick swims and a break from sitting.
• About 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon is the main event; go in prepared for busy waters.
• Lunch is included, and the drink offer is tied to lunchtime.
• Comfort features like air-conditioned areas and showers help make the swim portions easier.

Sliema Morning: Starting Your Day Where It Matters

The meeting point is Sliema Ferries Terminal in Sliema. Departure is listed for 9:00 am, so plan to arrive a bit early. It’s a common situation in Malta that ferry terminals get busy, and you don’t want to start your day rushing.

This matters because your time on the water is the whole point. Once you’re underway, the boat day works like a rhythm: cruise, stop, swim, reset, and repeat. If you show up stressed, you’ll feel it later.

Also, the cruise includes round-trip transport (as part of the value pitch), so you’re not cobbling together extra tickets for getting to the dock and back. That’s a real cost saver if you’re staying further from the harbor.

The Route: Malta Bay, Gozo Bay, then the Blue Lagoon

Your day is paced with three stops:

Stop 1: Malta Bay (about 1 hour)

You pull into a bay around Malta for roughly one hour. The value of this stop is that it’s a low-commitment “try the water” moment. If you’re traveling with people who aren’t sure they’ll swim much, this short first stop lets them get comfortable without losing half the day.

What to expect: you’ll likely spend much of that hour deciding whether to swim, find a good spot to snorkel, or just relax while the boat is moored. If you want photos, this is also a good window because you’re closer to shore than during the longer cruise stretches.

Possible drawback: if your main goal is specific landmarks on the coast, a bay stop doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get dramatic close-up views of everything you’ve heard about.

Stop 2: Island of Gozo Bay (about 1 hour)

Next up is another bay stop, this time on Gozo, again around one hour. This is where the cruise starts to feel like an island-hopping experience rather than a single destination day.

Gozo tends to be visually different from the main island, and coming in by boat is one way to appreciate that. You’ll get a chance to swim again, which helps if you want to be active but still keep the day easy.

Key planning note: hour-long stops mean timing matters. If you’re the type who needs ten minutes to get organized, you’ll want to have swim gear ready before the boat arrives.

Stop 3: Blue Lagoon (about 3 hours)

This is the center of the day: about 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon. It’s your longest on-water stretch, and it’s also where you’ll feel the biggest crowd energy—especially in high season.

Why the extra time matters: swimming in the Blue Lagoon isn’t just about getting in the water once. You’ll likely want time to find a comfortable spot, swim a bit, take breaks, and come back when you’re ready. Three hours is enough for that kind of pacing.

The catch is that Blue Lagoon can feel busy. If you’re hoping for quiet, you’ll need patience and smart choices: plan to be in the water early or shift your breaks away from peak moments.

Swimming and Snorkeling: What to Bring and How to Use the Water Time

The cruise highlights swimming and snorkeling in warm Mediterranean waters, and the onboard setup supports it: showers and space to cool down afterward.

Here’s how I’d make the swim time work for you:

• Bring a swimsuit you can slip on quickly. Some cruises stop briefly and people lose time changing.
• Pack a towel and dry layer if you get cold after swimming.
• Use water time for photos and exploration, not for constant switching between gear. Pick a plan and stick to it.
• Snorkel readiness matters. If you snorkel, have your mask and snorkel together before you reach the stop so you’re not fighting with bags.

One practical consideration: some stops are in open water conditions, and visibility can change with wind and sea movement. If it’s rough, you may still swim, but the experience won’t feel as calm or picture-perfect.

Onboard Comfort on Faith: Showers, Air-Conditioning, and Real Space

A big part of enjoying a boat day is whether you can recover from the sun and water. On this cruise, comfort features show up where you need them: showers for after swimming, plus air-conditioned areas when the heat is intense.

You’ll also want to use shaded areas onboard if you’re sensitive to sun. Not everyone is a constant swimmer, and the boat day works best when you can switch between relaxing and jumping in.

The onboard feel is also shaped by group size. The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers, and the boat isn’t described as cramped in the comfortable-seat sense. Still, it’s a shared day, so expect some crowding during peak moments like lunch and the minutes right after arriving at Blue Lagoon.

Food and Drinks: Lunch Value (and What It Usually Means)

Food is included, including lunch, and drinks are included during lunchtime: unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are listed as part of the offer.

This is where you should be careful in your expectations. Some people can interpret “drinks included” as all day, but the included offer is tied to lunch. Outside of that, alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

So for planning: treat the alcohol as a lunchtime perk, not an all-day open bar. If you’re hoping to drink continuously from start to finish, you’ll likely end up disappointed. If you want a meal with a beer or glass of wine while you’re relaxing, this fits nicely.

Lunch itself is described as tasty and hearty, and there’s also mention of snack bar options onboard. That means you’re not stuck waiting only for a single meal window.

The Commentary: Live English, Fast Pace, and How to Follow Along

A standout feature is the live commentary on board, in English, while you cruise along the coast. This adds context and makes the time moving feel purposeful.

That said, narration can be tricky on boats—sound carries differently with wind, and some guides may be quick. My advice is practical: don’t plan to catch every single detail. Instead, use the commentary to learn the big themes—where you are, what you’re passing, and which areas are likely to show up more clearly in the day’s timing.

Also, if you care about specific sights like coastal villages or sea features, remember you’re traveling by water under real conditions. Sea state and timing affect how close the boat gets and what you can actually see clearly.

Weather and Sea State: Why Your Day Can Change

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled for poor weather, you’re offered another date or a full refund. That’s the good news.

The less fun news is that even with “good weather,” sea conditions can shift what the crew can safely do. When the water is rough, you might not get the same level of close-up viewing as you hoped from photos online. In those cases, the boat still runs as a cruise with swimming stops, but the sight details can become harder to see.

That’s why this trip is best when your mindset is: I’m here for a day on the water, not a guaranteed checklist of every landmark. If you go in expecting perfect postcard angles all day, you may get frustrated when the sea has other plans.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This cruise is a great match for:

• You want an easy group day on the water with built-in swim breaks.
• You like guided context without needing to plan bus routes.
• You’re traveling with mixed interests—some people want water time, others just want to relax in sun and shade.
• You value lunch and drinks included during lunchtime as part of the deal.

It may not be ideal if:

• You want mostly walking around towns or long shore exploration.
• You’re very strict about seeing specific named sights at close range.
• Your plan depends on always having calm water and clear visibility.

For families, couples, and friend groups, it’s a solid “choose simplicity” option.

Practical Tips That Make the Difference

A few small choices can upgrade your day fast:

• Bring swimwear in your day bag, not buried in luggage.
• Use sunscreen before you get out into the sun. Boat time adds up fast.
• Keep your phone protected—salt air and splashes are real.
• If you’re hoping to snorkel, have your gear ready and don’t waste time when the boat stops.
• Stay flexible. This is a cruise experience. Weather and sea conditions can shape what you see.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone. That saves hassle at the meeting point.

Should You Book the 3 Island Cruise on Faith?

If you want a comfortable, guided boat day with swimming, three island-area stops, and lunch included, this cruise is worth serious consideration—especially at this price point compared with piecing together separate transport and separate boat visits.

Book it if:

• You’re excited by water time (swimming and snorkeling).
• You want a guided day with live English commentary.
• Lunch matters to your budget and you like the idea of drinks during lunchtime.

Skip or rethink it if:

• Your priority is land sightseeing and long shore time.
• You need calm, guaranteed close-up views of every landmark.
• You’re sensitive to narration that may be rushed or harder to hear over boat motion.

Bottom line: this is a good-value Malta cruise if you treat it as a day on the water with a few planned stops, not a strict tour of every postcard you’ve seen.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Sliema Ferries Terminal in Sliema at 9:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours (approx.).

How many stops are included?

There are three stops: Malta Bay (about 1 hour), Gozo Bay (about 1 hour), and the Blue Lagoon (about 3 hours).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

During lunchtime, the package includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are otherwise listed as available to purchase.

Is there live commentary during the cruise?

Yes. There is live commentary onboard, offered in English.

What should I do if I want to snorkel or swim?

Plan to swim during the stop times. The highlights mention warm Mediterranean water and the boat has facilities like showers and comfort areas afterward.

What is not included?

A cave tour by powerboat is not included. Alcoholic drinks outside the included lunch offer are available to purchase.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the group size limit?

The experience lists a maximum of 100 travelers.

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