3 Island Cruise onboard Faith

Malta’s 3 Island Cruise on the Faith: A Practical Guide for Travelers

When you’re exploring Malta, one of the best ways to see its coastline and the surrounding islands is by boat. The 3 Island Cruise onboard Faith offers a day-long journey along Malta’s rugged shores, stopping at some of the most beautiful spots like Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo. Priced at around $88.60 per person, this excursion lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, giving you ample time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and dip into the warm Mediterranean waters.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the live commentary — which helps orient you to the sights — and the inclusive lunch and unlimited drinks, making it a convenient, one-price adventure. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with onboard facilities like showers and air-conditioning, which can make a long day much more pleasant.

A possible drawback is that the Blue Lagoon tends to be crowded in July, and some reviews mention that the stops for swimming are shorter than hoped or not as inclusive as advertised. But if you’re after a scenic, laid-back day on the water, this cruise suits those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing, especially if you prefer a larger group with a friendly crew.

This cruise works best for travelers who want an affordable, straightforward way to see Malta’s coastline, especially if they appreciate a good meal and relaxing onboard atmosphere. It’s a solid choice for those who are willing to accept some crowding at the popular stops and are curious about the landscapes from a maritime perspective.

Key Points

• Scenic stops include the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Malta’s coast, offering diverse landscapes.
• Inclusive amenities such as lunch and unlimited drinks add value, simplifying the day.
• Comfortable onboard facilities like showers and air-conditioning make long hours more bearable.
• Live commentary provides context, helping you understand what you’re seeing.
• Crowds at Blue Lagoon can be intense, particularly in peak summer.
• Group size varies, with a maximum capacity of 130, but reviews indicate days often see fewer passengers, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

An In-Depth Look at the Malta 3 Island Cruise

Starting Point and Duration

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries Terminal at 9:00 am, a central location easily reachable from many Malta accommodations. The full trip lasts about 8 to 9 hours, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of the day on the water. This is ideal for those wanting to maximize their sightseeing without feeling rushed, but be prepared for a full day of activity.

What to Expect at the Meeting Point

The departure process seems straightforward, but a couple of reviews mention that transport can arrive late — in one case, 30 minutes behind schedule — so it’s wise to arrive a little early. The boat is described as large enough to hold up to 130 people, but some recent reviews note that they only had about 31 guests aboard, which makes the experience more intimate than the maximum.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Malta Coast (1 hour)
The cruise kicks off by hugging Malta’s coastline, providing a chance to appreciate the rugged cliffs, caves, and scenic bays. The onboard commentary, delivered live, offers insights into the sights, making it easier to visualize the history and geography behind the scenery. Some travelers point out that the commentary can be rushed or difficult to understand at times, especially if there’s background noise, but overall, it adds a helpful layer of context.

Stop 2: Island of Gozo (1 hour)
The boat anchors at a bay on Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. Here, you get a brief stop to stretch your legs, take photos, or enjoy a quick swim. Many reviews praise the quietness of this stop, compared to the crowded Blue Lagoon later in the day. You’ll have some free time to explore or relax on the boat.

Stop 3: Blue Lagoon (3 hours)
The highlight for most travelers is the Blue Lagoon — a stunning spot famous for its clear, turquoise waters. It’s no surprise that this stop tends to be busy, especially in July, with reviews noting crowding and a lively atmosphere. Here, you’re encouraged to swim or snorkel; the waters are warm and inviting. Some reviews mention that the short swimming window — only around 30 minutes — can be disappointing if you hoped for a longer dip.

Food and Drinks: What’s Included?

The cruise includes a lunch with soft drinks, water, and unlimited beer and wine during the meal. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food as a pleasant surprise — a hearty, well-prepared meal with several choices. However, some travelers express frustration that alcoholic drinks are not available onboard outside of lunch, despite some descriptions suggesting they might be.

You’ll find onboard showers and air-conditioned areas, offering comfort after swimming or during the midday heat. These amenities help make the long day more enjoyable, especially if you’re not used to being on a boat all day.

The Crew and Commentary

Multiple reviews commend the friendly crew, describing them as attentive and welcoming. The live commentary, provided by the guide (sometimes unnamed), is often praised, though some mention the narration can be rushed or hard to understand at times, especially if there’s background noise.

The Crowds and Overall Atmosphere

While the boat can transport up to 130 people, many days see fewer guests — some reviews mention only about 31 onboard — which creates a more relaxed environment. Expect a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends, all sharing the scenic views and a day of sun.

Cost-Value Analysis

At $88.60, the cruise offers a solid value, considering the included lunch, drinks, and transportation. Compared to paying for separate boat rides, meals, and activities, this package simplifies planning and often saves money, especially for travelers who enjoy a social, all-in-one experience.

Possible Drawbacks

The main concern from reviews is the crowding at Blue Lagoon, which can diminish the sense of serenity and make swimming or relaxing more difficult. Plus, some passengers find the narration a bit rushed or hard to follow, and others mention that certain stops were less accessible or less engaging than expected, especially when weather conditions didn’t cooperate (e.g., swell preventing entry into some bays).

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This cruise is best suited for travelers seeking a cost-effective, full-day adventure along Malta’s coast, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy scenic views. It’s ideal if you’re happy with a larger group environment and don’t mind some crowding at the popular Blue Lagoon. Families, couples, or friends looking for a relaxed day with good food and friendly service will find this experience enjoyable.

If your priority is quiet, secluded spots or longer snorkeling windows, you might find the stops a bit brief. However, if you enjoy guided commentary and a social atmosphere, this cruise delivers in both respects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cruise, lunch, soft drinks, water, and unlimited beer and wine during lunch. It also includes local taxes and round-trip transport from the meeting point.

Can I bring my own drinks?
The tour provides soft drinks, water, and alcohol only during the meal. Additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard.

How long are the swimming stops?
The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 3 hours, but some reviews say the actual swimming window is only 30 minutes, which might feel short for those wanting extended time in the water.

Does the cruise operate in all weather?
Yes, but if poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Be aware that rough seas can sometimes limit access to certain bays.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, the boat’s facilities and stops are outdoor and may require some walking or maneuvering, so consider mobility needs.

What’s the group size?
The maximum capacity is 130, but recent experiences suggest fewer guests, creating a more relaxed environment.

Are there any extra costs?
Optional alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and the cave tour by powerboat are available for purchase, but these are not included in the base price.

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 9:00 am from Sliema Ferries Terminal and lasts roughly 8 to 9 hours, returning to the starting point in the late afternoon.

In brief, the Malta 3 Island Cruise on Faith offers a well-rounded, value-packed day out on the water, especially for those who prioritize scenic views, good food, and a friendly atmosphere. While it may not satisfy travelers seeking total tranquility or long swimming sessions, it provides a lively, enjoyable way to see Malta’s coast and islands without breaking the bank.