3 Island Cruise onboard Faith

Malta looks best from the water. The 3 Island Cruise onboard Faith gives you a full day at sea, with stops in Malta, Gozo, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the mix of swimming time and coastal views, and I like that lunch, soft drinks, and round-trip cruising are built into the price. The main caution is that the route can change with sea conditions, and the advertised beer and wine may not always be available.

This is a long, easygoing day rather than a fast sightseeing trip. You will spend much of it aboard a comfortable boat, listening to commentary, eating a Maltese-style lunch, and choosing between shade, air conditioning, sunshine, or the water. At $90.12 per person, it can be good value, but only if you are happy with a relaxed cruise instead of a close-up tour of every famous coastal sight.

Key points to know before booking

• Three major stops: Plan for bays around Malta and Gozo, followed by about three hours at the Blue Lagoon.
• Swimming is central: Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have it.
• Lunch is included: A hearty Maltese platter and lunchtime drinks are part of the package.
• Drink details need checking: The included beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are advertised for lunchtime, while some departures have offered only limited soft drinks.
• Weather can reshape the route: Strong summer seas may prevent the boat from entering certain bays or reaching sights such as Popeye Village and the Blue Grotto.
• Expect a large boat: Capacity can reach 100 people for this activity, though some departures may be much quieter.

A full day aboard Faith

The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries Terminal at 9:00 am and returns there after roughly eight to nine hours. That makes this an easy choice if you are staying around Sliema and want one day that combines transport, food, sightseeing, and swimming.

The day is built around time on the boat. You are not rushing from one town to another or checking off several museums. Instead, you watch Malta’s coast pass by, listen to live commentary, and settle into the rhythm of the sea.

I like this format for a hot day. You can find a shaded place to sit, use the air-conditioned areas when the sun gets strong, and take advantage of onboard showers after swimming. The boat also has a snack bar, which matters during a long day when lunch is served at only one point in the schedule.

The size of the group may vary. The activity allows up to 100 people, but one departure had only 31 passengers, leaving plenty of room. You should be prepared for a fuller boat in the busy summer period, especially when the Blue Lagoon is at its most popular.

The Malta bay stop, about one hour

The first planned stop is in a bay around Malta, with about an hour available. This gives you a chance to swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the water from the boat.

The exact bay matters less than the weather. Some departures have been unable to get close to the intended coastal sights because of swell. That can mean viewing places such as fishing villages, Popeye Village, or the Blue Grotto from farther out than expected, or passing them quickly.

This is the first point where you should set realistic expectations. The cruise is not a dedicated Blue Grotto trip, Popeye Village trip, or harbor sightseeing tour. The route provides a broad look at Malta from offshore, but the boat may not stop directly beside every attraction named in the wider coastal commentary.

The live narration adds context as you cruise. Still, the guide or captain may speak quickly, and the audio can be difficult to understand at times. I would treat the commentary as a useful extra rather than the main reason to book.

The one-hour stop can feel short if you need time to change, swim, and dry off. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you do not waste your water time in a changing queue. Also bring a waterproof bag for anything you take near the edge of the boat.

Gozo’s quieter bay, about one hour

The second planned stop is in a bay around Gozo, also for about an hour. This is often the calmer part of the day, especially compared with Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Gozo gives you a change of scenery without requiring a separate ferry or land transfer. From the water, you get a different view of the island’s shore and can spend time swimming in a less crowded setting.

The schedule allows about an hour, so this is still a swim stop rather than a proper Gozo visit. You will not have time for inland villages, churches, or a broad tour of the island. If you want to explore Gozo on foot, book a separate day for that.

The quieter setting is a real advantage. You can get into the water without the same crush found at the Blue Lagoon, and you may prefer this stop if your main goal is swimming rather than taking photographs among large crowds.

One warning: descriptions of the stops can sound more scenic than the actual view from the boat. You may spend part of the cruise looking at cliffs and shore from a distance. That is pleasant, but it is not the same as landing at a coastal village or walking through a famous site.

Three hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The longest stop is the Blue Lagoon, with about three hours scheduled there. This is the centerpiece of the day and the place where you have the most freedom.

You can swim in the warm Mediterranean water, snorkel, sit in the sun, or remain aboard and enjoy the view. Three hours gives you enough time to do more than take a quick dip, although the actual experience depends heavily on the season and crowd levels.

In July, the Blue Lagoon can be extremely busy. The water remains beautiful, but the shore and swimming area may feel crowded. If you dislike packed summer beaches, the earlier Malta and Gozo stops may be more enjoyable.

The Blue Lagoon is also not always the same experience from one departure to another. Conditions at sea can force the boat to change its route or reduce time in certain areas. In some cases, the schedule has shifted toward two offshore swimming stops and a Blue Lagoon visit rather than close approaches to the advertised coastal sights.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it, since the included features mention swimming and snorkeling but do not promise rental gear. The boat provides showers, which are helpful after the saltwater stop. You should also carry sunscreen, a hat, and water for the hours outside the boat.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard comfort

Lunch is included, and the meal has received strong praise. It is described as a hearty Maltese platter with a good range of choices, rather than a token snack. That adds real value to an eight or nine-hour outing.

The included lunchtime drinks are listed as beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. However, you should clarify this point before departure. One departure did not provide alcohol onboard, and soft drinks were limited to the lunch period. Outside that window, canned drinks may cost extra.

That difference matters because the tour price makes the drink package sound more generous than it may be in practice. If beer or wine is important to you, do not assume it will be available throughout the day. Budget for paid drinks unless the operator confirms the current arrangement.

The boat’s facilities help make the long schedule manageable. You have air-conditioned areas, outdoor seating, showers, and a snack bar. These are not minor details in Malta’s summer heat. A cruise that looks attractive in the morning can become tiring by midafternoon if there is nowhere to cool down or rinse off.

The onboard service is generally friendly. The crew has been praised for being helpful and welcoming, and the food is one of the strongest parts of the day. The less consistent element is communication about schedule changes, route limits, and drinks.

What the commentary can and cannot do

Live commentary is included as the boat moves around the islands. It gives you a running explanation of the coast and helps turn a simple boat ride into a sightseeing trip.

The main weakness is clarity. The guide or captain may rush the narration, and some passengers find the sound system or language difficult to follow. I would sit where you can hear the speakers clearly and avoid treating the commentary as a detailed guided tour.

If you want close views of specific places, such as the Blue Grotto or Popeye Village, choose a specialist excursion instead. This cruise covers a lot of water and several islands, so the sights are sometimes viewed from a distance.

That is not necessarily a flaw. The value here is the combination of transportation, open-water views, food, and swimming. It is a broad coastal overview, not an intimate look at every famous location.

Value at $90.12 per person

At $90.12, the price includes the cruise, local taxes, lunch, live commentary, and lunchtime drinks. You also get a full day on the water and access to onboard facilities.

I consider that fair value for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and transport. The price looks especially good on a quiet departure with a friendly crew, a tasty meal, and useful swimming time.

The value weakens if your main purpose is seeing named sights up close. If rough seas keep the boat away from the coast, you may spend much of the day cruising past cliffs and shore. You still receive a full boat outing, but not necessarily the close sightseeing experience suggested by the route.

There is also a separate charge for the cave tour by powerboat. That is not included, so check the price before agreeing to it. Alcoholic drinks may also cost extra, depending on the departure.

The activity has an overall rating of 3.1 from 60 ratings, which fits the mixed picture. The best days deliver good food, warm water, pleasant staff, and comfortable seating. The weaker days involve route changes, unclear communication, missed drop-offs, or disappointment over the drink promise.

Practical details for a smoother day

You meet at Sliema Ferries Terminal at 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Some transportation arrangements have been late, so allow extra time and confirm the exact meeting instructions before the morning of departure.

The cruise is offered in English. Commentary may be hard to follow, so you will get more from it if you sit near the audio system and listen during quieter moments.

Pack for a swimming day:

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Waterproof pouch for valuables
• Snorkeling equipment, if you own it
• Extra money for snacks, paid drinks, or the powerboat cave tour

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend Faith to you if you want one simple day that combines Malta’s coast, Gozo, Comino, lunch, and swimming. It suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers to relax on a boat rather than organize several separate excursions.

It is also a good fit if you value comfort. Air-conditioned areas, showers, shaded seating, and a snack bar make a long day easier, especially when the sun is intense.

I would be more cautious if you are booking mainly to see the Blue Grotto, Popeye Village, fishing villages, or other named sights at close range. Sea conditions can alter the route, and the commentary may not clearly explain every change. I would also confirm the drink policy if included beer and wine are important to you.

FAQ

Where does the 3 Island Cruise begin and end?

It begins at Sliema Ferries Terminal in Sliema, Malta, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight to nine hours.

Which islands are included?

The planned route includes stops around Malta, Gozo, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The scheduled Blue Lagoon stop lasts about three hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the cruise price, along with local taxes and live commentary.

Are drinks included?

Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are listed as included during lunchtime. Alcoholic drinks may also be available to purchase, and drink availability can vary, so confirm the current policy before departure.

Is the cave tour by powerboat included?

No. The cave tour by powerboat is not included in the cruise price.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the 3 Island Cruise onboard Faith?

Book it if your ideal Malta day means warm water, a filling lunch, open-air views, and plenty of time aboard a boat. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, comfortable facilities, good meal, and chance to swim at both quieter bays and the Blue Lagoon.

Skip it if you need a precise sightseeing route or close views of every famous coastal attraction. Before paying, confirm the current drink policy and ask if the planned route includes the bays you most want to see. With those expectations set, this can be a pleasant and reasonably priced day on the Mediterranean.