Three bays, one long swim day. This 3 Island Cruise on the Faith is built for cruising comfort and Mediterranean water time, with onboard live commentary and a proper lunch stop. I also like that the itinerary keeps things simple: short bays in Malta and Gozo, then a longer Blue Lagoon window. One thing to watch: the drink inclusions can feel inconsistent in practice, especially if you’re expecting alcohol beyond lunchtime.

You’ll meet at Sliema Ferries Terminal and spend most of the day between shaded boat time and swimming/snor keling. The ship includes practical comforts like air-conditioned areas and showers, which makes the whole day feel easier in heat. If you’re hoping for very specific sights like Popeye-style stops, keep your expectations flexible around weather and sea conditions.

5 Key Points Before You Board the Faith

• Short Malta + Gozo bay stops (about 1 hour each) keep the day moving and focused on water time
• 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon gives you enough time to swim without feeling rushed
• Onboard comfort includes showers and air-conditioned spaces, great if you burn in the sun
• Lunch is included with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks during lunchtime
• Live English commentary adds context as you cruise the coast (though you may need patience with audio)

A Malta–Gozo Day That Really Centers on Swimming

This is a “get out on the water” kind of cruise, not a strict sightseeing tour with nonstop shore stops. The core idea is simple: a cruise along Malta’s coast with a swim-and-snorkel rhythm, plus a longer beach-water moment at the Blue Lagoon.

That simplicity is a plus for most people. You’re not spending hours on buses or hiking. You’re on a comfortable boat, in and out of the water, with lunch taken care of.

Meeting at Sliema Ferries and What the 9:00 Start Means

You start at Sliema Ferries Terminal, with departure at 9:00 am. The overall duration runs about 8 to 9 hours, and the trip ends back at the meeting point.

A morning start matters here. You’ll beat some of the midday crowds at the big swim stop, and you’ll also have an easier time enjoying the boat’s facilities before the day heats up.

If you’re the type who likes to stretch, grab a late-ish breakfast before you head out, and plan to rehydrate throughout the day. Even with included drinks at lunch, you’ll likely want water between swims.

Stop 1 in Malta: A Bay Stop That’s Mostly for a Quick Reset

The first stop is a Bay in Malta for about 1 hour, and there’s no admission ticket required for this stop. In a cruise like this, an hour onshore or in the bay is often about doing the basics: swim, take photos, walk a bit if it’s available, then head back to the boat.

This is a good place to treat as a warm-up. If you snorkel, you’ll get your “first try” in before the bigger Blue Lagoon swim window.

One practical note: bring your swimsuit and towel ready to go. The rhythm of the day often leaves little time for changing later.

Stop 2 on Gozo: Another Bay, Another Chance to Cool Off

Next up is Island of Gozo, with another 1 hour in a bay. Again, admission is included (ticket free).

Gozo can feel quieter than the main Malta coastline from the water. With only about an hour, don’t expect a full island experience—think of it as a bonus swim and scenery break.

If you like photography, this is where you can catch different angles of coast and cliffs compared with the Malta stop. Keep an eye on where you sit on the boat, too. Better views aren’t just luck; they come from choosing the right side and staying aware as you cruise.

Blue Lagoon for 3 Hours: The Best Part, Plus the Reality Check

The star stop is the Blue Lagoon, with about 3 hours there. No admission ticket is required, and this is the window designed for proper swimming and snorkeling.

Three hours sounds long because it is. It gives you time to:

• swim more than once
• snorkel without rushing
• take a breather out of the sun
• grab lunch on board and then return to the water

The catch is crowding. In peak summer months, the Blue Lagoon can get busy, and you may find it harder to pick the perfect swim spot. Still, the longer time makes it worth it for most people.

If you want quieter water, aim to swim early in that 3-hour window. Then hang out on the boat in the shade in between.

Onboard Facilities: Showers and A/C Save the Day

This cruise earns points for practical comfort. The ship has showers, plus air-conditioned areas where you can cool down before you fry again.

That matters more than it sounds. After hours in sun and salt water, having a way to rinse off makes the return trip feel civilized. You don’t have to end the day smelling like the Mediterranean and wearing wet swimwear.

There are also shaded areas for lounging, so you’re not forced to spend the entire cruise standing in the sun. You can do a mix: swim, snorkel, relax, repeat.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Value Math of the $90 Price

The price is $90.12 per person, and the value comes from what’s included:

• Lunch
• Unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks during lunchtime
• Live commentary
• Round-trip cruise elements, plus local taxes

That’s the key point: you’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for a full day out at sea with a meal built in, plus drink options during lunch.

Now, the caution. Even when a package lists included alcohol during lunch, some people report their onboard experience didn’t match expectations. If alcohol is important to your plan, assume the safe move is to treat included drinks as a lunchtime perk, not a guarantee that you’ll be able to order the exact mix you want the entire day.

If you want to play it extra safe, budget a little extra for purchases, just in case the onboard setup on your specific sailing isn’t what you imagined.

Live Commentary in English: Helpful, But Plan for Audio Quirks

You’ll get live commentary on board in English as you cruise along Malta’s coast. For many people, that’s the difference between a random boat day and a day with context.

Still, commentary quality can vary with sound levels, accents, and ship movement. If you don’t catch everything, it’s not the end of the world—you can still enjoy the scenery and the stops.

My advice: treat the narration like extra credit. Use it to learn a few place names and coastline details, then spend your main attention on where you are and what you’re doing.

Sea Conditions Can Change the Day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are rough, the operator may need to adjust what’s possible during the day to keep it safe and comfortable.

That means you should plan for a cruise-day mindset. Even if the itinerary lists specific stop timing, you can’t control wind, swell, and timing once you’re out there.

If you’re someone who only books tours for very specific shore sights, bring flexibility. This cruise is built around the water, bays, and the Blue Lagoon. The best “success” on this trip is when you lean into what you can control: swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the coast from the deck.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a strong choice if you want:

• an easy day trip that doesn’t require planning a shore itinerary
• a mix of boat time and real swim time
• onboard comfort like A/C and showers
• a included lunch that keeps costs predictable

It’s less ideal if you’re expecting a tight, shore-heavy sightseeing day. With bay stops of about 1 hour each and one main water stop, the tour is more about atmosphere and swimming than checking off lots of landmarks.

It also helps if you’re comfortable sharing space at popular swim spots like the Blue Lagoon in high season.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

A few moves will make this day smoother:

• Pack your swimsuit and towel so you can get in fast.
• Bring sunscreen and reapply after each swim.
• If you care about alcohol, treat lunchtime as the main included window and keep a small buffer for purchases.
• Have patience for the day’s rhythm. This kind of cruise runs on timing, tides, and sea conditions.

Also, note that the cruise is set up for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Should You Book the 3 Island Cruise on the Faith?

If you want a fun, mostly low-stress day built around swimming—especially with 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon—this is an easy yes for the right traveler. The price feels fair when you factor in the boat day plus lunch and drinks during lunchtime, and the onboard extras like showers and A/C make it more comfortable than many “cheap boat trips.”

I’d hesitate only if you’re booking for very specific shore sights and need everything to go perfectly, or if you’re sensitive to how onboard inclusions and audio narration work in practice. For everyone else, this is a solid way to see Malta and Gozo from the water without turning your vacation into a schedule.

FAQ

What time does the Faith cruise start, and where do I meet?

The cruise starts at 9:00 am at Sliema Ferries Terminal in Sliema, Malta.

How long is the 3 Island Cruise?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Which stops are included?

You’ll stop at a bay in Malta, a bay in Gozo, and then the Blue Lagoon.

How long do you spend at each stop?

You’ll spend about 1 hour at the Malta bay, 1 hour at the Gozo bay, and about 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

During lunchtime, the tour includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase as well, but the included alcohol is tied to lunchtime.

Do I need to buy admission tickets for the stops?

No. The admission tickets for the listed stops are free.

Is there live commentary, and what language is it in?

Yes. There is live commentary on board in English.

What kind of weather does the cruise require?

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 is the latest time I can cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the start time for a full refund.