3 Island Cruise onboard Faith

The best part of this full-day cruise is the mix of coastal sightseeing and swimming time. You spend much of the day on the water, then stop in a Maltese bay, near Gozo, and at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It is a simple way to see several islands without arranging separate boat trips.

I like the comfortable boat facilities, especially the shaded seating, air-conditioned areas, showers, snack bar, and generous room to sit outside. I also like the value of having lunch, water, soft drinks, and advertised lunchtime beer and wine included. The main caution is that the sightseeing route can change with sea conditions, and the drink arrangement has not always matched what was promised.

Key points to know

• Three major water stops: Plan on a Maltese bay, a Gozo bay, and about three hours at the Blue Lagoon.
• A full day at sea: The cruise runs roughly 8 to 9 hours, beginning at 9:00 am from Sliema Ferries Terminal.
• Good facilities for a long outing: Faith has showers, air-conditioned areas, shaded seating, and a snack bar.
• Swimming is central to the day: Bring your swimsuit and towel where you can reach them before the first stop.
• Lunch is part of the price: A Maltese-style meal is served, with drinks advertised during lunchtime.
• The route is weather-sensitive: Rough water can keep the boat offshore and prevent close views of places such as Popeye Village or the Blue Grotto.

What a full day aboard Faith feels like

This is not a quick harbor ride. You are signing up for most of a day on a fairly large boat, with sightseeing between swimming stops. The cruise is aimed at people who want a relaxed day afloat rather than a tightly timed tour of Malta’s monuments.

At $90.12 per person, the price makes sense if you use the whole package: boat transport, lunch, swimming time, commentary, and access to facilities that make a long day at sea easier. It makes less sense if your main goal is to photograph specific coastal sights from close range. The boat may pass those places at a distance, or skip parts of the route when the sea is rough.

The boat has a maximum capacity of about 100 people for this activity, though the number onboard can vary. On a quiet departure, you may have plenty of room. On a busy summer sailing, the Blue Lagoon stop can feel much more crowded, even if the boat itself is comfortable.

Leaving Sliema at 9:00 am

The day begins at Sliema Ferries Terminal. The advertised departure is 9:00 am, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point after roughly 8 to 9 hours.

If you are using included transport, allow extra patience. A pickup has arrived late on some departures, and one return transfer dropped people near, rather than directly at, their hotel. The firm meeting point is the Sliema terminal, so I would treat that as the reliable start and end location.

Once aboard, you can choose between open-air seating, shaded areas, and air-conditioned sections. That choice matters in Malta, where a long day in direct sun can wear you down before the first swim. The boat also has showers, which are useful after salt water and sunscreen, plus a snack bar for purchases outside the included meal.

The live commentary is intended to explain the coast as you cruise. The quality of the narration can vary. Some passengers have found the captain or guide difficult to understand because the delivery is rushed, the audio is unclear, or both. I would treat the commentary as a useful extra, not as the main reason to book.

The first Maltese bay, about one hour

The first scheduled stop is in a bay around Malta, with about an hour set aside. This is your chance to get into the warm Mediterranean water early in the day, so keep your swimsuit, towel, and sandals handy rather than burying them in a bag.

The stop is primarily about swimming and snorkeling. It is not presented as a long land visit, and you should not expect time to explore a village or walk through a historic site. The boat remains the base, so the stop works best for anyone happy to swim from or near the vessel and enjoy the coast from the water.

One practical point matters here: the timing can feel short. A one-hour stop sounds generous, but the time includes getting ready, entering the water, swimming, and returning aboard. If swimming is important to you, move promptly when the crew announces the stop.

The conditions also affect the experience. On calm days, the boat can make better use of bays and offer clearer views. With a swell, the vessel may stay farther from shore. That can turn a close coastal look into a distant view, especially for visitors expecting to see named attractions from the deck.

Gozo’s bay and a quieter pause

The cruise then reaches a bay around Gozo, with another stop of about an hour. Gozo often feels calmer than the busiest parts of Malta, and this stop is a good change of pace from the open water and the crowds at Comino.

Again, this is a water stop rather than a full Gozo tour. You will not have time to visit the island’s inland towns or major sights. The value is the chance to swim, snorkel, and take in the coastline from the boat without arranging a separate Gozo excursion.

I especially like the structure of having more than one swimming stop. If the first bay is too busy, too choppy, or simply not your favorite, the Gozo stop gives you another chance. People who prefer to stay dry can use this time to sit in the shade, take photographs, or listen to the commentary.

The drawback is that the boat may not enter each bay as closely as you imagine. Sea conditions have caused the route to remain offshore on some departures, limiting views of fishing villages, Popeye Village, and other coastal sights. The cruise still gives you a day around the islands, but it is not a guarantee of close-up access to every famous point.

Three hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The longest stop is at the Blue Lagoon, with about three hours scheduled. This is the centerpiece for many people, and the long stay gives you time to swim, snorkel, relax, and enjoy lunch without rushing straight back onto the boat.

The water is warm and inviting in summer, and the Blue Lagoon is a natural choice for a swimming-focused day. You can spend some of the time in the water and the rest aboard Faith, using the shaded or air-conditioned areas. If you prefer not to swim, three hours may feel long, so bring something simple to read or plan to enjoy the views from the boat.

The major catch is the crowd. In July and other busy summer periods, the Blue Lagoon can be packed with boats and people. That does not erase the appeal of the water, but it changes the mood. Expect a popular swimming stop rather than a quiet corner of Comino.

The boat’s long stay here also means the day is not a nonstop sightseeing circuit. You are given time to settle in, eat, swim, and take a break. I see that as a strength for a relaxed outing, but a weakness if you want to keep moving from one landmark to another.

A separate cave tour by powerboat is not included. It is listed as an optional extra, so budget for it only if you specifically want that add-on. Do not assume the main cruise automatically includes a cave visit.

Lunch, drinks, and the important fine print

Lunch is included, and the meal has been described as a tasty Maltese platter with a good range of choices. That makes a real difference on a full-day boat trip. You do not need to leave the cruise to find food, and you can eat during the longest stop at Comino.

The published package includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks during lunchtime. However, the alcohol arrangement has been inconsistent. On at least one departure, no beer or wine was available, while soft drinks were limited to the lunch period. Other details state that alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately.

I would ask the crew at boarding exactly what is included that day. That small check can prevent a frustrating surprise. The safest expectation is that lunch and water are included, soft drinks are available during the meal, and beer or wine should be confirmed rather than assumed.

Outside lunchtime, drinks may cost extra. One account put canned soft drinks at about €2, though prices can change. Bring a little spending money for the snack bar and any optional powerboat cave trip.

Coastal views and the limits of the route

The cruise promises commentary along Malta’s coast, but you should set your expectations carefully. Faith gives you a broad view of the islands from the sea. It does not function like a close coastal sightseeing boat that pauses at every famous formation.

People hoping to see St. Peter’s Pool, Popeye Village, the Blue Grotto, or fishing villages from nearby have sometimes been disappointed. Rough water can prevent the boat from entering the best viewing areas, and some sights may pass quickly or remain far from shore.

This is where the tour’s value depends on your priorities. If you want a pleasant day on the water with swimming and lunch, the route works well. If you are booking mainly for the Blue Grotto or Popeye Village, choose a dedicated excursion that names that sight as its main destination.

The commentary can help put the coastline in context, but it may be hard to follow at times. I would enjoy it when clear and rely on the views, rather than expect a detailed guided lecture.

Comfort, swimming, and what to bring

The facilities are a strong part of the experience. Shaded seating gives you a break from the sun, air-conditioning helps during the hottest part of the day, and showers let you rinse off afterward. The snack bar is handy when you want something beyond the included meal.

Bring your swimsuit with you from the start. One complaint came from people who were not clearly told to keep swimwear accessible before a short swimming stop. You may also want a towel, sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes, and footwear that is easy to remove.

Because the day lasts most of daylight hours, comfort matters more than it would on a short harbor cruise. Sit in the shade when you need to, drink water, and remember that even a pleasant breeze does not prevent sunburn.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the sailing, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not reached.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend Faith to you if you want several swimming opportunities, prefer a slow day on the water, and like having lunch and basic drinks arranged in advance. Families, couples, and mixed groups can all find something to do because one person can swim while another stays aboard in the shade.

It also suits anyone who wants a single outing that combines Malta, Gozo, and Comino. You avoid arranging separate boat connections, and the return to Sliema keeps the day simple.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need a quiet Blue Lagoon experience, or want close views of specific coastal sights. I would also think twice if promised beer and wine are a major part of the value. Confirm that point before sailing.

The overall rating is middling, which fits the experience: the boat, meal, staff, and swimming can be very good, but route changes, hard-to-hear commentary, transport delays, and unclear drink details affect the result.

Should you book the 3 Island Cruise onboard Faith?

Book it if your ideal Malta day means sun, sea, swimming, and a filling lunch more than a checklist of landmarks. The combination of Malta, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon gives you a lot of time on the water for the price, and Faith has better comfort facilities than a basic open boat.

Skip it if you are mainly chasing Popeye Village, the Blue Grotto, or St. Peter’s Pool. For the best result, book with flexible expectations, keep your swimsuit close, ask about drinks before departure, and remember that the sea controls the route.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted, except when the operator cancels for weather or insufficient numbers.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

It begins and ends at Sliema Ferries Terminal in Sliema, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are a bay in Malta, a bay near Gozo, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about three hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are advertised during lunchtime. Alcoholic drinks may also be available for purchase, so confirm the exact arrangement with the crew before departure.

Is the cave tour included?

No. The cave tour by powerboat is not included and is offered as an optional extra.