3 Island Cruise onboard Faith

Three islands, one boat day in the sun.

This 8 to 9 hour 3-island cruise from Sliema is a simple way to see Malta from the water, with live onboard commentary and enough time in each stop to actually enjoy it. I also like how the boat is built for comfort, with shaded areas, plus showers and air-conditioned space when you need a breather. One thing to consider, though, is that the drinks situation can feel unclear in practice, even though the package says beer and wine with lunch.

You’ll start at the Sliema Ferries Terminal at 9:00 am and plan for a day that blends short bay time with one longer swim-focused stretch at the Blue Lagoon area. The best part is the mix: coast views, then your feet in warm water. If you’re hoping for a nonstop parade of famous sights close up, keep your expectations realistic, since the timing and the sea conditions can affect what you can see well from the boat.

Key Points Before You Go

• Live commentary during the cruise makes the scenery easier to place, even when the narration is fast
• Onboard comfort matters in Malta heat, with shaded seating, showers, and air-conditioned areas
• Blue Lagoon stop is your big swim window, giving you the longest time to float and snorkel
• Lunch is included, and it’s more than a token snack, with a proper meal like a Maltese platter
• The boat capacity stays manageable, and most days feel less crowded than you might fear
• Weather and swell can change the plan, so some close-to-shore views and shorter transfers may not happen

Sliema to the Faith: Getting On and Settling In

Your day begins at the Sliema Ferries Terminal. You get going at 9:00 am, and the experience runs about 8 to 9 hours total. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the cruise is offered in English, so you can follow the story of the coast without hunting for translations.

The boat itself, the Faith, is where the day either feels relaxing or stressful. Based on the way people describe the onboard setup, it’s not a cramped cattle boat. There are big areas to sit in the shade, which matters when the sun in Malta can go from fine to intense fast. There are also showers and an air-conditioned section so you can cool off after you swim.

Plan to pack like you’re going to the beach. There’s swimming time, and you won’t want to be scrambling for a swimsuit when you hear you have a quick window to jump in. Some people found the swimming stop short enough that having your swim gear ready on you makes a difference.

Malta and Gozo Bays: Two Short Stops That Still Feel Worth It

The itinerary has two main bay stops, one in Malta and one on Gozo. Each is about 1 hour, and admission tickets for those stops are listed as free. This is the kind of timing that works if you want a taste without losing your whole day on shore.

At these bay stops, think of it as sea-time plus legs-on-the-ground time. You can step out, breathe, take photos, and then get back to the boat when the clock moves on. It’s also a good moment to rehydrate and reset, because your longer swim stretch is still coming.

One practical note. If the sea is a little rough, you may not get the views you were hoping for. Some people reported that, in certain conditions, the cruise stays farther from shore and sights feel more distant. That doesn’t mean the day is wasted. It just means your “wow” moments may come from the water and the coastline rather than from identifying every famous spot up close.

Blue Lagoon Time at Comino: Your Best Shot for Swimming and Snorkeling

The longest stop is the Blue Lagoon area, about 3 hours. This is where the cruise’s promise of warm Mediterranean water turns into a real plan.

If you like swimming, this is your center of gravity. People talk about the water being warm for getting in and staying in. Many days you can also snorkel, and even if you don’t swim far, the change of environment makes the whole trip feel like more than just sightseeing from a deck.

Here’s the honest expectation-setting part. In peak season, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The good news is that it’s still a fun swim setting, and the atmosphere is part of the draw. The day feels more relaxed at other stops, so you’re not choosing between “crowded always” and “empty always.” You get both, depending on where you are at the time.

Also, remember the timing is limited. When you only have a few hours, you’ll want to arrive mentally ready to use that time. If you want to snorkel, give yourself a little buffer to adjust, put gear on, and then settle into the water.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort on the Faith

Lunch is included, and it’s one of the reasons this cruise works as value. People describe a hearty meal, including a Maltese platter, and the food isn’t treated like a sad afterthought. There’s also a snack bar onboard, so if you get hungry between swim windows, you’re not locked into waiting.

On drinks, the picture is a little tangled. The inclusions state that during lunchtime you get unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. But some people reported that alcohol was not provided on board, or that the unlimited idea felt restricted in practice to the lunch window, with other beverages costing extra. That kind of mismatch can happen when companies operate at slightly different rules day to day, or when staff interpret inclusions differently.

So here’s my practical advice: treat the lunch drinks as a bonus, not a guarantee of all-day party mode. If you care specifically about beer or wine, confirm the exact policy when you book. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, plan for the possibility that you’ll need to buy some drinks later.

Comfort is another win. People talk about showers, air-conditioned areas, and enough space to sit in the shade. That may sound basic, but on a full-day sea trip, it makes the difference between tolerable and actually enjoyable.

What the Onboard Commentary Helps You See (and What It Can’t)

The cruise runs with live commentary. This is part of the value because it turns the route into something you can understand, not just a moving postcard.

In practice, it helps most when you’re trying to place coast features as you pass. The commentary can also give you context for what you’re seeing offshore. People rate the day highly when they feel the narration is clear enough and the scenery is paired with explanations.

But commentary is only as good as the conditions and the delivery. Some people said the guide was hard to understand or the narration felt rushed. Others felt they missed big-name sights like Popeye’s Village and the Blue Grotto because they either didn’t get close enough to see clearly or because the boat moved on before they could lock onto where they were.

My advice: enjoy the “story” but don’t rely on it to deliver perfect, close-up views of every landmark. If you want a landmark as a must-see, add a separate plan that isn’t entirely dependent on a day at sea.

Getting Around Malta’s Coast: Boat Distance and Sea Conditions

Sea conditions matter here more than you’d think. Some days the boat can get into bays and show you the places you came for. Other days, swell can keep the cruise farther from shore, and you end up looking at the coast from a distance.

When that happens, sightseeing changes. People described situations where it was hard to see due to how far out the boat was, or where planned sights like fishing village and Popeye’s Village were missed because the route and stopping points shifted with the water. It’s not always dramatic, but it can be enough to change how satisfied you feel.

This is also why the cruise has a good-weather requirement. When weather cancels the day, you’re offered a different date or a refund, so you’re not stuck eating the cost. It’s worth keeping your plans flexible for that reason.

Time Management: The Real Key to Enjoying the Day

On a day like this, your biggest enemy is wasted time. And the cruise is built around short stops plus one longer swim period, so you’ll get more out of it if you manage your basics early.

Bring swimwear, even if you think you’ll only dip your feet. Some people said the swimming window can feel short, and once the crew opens the opportunity, you’ll want to be ready in seconds, not minutes.

Also, bring water and sunscreen from the start. Lunch is included, but you’ll still be under Malta sun for long stretches. The boat has water available, but you should still handle sun like it’s non-negotiable.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a slow morning, aim to keep your “getting-ready” routine tight the night before. Starting at 9:00 am means you want to be at the terminal without a last-minute sprint.

Price and Value: Is $90.12 a Good Deal?

At about $90.12 per person, this cruise competes as a value day trip. It works best when you make full use of what’s included: cruise time plus lunch, plus the onboard comfort that helps you actually enjoy the day instead of just enduring it.

Here’s the real math in plain terms. You’re paying for a full sea day with multiple stops and a proper meal. If you were to recreate parts of that with separate transport and paid boat time, you’d usually end up spending more.

That said, value depends on expectations. If you’re hoping for close access to specific attractions all day long, the distance-from-shore reality can undercut your satisfaction. If weather and swell change what the boat can do, you may not get the exact sights you imagined.

For many people, the cruise still feels like an excellent deal because you’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for a day that is built around swimming, coastline time, and a comfortable boat ride.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want a low-effort day with high relaxation potential. It suits couples, friends, and solo travelers who like sun-and-sea days and want an easy Malta overview without building a complicated schedule.

It also makes sense for people who like structure: timed stops, live commentary, lunch included, and clear start and end back near Sliema.

It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a strict checklist of specific places like Popeye’s Village or the Blue Grotto and need guaranteed close views. It’s also not the best match if you hate noise, because any onboard narration can feel rushed depending on day and conditions.

Should You Book the 3 Island Cruise on the Faith?

Yes, with a smart expectation.

If your goal is a comfortable boat day from Sliema with swimming time and an included lunch, this cruise is a solid choice. I like that the day gives you a mix of coast views plus a longer Blue Lagoon swim window, and the onboard facilities help you recover between water time.

Book it if you can accept that sea conditions can limit close views and that the narration quality can vary. Also, do a quick reality check on drinks: the inclusion lists beer and wine during lunch, but the experience reports suggest it may not always be delivered the same way. If alcohol matters, confirm before you go.

If you want guaranteed, close sightseeing of every famous site, you might pair this with a separate, land-based or dedicated boat option. But if you want one affordable, enjoyable day that feels like Malta from the sea, the Faith cruise is a strong bet.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

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

How long is the 3 Island Cruise onboard Faith?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

What stops are included during the cruise?

You stop in a bay in Malta (about 1 hour), a bay on Gozo (about 1 hour), and the Blue Lagoon (about 3 hours).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

During lunchtime, the inclusions list unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are also listed as available to purchase, so if alcohol is important to you, confirm the exact policy when booking.

Does the tour have live commentary?

Yes, there is live onboard commentary.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Do I need to buy admission tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets for the stops are listed as free.

Is this cruise dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.