Sliema: 3-Islands Cruise with Buffet Lunch and Drinks

Blue Lagoon color hits fast. This full-day 3-Islands cruise from Sliema mixes scenic cliff cruising with real swim time on a Turkish gullet called Faith. You leave at 10:30, cruise close to shore for those Malta viewpoints, and then spend your day hopping between bays.

I especially like the panoramic pace. You get long stretches where the sea, cliffs, and coastline keep changing, and it feels more like seeing Malta from the water than rushing through photo stops.

One big consideration before you go: from 1 May 2025, you need a free online QR ticket to walk on Comino. Without it, you still can swim next to the boat, but you cannot get onto the island on foot.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Turkish gullet experience on Faith, a more old-school way to cruise than the typical fast tourist boat
• 3 swim-focused stops, including Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon and a bay in Gozo
• Close-to-shore cruising so you see Malta’s coastline without waiting for long transfers
• Cold buffet lunch plus drinks at lunchtime, including beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Comino access depends on a free QR ticket, which you must get online in advance
• Spacious decks for relaxing when you’re not in the water

Sliema to Comino on Faith: what the day actually feels like

This is a classic Maltese sea day, built around views first, then water time. You meet right by the action in Sliema, at the dock opposite McDonald’s, and the boat is called Faith. From there, the day unfolds at a relaxed cruise tempo. It is not a race. It is also not a bare-bones ferry. It sits in the nice middle where you get a “day out” vibe.

What makes it interesting is the mix of scenery and downtime. You are on the water for hours, and that changes what you notice. Malta’s cliffs look different from sea level. The buildings and curves compress into something more dramatic. And when the boat slows down, the day turns into a floating lounge for a while.

Most people will enjoy this most if they are comfortable with a slower schedule. You are not constantly running around. You are stepping into the sea, then stepping back onto deck, then grabbing lunch, then going again.

Also, a practical note: it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That matters because boarding, ladders, and getting around on an anchored boat can be tricky.

The full 8-hour flow: Gozo bay, Blue Lagoon, and the final swim stop

This cruise runs a full day, with a total duration of 8 hours. The timing in practice is: departure around 10:30 from Sliema Ferries, and return around 18:00.

You will stop at 3 picturesque locations. Two of them are clearly named, and the third is the anchoring swim stretch.

Here is the order you can plan around:

• First, you cruise close to Malta’s shoreline, with chances to spot the coastline from the water.
• Then you head toward a bay in Gozo, where you get your first “get in the water” moment.
• Next comes Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the headline stop for most people.
• Finally, you anchor in a secluded bay for another swim and relaxation period before heading back to Sliema.

If you like your days structured but not over-planned, that sequence works. You get one main island highlight (Comino), one quieter island-side bay (Gozo), and one flexible anchorage where you can snorkel or just float.

Malta coastline cruising: the part that makes the views feel real

The ship heads out from Sliema and cruises close to shore. That detail sounds small, but it is a big deal for what you see.

When a boat stays near the coast, you get:

• cliff lines that keep sliding through your view
• small coves you would not notice from land
• a sense of scale, where Malta looks taller and closer than you expect

This cruise also aims to give you “panorama” time, not just quick glimpses. You are not trapped facing one direction the whole day either. The boat setup and open sea spaces let you shift your angle as the coastline changes.

And based on the positive feedback, the scenery is a major reason people feel the day is worth it. Several passengers highlighted the landscapes and the overall beauty of the route, which makes sense if the itinerary is built around coastal cruising and not nonstop transfers.

Tip: bring sunglasses even if you think you will “just hang inside.” Bright coastal light bounces off the sea, and the best views tend to be outside on deck.

Comino Blue Lagoon: the stop everyone talks about

This is the big one: Comino Blue Lagoon. You get a chance to explore, and the water is clear enough that it feels like you are swimming in color rather than just swimming in sea.

The boat berths in a way meant to make access easier: it positions stern to, so you can get to the island with less hassle. That sounds straightforward, but there is an important catch.

The Comino QR ticket rule (starting 1 May 2025)

From 1 May 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. The ticket is free of charge, but you must get it online at www.blcomino.com.

• You choose a morning slot when ordering the free ticket.
• You receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival.
• If you do not have the QR code, you are not allowed to walk on Comino.
• You can still swim near the boat if you cannot go onto the island.

That changes the decision for many people. If walking around Comino is on your must-do list, do the QR ticket step early. It takes planning time, but it is simple if you handle it before travel day.

If you mainly want the water, do not worry too much. Even without island access, you are still there for swimming.

What I like about the way this stop is structured is that it gives you a choice. You can explore for a bit, or you can focus on getting in the water and letting the day go quiet for a while.

Gozo bay stop: calmer water breaks up the day

You also stop at a bay in Gozo. The reason this helps your day is variety. Comino is the headline, but Gozo gives you a softer rhythm and often feels less crowded depending on conditions.

Practically, you can treat this stop the same way:

• take a dip
• look for a calmer pocket if the sea has small waves
• use it as a chance to cool off and reset before the main Blue Lagoon time

Even if you care less about island landmarks, the bay stop still matters because it breaks up the day with another water moment.

The secluded anchorage: snorkeling and deck time done right

After Comino, the boat continues cruising and then anchors in a secluded bay. This is where the day often becomes more relaxing.

This part of the itinerary is designed around options. You can:

• take a refreshing dip
• snorkel around the rugged coastline
• or simply lay back on the spacious decks and watch the water

That “rugged coastline” detail matters. You are not just floating in an empty pool. Anchoring near coastline often gives you something to look at underwater, assuming visibility is decent and conditions allow snorkeling.

One caution based on a critical experience: at least one passenger said the boat motion made it hard to stand, even when the sea was described as calm. You cannot control the day’s sea state, so I would pack like you might need it. Bring shoes with grip for deck movement and consider bringing your own motion comfort if you are sensitive to boat motion.

Lunch on board: cold buffet and the drinks you actually get

Lunch is a cold buffet with soft drinks, beer, wine, and water during lunchtime. That’s a solid included package for an 8-hour outing, especially if you would otherwise spend money on food and drinks once you arrive at islands.

But cold buffet comes with expectations. This is not a hot plated meal, and one of the more negative experiences focused on buffet quality and buffet handling. Another complaint also mentioned that the open bar timing felt limited after lunch, and that some access points felt far from the main area.

So here’s how to keep your own expectations realistic:

• Treat lunch as convenient, not gourmet.
• If you care a lot about the food, plan to be flexible. The views and swimming are the main event.
• Since spirits are not included, don’t plan on liquor being part of your budget unless you are ready to pay separately.

If you are the type who just wants something filling while you reset for the next swim, the included buffet and lunchtime drinks likely hit the mark.

Price and value: is $88 per person a good deal?

At $88 per person for an 8-hour cruise with three stops, included lunch, and lunchtime drinks, the value is pretty clear if you want water time and coastline views.

You are paying for:

• a full day on the water on a Turkish gullet (Faith)
• multiple anchoring and swim opportunities
• lunch plus beer, wine, soft drinks, and water at lunchtime

What is not included matters too. Spirits are excluded, and ice-creams and a powerboat cave ride are listed as not included. If your ideal day includes a cave excursion by powerboat, you will likely need to budget extra or choose a different add-on.

For me, the best value angle is simple: if you will spend your whole day on Comino and Gozo anyway, this cruise bundles transport, time on the water, and lunch into one price. That saves friction.

Where it can feel less like a deal is if you are expecting a premium buffet or very smooth movement. One lower rating tied to buffet experience and boat handling. That is not the overall story, but it is enough that I suggest you set expectations for buffet-style lunch rather than a full-service meal.

What to bring and wear so the day goes smoothly

The packing list is straightforward, and it matches what you’ll use:

• comfortable shoes (for deck movement and boarding)
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

I would add two common-sense items even though they are not listed, because sea days are honest about sun and water:

• a cover-up you can toss on fast between swims
• a small bag to keep essentials dry

Also, if you are planning to walk on Comino after the 1 May 2025 rule change, do not leave the QR ticket for later. Get it online and have your QR code ready for scanning on arrival.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a scenic day on the water rather than a strict sightseeing route
• real swimming and snorkeling options
• an included lunch and drinks that keep you from hunting for meals

It is also a good choice if you like the “character boat” feel. Positive comments pointed out that the boat feels a bit different from typical tourist craft, and that matters. It tends to change the mood, not just the photos.

It may not be your best match if:

• you cannot manage boarding and moving around on an anchored boat (it is listed as not suitable for mobility impairments)
• you care most about high-end food, since lunch is a cold buffet and quality can be very expectation-dependent
• you need lots of on-island walking without pre-planning the QR ticket (Comino access rules are strict)

Should you book the Sliema 3-Islands cruise?

I’d book it if your priority is a classic Malta sea day, with Blue Lagoon swimming, coastline views, and a relaxed full-day rhythm. At $88 with lunch and lunchtime drinks included, it is priced like a value day out rather than a luxury island tour.

I would hesitate only if Comino island walking is essential and you are not willing to handle the free online QR ticket ahead of time. Also, if food quality is your top priority, set expectations for a cold buffet and keep your focus on the water and scenery.

If you go in with that mindset, this cruise has the right ingredients: great views, multiple swim chances, and a day that feels like being out on the Maltese sea, not just visiting it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Sliema?

The boat is located opposite McDonald’s, and the boat name is Faith.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The cruise departs around 10:30 and returns around 18:00.

What stops are included during the 8-hour cruise?

You stop at three locations, including a bay in Gozo and the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You also anchor in a secluded bay for swimming.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a cold buffet. During lunchtime, soft drinks, beer, wine, and water are included.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes. Starting 1 May 2025, you need a free online ticket from www.blcomino.com. You must have the QR code scanned on arrival, or you will not be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. The policy is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.