Malta by boat feels like the fastest way to see a lot. This full-day Fernandes cruise stacks Gozo and Comino/Blue Lagoon into one smooth sea day, with a swim break (plus lunch) built in.

I especially like the hands-on parts: time to swim in two different spots and a buffet-style meal you don’t have to plan or hunt for. The second big win is the comfort piece—round-trip transfers from selected hotels and a mobile ticket, so you’re not piecing together transport all day.

The only real watch-out is comfort on board. One review flagged that there can be too many people for the seating, so expect some crowding and plan to spend time standing or finding shade.

Key highlights at a glance

• Gozo swim stop with anchored time in a secluded bay
• Comino and Blue Lagoon time where the admission is included
• Buffet lunch + snacks + drink + water served on board
• Fully stocked bar available, but spirits aren’t included
• Up to 80 travelers, so deck space can feel busy
• Hotel pickup from selected areas plus a mobile ticket

From Mellieha pickup to Sliema quay: how the day starts

This is a classic Maltese “park once, cruise all day” setup. Your day runs for about 8 hours, with an overall start time of 9:30am, and the boat actually departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00hrs.

If you’re coming from Mellieha, you’ll typically match up with a pickup from selected hotels. After booking, the provider contacts you by email to confirm the exact pickup time and location, so keep an eye on your inbox. If you don’t hear back at least 48 hours before you leave, it’s on you to reach out and confirm.

Practical tip: take your mobile ticket with you and have it ready. This kind of cruise day is easier when you’re not scrambling at the last second.

Gozo in the morning: 4 hours to swim, snack, and reset

Once you leave Sliema, the cruise heads northwest toward Gozo. The plan is not just sightseeing from a distance. You’ll drop anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo so you can get in the water.

The timing is generous: the Gozo stop gives you around 4 hours. That matters because “time on the water” is where this tour earns its keep. You’re not racing between tiny photo stops—you’re getting a real chance to swim, stretch out, and cool down before the next leg.

This is also where the day’s comfort kicks in. On board, you’ll have your lunch buffet served during the Gozo segment, along with the included morning snack. The boat also has a fully-stocked bar, which can help if you want something extra during the down time—just remember spirits aren’t part of the included package.

Another detail I like: the Gozo stop lists an admission ticket as free. Translation: you’re not paying extra to access the main part of that segment.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: your second 4-hour swim window

After lunch, you head onward to Comino, and that’s where the famous Blue Lagoon comes in. You’ll have about 4 hours here as well, and the stop is designed around time to explore the island and swim.

This isn’t a quick pop-in. The schedule gives you enough breathing room to do a mix of things: swim, hang out, and take a slow walk around Comino when you feel like staying dry for a bit.

The other value point: the Blue Lagoon segment shows the admission as included. For you, that means less hassle and fewer pay-on-arrival moments during the day.

One more reality check: Blue Lagoon time is popular. Expect a lot of people wanting the water and the sun. If you’re the type who gets annoyed by crowds easily, plan to focus on your swim windows rather than trying to find the perfect spot the entire time.

On-board lunch and drinks: what you truly get

This cruise is set up as a full day with on-board food included, which is what makes it feel like a deal compared with doing two islands on your own.

Here’s what’s included:

• Morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• A drink and water

And here’s what is not included:

• Spirits
• Any additional food and drinks beyond the included items

A fully stocked bar usually means you can buy beer, wine, soft drinks, and other options. But the included part is clearly aimed at keeping you comfortable without turning the cruise into an open-ended spending spree.

Practical move: eat when the food is served and settle in. Don’t wait for hunger to hit hard right as you’re about to get back into the water.

Seating, crowds, and sun-management on an 80-person cruise

Let’s talk about the part that can make or break your mood: space.

The tour caps at 80 travelers. That’s not huge on paper, but on a boat deck, it can feel tight—especially during peak moments like right after swimming when everyone wants shade, lunch posture, and a place to regroup.

One review specifically called out that seating may be limited, with some people having to sit only if they manage to find room, while others end up standing. Even without assuming that happens every time, it’s a fair warning based on what’s been experienced.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Bring your towel and treat it like your comfort base.
• Expect that you may need to switch between shade and sun depending on where people cluster.
• If you prefer a lot of seated downtime, arrive ready to be flexible rather than expecting a guaranteed lounge setup.

Also, the tour lists moderate physical fitness as the requirement, and it isn’t suitable for younger children or guests with mobility difficulties. That usually means the boat experience involves some movement and deck navigation that may not work for everyone.

What to pack for a full day at sea in Malta

The tour’s packing list is refreshingly simple, which is exactly what you want for an island cruise day.

Bring:

• Bathing gear
• A towel
• Sunblock

That’s it. And it’s enough to cover the big two activities of the day: swimming stops and long hours of sun.

I’d also plan around the rhythm: you’re in the water at Gozo and again at Comino/Blue Lagoon, with lunch in between. So think of your bag as your swim kit, not your city-day carry.

Price and value: why $88.72 can work (or not)

At $88.72 per person, this day cruise isn’t the cheapest way to see Malta’s north coast islands. But it stacks several cost-savers into one package.

Your price gets you:

• Transport, including round-trip transfers from your hotel area
• Morning snack + buffet lunch + drink + water
• Two long island segments (Gozo and Comino/Blue Lagoon)
• Blue Lagoon admission included
• A maximum group size that stays under 80

The biggest value driver is food + transport. If you were to piece together boat rides, island time, and lunch separately, the totals add up quickly—especially when you factor in how much time you save by having it all scheduled.

What could make it not worth it for you:

• If you don’t plan to buy anything extra, you’ll still spend the time on board. That’s the point, but it means you’re committing to a full sea day.
• If you’re very sensitive to crowding, the limited seating issue could turn the experience from pleasant to annoying.

Bottom line: the price feels fair if you want a scheduled day with meals included and you’re happy to manage deck comfort.

Who should book this Fernandes cruise from Mellieha?

This tour is a good match if you want a structured day that includes swimming, eating, and island time without planning logistics.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want Gozo in the morning and Comino/Blue Lagoon later, both with meaningful time
• Like the idea of buffet lunch on board (and not spending your time deciding where to eat)
• Are comfortable with a full-day schedule and sharing the deck with a group (up to 80)

You might want to skip or rethink if you:

• Have mobility limitations or find boat-deck movement hard
• Need guaranteed seated comfort for the whole day
• Are traveling with very young children (the tour notes it isn’t suitable for younger children)

It’s also offered in English, which is helpful if that’s your working language for meeting points and on-board info.

Should you book this full day Fernandes cruise?

Book it if your ideal day sounds like this: hotel pickup, a relaxing ride, real swim time at Gozo and Blue Lagoon, and lunch handled for you. The included snack, buffet lunch, drink, and water are the main reason this works as a value plan.

Think twice if you can’t stand crowded decks or you need lots of seating. The comfort complaint is specific, so it’s not something to ignore. If you go anyway, go prepared—with your towel and sunblock, and with the mindset that you’ll spend part of the day repositioning for sun or space.

If the weather is poor, the experience may be altered or refunded, so consider booking when you have a weather window you can rely on.

FAQ

What time does the full day cruise start?

The tour start time is 9:30am, and the boat departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00hrs.

Is hotel pickup available from Mellieha?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels. After booking, the provider contacts you by email to confirm the exact pickup time and place.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 8 hours (approx.).

How much time do I get at Gozo and at Comino/Blue Lagoon?

You get 4 hours at the Island of Gozo and 4 hours at Comino/Blue Lagoon.

What meals and drinks are included?

You’ll receive a morning snack, a buffet lunch, plus a drink and water on board.

Are spirits included with the bar?

No. The tour notes that spirits are not included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock.

Is the cruise suitable for children or mobility difficulties?

It is not suitable for younger children or for guests with mobility difficulties.

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