Day Cruise around the Maltese Islands, including Lunch with Captain Morgan!

Brian Scholz

a month ago

★★★★☆

“This review is for the all-inclusive Fernandes tour. This is a bit of a complex rating. Perhaps more of a 3 star if you are in it for the snorkeling and swimming alone but judge for yourself. This tour was booked on our behalf as part of a larger itinerary so we didn’t have a choice of provider or date. I read prior reviews which were generally not favourable so I came in with low expectations and make the best of whatever is provided. First, the pick up from our hotel was late by 20 minutes. We were to be picked up at 9:30 for a 10:00 am sailing. We called our tour provider who confirmed the driver was running late. The driver mentioned that he had to wait for another couple at a prior pick-up spot - fair enough so not his or the boat operator’s fault but, people, be on time as your lateness affects others! We were among the last to board - our party of four was split to two on mats in the upper deck and two on mats in the aft lower deck. That didn’t bother us as the cruise was not sold out - no cruise ship was in port so crowds were lower. Check the port schedule on cruisemapper.com to schedule around cruise ship crowds if you are able. Morning snack was a portion of ham and cheese in baguette. There were extras in the galley. Drinks were fine: beer, pop and water included. Coffee, liquor and slushies were extra. First stop Comino. Ride took 1 1/2 hours and was a bit choppy so take Dramamine if you are prone to sea sickness. Again we didn’t have a choice of boat - a wider hull craft would be able to better manage the rolls and also be faster to provide a more enjoyable voyage for those prone to sea sickness. Comino was beautiful but crowded - we swam and snorkeled around the boat and to a nearby bay. Fish clustered around the boat and among the rocks - they were of a limited variety and not very colourful (no live coral reefs here - just limestone). There is an optional cave speedboat tour at extra charge which we didn’t do. Comino was the highlight of the tour. Lunch was provided buffet style. Contrary to other reviews, our lunch was good with chicken drumsticks, fish, pasta, assorted salads, cold cuts, rolls, cheese and tomatoes and cucumbers. There was enough for everyone - for us the lunch was fine. Then onto Gozo. The ride was about 25 minutes. We stopped in a “bay” for 1 1/2 hours - more like outside of a bay. A word of caution - there are strong currents so stay close to the ship. We witnessed a couple needing a life ring as the current was too strong to swim back - they said they snorkeled in Hawaii, Belize, Bahamas and Antigua among other places and this was the worst current they encountered. If your ship stops across the bluff (see picture) be wary of the current. There was a ship in a more secluded bay which would have been more favorable. The water is relatively deep here and not much to see for snorkeling anyway. The ship should caution swimmers to stay close to the boat to avoid such incidents and perhaps seek a more sheltered and, frankly, interesting spot. Ride back was uneventful, about 1 hours 40 minutes. Fruit snack was honeydew and watermelon - perfectly fine. Making our way to the van at the dock to be returned to the hotel took some asking but we found it. Had to wait 10+ minutes until the van was full. Strongly suggest that the tour operator provide hotel pick-up and drop-off service as an extra paid option to allow those independent travellers the freedom to make their way to and from the tour. Bolt (like Lyft) service is very convenient and cost-effective. Overall our experience was good but Gozo was a bit of a disappointment. As options go though this is a trip to consider. The crew were friendly and the food and drink were fine for the occasion. We had good space on the upper deck which contrasts to the crowded, theatre-style seating on the more modern catamarans and other tour boats.”