If you only do one sea experience in Malta, make it this one.
The Round Malta Cruise from Sliema is not just a boat trip, it’s a full-day escape around the island where everything is taken care of for you. No planning, no stress, no logistics. Just pure sea views, swimming stops, and a relaxed Mediterranean experience from start to finish. We did this experience ourselves, and it honestly felt like a complete reset day, the kind you remember long after your holiday ends.
✨ Why This Cruise Is Worth Booking
Most Malta boat trips feel rushed or overly touristy. This one is different because it combines everything in one smooth experience: You get the coastline views, swim stops in crystal-clear water, a full buffet lunch onboard, and the option of pickup so you don’t deal with parking or traffic at all. It is designed to feel easy from the moment your day starts.
🚐 Start Stress-Free — We Chose Pickup (Highly Recommended)
One of the best decisions we made was choosing the hotel pickup option from The Phoenicia Malta, which I highly recommend. Even though we are locals and didn’t stay there for this trip, I do recommend the hotel itself as well. From that moment everything was handled for us. No driving. No parking stress. No early morning confusion in busy areas like Sliema or Valletta. If you want your day to feel smooth from the beginning, pickup is absolutely worth it. It sets the tone for the entire experience.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Comino Access Pass (Do Not Skip)
After booking, there is one essential step many travellers miss.
You must register for your Comino access pass before the trip.
This is required for entry into protected areas around Comino and only takes a few minutes to complete.
We strongly recommend doing it immediately after booking so you don’t risk any issues on the day.
🚢 The Experience Begins — A Slow Escape Across Malta
The moment the boat leaves Sliema, everything changes. The noise fades, the coastline opens up, and Malta starts revealing a completely different side of itself. You pass Valletta’s skyline, historic forts, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves only visible from the sea. This is when you realise something important,
you don’t truly see Malta until you see it from the water.
☀️ Swim Stops in Crystal-Clear Water
This is where the experience becomes unforgettable. At different points along the route, you stop for swimming in open sea. Jumping into clear blue water with nothing around you feels like total freedom, calm, refreshing, and surprisingly peaceful even during busy season. These moments alone make the cruise worth it.
🍝 Full Buffet Lunch Included (More Than Expected)
The onboard lunch is not just a snack, it is a proper buffet with plenty of variety.
It includes pasta, salads, chicken, assorted meats, bread and cheese, couscous, tomatoes, fish, and more. We also started the day with a ham and cheese baguette and later received fruit plus the second half of the baguette in the afternoon. Drinks are included as well, which makes the whole experience even more effortless since you don’t need to budget constantly for extras.
🍍 Honest Tip — Prices Onboard vs Island Stops
One thing worth knowing:
Drinks onboard are more expensive compared to island stops.
For example, a pineapple drink onboard was around €10, while at Comino it was around €8, with refills about €4. It is not a huge difference, but useful if you want to manage your spending smartly during the day.
💡 Peak Season Tips (Read This Before You Go)
If you are visiting Malta in summer, this section will save you stress.
Book early because cruises sell out quickly in peak months.
Choose pickup if available, it removes parking stress completely.
Arrive early at your pickup point, as summer traffic can cause delays.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, because the sun is very strong on deck.
Wear water shoes or secure sandals for rocky swim stops.
And most importantly, complete your Comino pass registration immediately after booking.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many travellers miss out on the best experience because of simple mistakes.
Don’t book last minute in peak season — availability becomes limited.
Don’t underestimate the sun, even if it feels breezy on the boat.
Don’t overpack your beach bag — space is limited onboard.
Don’t forget your Comino pass, as it is required for access.
And don’t expect long swim stops — everything runs on a schedule, so go in when it is your turn.
🌅 The Golden Return — The Perfect Ending
On the way back to Sliema, the atmosphere shifts again. The sea becomes calm, the light turns golden, and the entire boat feels quiet and relaxed. It is one of those rare travel moments where everyone is simply present, tired, sun-kissed, and content. It feels like a full day away, even though you never left Malta.
💭 Is This Cruise Worth It?
Yes! especially if you want a stress-free day without planning, Swimming in clear Mediterranean water, Beautiful views of Malta from the sea, A full experience included in one booking, A “holiday within a holiday” feeling. This is not just transport around the island, it is the experience itself.
✨ Final Verdict
This is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience Malta.
It is simple, scenic, and completely effortless, exactly what a holiday day should feel like.
If you are in Malta and want one unforgettable sea day without stress, this cruise is an easy yes.
📱 Bonus Travel Tip — Save on Your Booking
Download the GetYourGuide app from here and use code DELUXEESCAPEBYSLO5 at checkout for a discount. Valid for first-time app users.
🌍 Book Your Experience Now
Round Malta Cruise from Sliema with lunch and transfers
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also book the Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon cruise here (please note this option does not include food, so you can bring your own snacks): Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon Cruise
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