From Sliema: Valletta and the Three Cities Scenic Cruise

The best thing about this 90-minute harbour cruise is the angle it gives you on Malta. From the water, Valletta’s walls, the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities line up as one dramatic sweep of forts, bastions, creeks, and working waterfront. You see places that are hard to understand from land.

I like the relaxed pace and the comfortable 20-metre catamaran. I also like the mix of scenery and history, especially the stories tied to the Great Siege of 1565 and the events of 1942. The main drawback is the commentary: the public-address system can be muffled or too quiet, so you may miss some of the best facts.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two natural harbours in one trip: The boat cruises through Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour on opposite sides of Valletta.
• Strong photo views from the water: You can photograph Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua from angles you cannot get on foot.
• A comfortable catamaran: The fully air-conditioned boat has indoor seating, outdoor areas, large windows, and free Wi-Fi.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Side seats and outside places go first, while center seats are less useful for photography.
• History is part of the ride: Commentary covers Malta’s major sieges, forts, battlements, creeks, and other sights along the shore.
• Good value at $24: It is a reasonably priced way to see a wide area in 90 minutes, without committing to a full-day excursion.

Why this cruise helps you understand Valletta

Valletta is impressive from land, but its defensive walls can make the city feel compact and difficult to read. From the harbor, you get the larger picture. The peninsula, fortifications, neighboring towns, and inlets all make more sense when viewed from the sea.

This is not a beach trip or a swimming cruise. It is a sightseeing ride around Malta’s historic harbors. You remain on board, listen to commentary, and watch the shoreline change as the catamaran moves from one harbor to the next.

The view is the real reason to book. Valletta’s stone walls rise directly from the water, while the Three Cities face the Grand Harbour from across the inlet. The result is a broad view of Malta’s built history, not just one monument at a time.

I find this especially useful near the beginning of a Malta visit. It gives you a mental map before you explore the streets, museums, churches, and forts on foot. It also works well near the end of a trip, when you can recognize the places you have already visited from a new angle.

Leaving from Sliema Ferries

The boat departs from the Sliema Ferries area on Triq Ix-Xatt. The meeting point is between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat, or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade if you need help.

That last detail matters. The departure area can have several boats and ticket booths, and finding the correct vessel may not be instantly obvious. I would arrive early rather than walk the waterfront searching at the last minute.

The operator is Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited. The boat used for this cruise is a modern, eco-friendly, fully air-conditioned catamaran measuring 20 metres. It is designed for sightseeing rather than speed, which suits the trip. You want enough time to look, listen, and take photographs.

Boarding conditions can vary with the dock and the boat’s position. One passenger found the height and gap between the platform and the boat awkward, so anyone who needs especially easy boarding should take that into account. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Marsamxett Harbour and the Gzira waterfront

The cruise takes in Marsamxett Harbour, the waterway on the Sliema and Gzira side of Valletta. This opening section helps you see how closely the urban areas sit around the capital’s peninsula.

You get a different view of Sliema from the water, with the waterfront stretching along the shore rather than appearing as a row of streets and buildings. Gzira’s side of Marsamxett Harbour also becomes easier to place geographically.

This part of the ride is useful for orientation, though the Grand Harbour usually provides the biggest visual impact. If you are taking photographs, sit on an outside edge if possible. Center seats can leave you looking over other people’s heads, especially when several passengers stand to take pictures.

The indoor cabin is a practical fallback. It is air-conditioned and has large windows, so you can still see the shore without dealing with strong sun or wind. On hot days, this makes the ride more pleasant. On cooler or windy days, it can make the difference between enjoying the trip and spending the whole time bracing against the weather.

Valletta from the sea

As the boat approaches Valletta, the city’s defensive character becomes clear. The fortifications were built to control the approaches to the harbor, and from the water you can see why this location mattered.

The boat does not replace a walk through Valletta. You will not enter its streets, visit its churches, or explore its museums during this cruise. Instead, it gives you the broad view that a walking tour cannot provide.

This is also where commentary can add real value. The narration covers the forts, battlements, creeks, and major historical events connected with the harbor. The Great Siege of 1565 and the events of 1942 receive particular attention.

The commentary is offered in English and German. The format is audio commentary over the public-address system rather than a walking guide beside you. A live host or greeter is available in English, but the boat ride itself is not a private guided tour.

You may find the sound system the weakest part of the experience. Several passengers had trouble hearing the narration because of engine noise, wind, accents, or a low and muffled speaker. When people begin talking, it can become even harder to follow. Sit close to a speaker if you can, and do not expect every sentence to be clear from every seat.

That limitation does not erase the value of the views, but it changes how you should approach the ride. Treat the commentary as useful background rather than the main event. If you want a detailed account of Malta’s past, pair this cruise with a land-based tour or museum visit.

The Grand Harbour and the Three Cities

The Grand Harbour is the main prize of the cruise. It is a large natural harbor framed by historic settlements and defensive works, and the water gives you a wide view of the whole setting.

The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. From the boat, you see them as a connected line of old waterfronts, fortifications, and narrow inlets. The view is particularly helpful if you plan to visit them later, because the shore can otherwise feel like a maze of separate neighborhoods.

Vittoriosa is also known as Birgu, Senglea as Isla, and Cospicua as Bormla, though the cruise information uses the English names. The important point for this trip is not the name system but the perspective. From the water, you can see how the three towns relate to Valletta and to each other.

The boat reaches into parts of the Grand Harbour that you cannot see on foot. That makes this more than a simple ride past the capital. It shows the harbor as a working waterway and a defensive system, with creeks and harbor arms shaping the cities around them.

The scale is also easier to appreciate from the catamaran. On land, a fort wall may look like one isolated structure. From the water, it becomes part of a chain of defenses running along the shore.

You should keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise looking through a screen. Some of the best views come as the boat changes direction or moves past a creek. A quick photo is fine. Then look up and take in the full sweep.

Finding the best seat on the catamaran

The seating choice affects the ride more than you might expect. The boat has indoor and outdoor areas, but the most desirable edge seats are limited.

Arrive early if you want an outside seat along the side. These places give you a clear view without passengers directly in front of you. The front outdoor area can also be a good place for open views, though wind and spray are more likely there.

Center seats are comfortable enough for simply watching the harbor, but they are not ideal for photography. People may stand in the central aisle, and passengers near the sides may block your view. One practical strategy is to take turns with a companion, allowing each person time at the rail or outside area.

The lower indoor section has air-conditioning and broad windows. This is the better choice if you dislike heat, strong wind, or crowds. You will still have a good view, though reflections and window frames can make photographs less clear.

The boat can feel crowded on popular departures. It is not necessarily uncomfortable, but the upper outside area may fill quickly. If seating choice matters to you, do not arrive just before departure.

Weather, motion, and what to bring

The cruise can be cancelled or changed because of poor weather, rough seas, or strong winds. If that happens, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund if rescheduling does not work for you.

Weather also affects the quality of the ride even when the boat operates. Strong wind can make the outside deck uncomfortable and can send spray over the boat. One March departure had rough water and passengers got a little wet. Another ride was affected by wind and cloud.

If you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this is not a good match. The trip remains inside sheltered harbors for much of its route, but the boat is still on open water and conditions can change.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. Take cash for the bar, snacks, and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available on board, though the main reason to connect is practical rather than essential. Keep large bags and oversize luggage at your accommodation, since they are not allowed.

The catamaran is fully air-conditioned, but you may still want a light extra layer outside. The upper deck can feel cool and windy even when Sliema’s promenade feels warm.

Is $24 good value for 90 minutes?

At $24 per person, I consider this a good-value sightseeing trip if you want a broad view of Valletta and the Three Cities without spending half a day on transport.

You are paying for a 90-minute cruise, not a full guided history program. The price includes the sightseeing boat, commentary, and Wi-Fi. It does not include hotel transport, meals, or drinks.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors, photographers, solo visitors, and anyone with limited time. You cover two major harbors and several cities in one sitting. That would take much longer to piece together on foot, and some views are impossible to recreate from land.

The value is lower if you want a quiet, highly personal tour with constant commentary. The boat can fill up, and the public-address system may make the narration difficult to hear. You should also budget for drinks separately if you want them, since the cash bar is not included.

The 90-minute length is well judged. It is long enough to see the main harbor areas but short enough to fit around a museum visit, lunch, or an afternoon in Valletta. I would not book it as your only Malta sightseeing activity, but it is an efficient addition to a wider plan.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise for you if:

• You want to see Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.
• You enjoy scenery more than structured activities.
• You have only a few hours and want a broad introduction to the harbor.
• You like taking photographs and can arrive early for an edge seat.
• You prefer a comfortable boat with an indoor, air-conditioned option.
• You want some historical context without committing to a long walking tour.

I would think twice if you suffer from motion sickness, need a silent ride, or want a detailed guide who can answer questions throughout. The commentary is informative when you can hear it, but it is delivered through the boat’s public-address system.

The cruise also suits couples and solo visitors well. A 90-minute ride is long enough to feel worthwhile but not so long that you are locked into one activity all day. Families may enjoy the changing scenery, though the boat does not offer a dedicated children’s program.

Practical booking advice for Sliema

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times when booking, since the schedule can vary.

At the waterfront, look for the red boat between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops. If you are unsure, ask at a red ticket booth rather than boarding the first boat you see.

Get there early for better seating and an easier boarding process. Early arrival is especially useful if you want photographs, since the side seats are limited. It also gives you time to confirm the vessel and avoid a rushed start.

Bring sunscreen even if you plan to sit indoors. You may move outside when the boat reaches the best viewpoints. Keep your belongings small, and bring cash if you want to buy refreshments.

The boat is suitable for folding wheelchairs, but non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Pets are not permitted.

Should you book the Valletta and Three Cities cruise?

I would book it for the views. The Grand Harbour and the Three Cities are much easier to understand from the water, and the cruise reaches sightlines you cannot get by walking through Valletta. At $24, the trip offers a solid return for a relatively small slice of your day.

Go early, choose an outside edge seat if photography matters, and sit near a speaker if you want the best chance of hearing the commentary. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a scenic harbor cruise with historical narration, not an in-depth private tour.

Skip it if you are highly sensitive to boat movement or if clear, detailed narration is essential. For most people who want a comfortable overview of Malta’s harbors, though, this is a sensible and enjoyable way to see the capital and the Three Cities from their most revealing side.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop. Look for the red boat or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes, or one and a half hours.

What places can I see from the boat?

The route includes Valletta, the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, plus Gzira and Marsamxett Harbour.

Is commentary included?

Yes. Commentary is provided over the public-address system in English and German. The information covers Malta’s harbors, forts, battlements, creeks, and the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942.

Is the boat air-conditioned?

Yes. The 20-metre catamaran is fully air-conditioned and has indoor seating with large windows, as well as outdoor areas.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.

Can I buy food and drinks?

A cash bar offers snacks and drinks. Meals and drinks are not included in the cruise price, so bring cash if you want refreshments.

What happens if the cruise is cancelled because of bad weather?

You can reschedule for another date. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.