Thinking about adding a touch of luxury to your Malta trip? This private cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities offers a charming blend of scenic views, personalized touches, and relaxed sophistication. While it’s not your typical sightseeing tour, it’s a memorable way to enjoy Malta’s coast in style—and, yes, with a glass of wine in hand.
Two things really stand out to us: First, the personalized experience—you can select your decor theme and have a private guide share insights about the landmarks you pass. Second, the romantic ambiance created by the traditional Maltese Luzzu boat, with cushions, blankets, and candles. The only possible drawback? It’s a short 1.5-hour outing, so if you’re craving a longer cruise, this might feel a little quick. Still, it’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a special, intimate moment on the water.
This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic boat rides, enjoy good food and wine, and want a tailored, memorable outing rather than a crowded tourist spectacle. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just love the idea of a private, scenic cruise, this tour could be a highlight of your Malta visit.
Key Points
- Private and personalized: Customize your boat’s decor and enjoy a bespoke experience.
- Romantic setting: The Luzzu is decorated with cushions, blankets, candles, and artificial flowers for a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
- Gourmet treats: Sip on wine or Prosecco and snack on a charcuterie platter with vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options.
- Learn and enjoy: Your private driver shares insights about the passing landmarks and local history.
- Value for money: While the price is $431 per group, it includes everything—food, drinks, decorations, and a private guide—making it a cost-effective luxury.
- Limited to small groups: Perfect for couples, friends, or small families; not suitable for wheelchair users or seasickness-prone travelers.
An In-Depth Look at the Malta Private Picnic Cruise
When thinking about a cruise in Malta, many envision bustling boat tours or large group excursions. This experience takes a different route—literally—offering a private, intimate cruise around Valletta and the Three Cities in a traditional Luzzu boat. It’s a chance to see Malta from the water with the added bonus of personalized touches and gourmet treats.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Senglea.
Setting the Scene: A Traditional Luzzu Boat
The Luzzu, Malta’s iconic fishing boat, is the star of this experience. It’s small enough to feel personal but sturdy enough to give a genuine maritime vibe. Once you step aboard, the boat’s romantic decoration sets the mood—think cozy cushions, soft blankets, and a table laid out with plates, cutlery, and a flickering candle. You also get to choose the color theme of the decorations, adding a level of personal flair. For those who love a touch of creativity, that’s a delightful feature.
The Cruise Route and What You’ll See
The route takes you on a 1.5-hour leisurely journey around Valletta’s historic skyline and the Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. From the water, these areas reveal their charm in a way that land-based sightseeing rarely offers. Expect to see the grand fortifications of Valletta, the historic dockyards, and the narrow waterways of the Three Cities.
Your private driver-guide provides context about the importance of the places you pass—without turning the cruise into a history lecture. Instead, expect natural, engaging commentary that enriches your appreciation of Malta’s maritime heritage.
The Food and Drink: A Picnic on the Water
What makes this cruise stand out is the culinary aspect. You’ll enjoy a bottle of wine or Prosecco, perfectly chilled, alongside a carefully curated charcuterie platter. The platter includes vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs are covered.
The inclusion of soft drinks also caters to those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. The food presentation, combined with the stunning sea views, adds a touch of elegance and indulgence.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Decor and Customization
The boat’s decorations are not just for looks—they set the tone for your experience. You can select the color theme beforehand, making it suitable for romantic proposals, anniversaries, or simply a special day out. With blankets and cushions, you’ll stay warm and comfortable, even if the weather cools.
The setup also includes a Bluetooth speaker so you can add your favorite playlist, and a selfie stick to capture your moments. The letter board allows you to personalize your cruise further—perhaps a birthday message or a simple “Malta, you’re beautiful.”
Authentic, Relaxed, and Luxurious
While the price might seem steep at $431 for up to two people, it’s important to see this as a luxury experience with a lot of inclusions. No hidden costs—everything from the boat decorations to the food and drinks is covered.
The small group size and private nature make it a peaceful escape from tourist crowds. Plus, the language options—English and Maltese—mean you’ll have knowledgeable guides who can answer questions and share insights in a friendly, relaxed manner.
What Reviewers Say
A traveler on GetYourGuide describes it as the “most amazing personalised experience,” praising the attention to detail. Another reviewer highlights the “stunning views” and “excellent wine selection,” emphasizing how special the setting feels. The fact that you can learn about Malta’s landmarks from your driver adds a layer of authenticity that larger tours often lack.
Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking
This cruise lasts 1.5 hours and runs at various times—check availability to find a slot that fits your schedule. Remember to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and enjoy the decorations and preparatory ambiance.
The private group format means it’s best for couples, friends, or small family groups. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to seasickness, given the open boat setting.
Cancellation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and the booking process allows you to reserve now and pay later for added convenience.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This cruise is perfect if you’re looking for a romantic escape or a special celebration on Malta’s waters. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized service, luxury touches, and authentic maritime charm. It’s also a great way to avoid the hustle of crowded boats while still enjoying the stunning views.
If you’re traveling with someone who values small-group intimacy and customization, this experience will resonate. However, if you’re more interested in a longer or more active tour, or if you need wheelchair accessibility, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
This Malta Private Picnic Cruise offers a charming, tailored way to see Malta from its beautiful coast. The combination of a traditional Luzzu, personalized decorations, and gourmet food creates a memorable, luxurious outing that feels both authentic and exclusive.
It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to celebrate a special moment, enjoy a quiet romantic escape, or simply indulge in Malta’s maritime beauty without the crowds. The thoughtful touches—like the ability to customize the decor and the quality of the wine—make this a genuinely memorable experience worth splurging on.
If you’re seeking a peaceful, private, and distinctly Maltese way to admire the harbors and historic skyline, this cruise is likely to leave you with a smile—and plenty of great photos.
FAQ
Is this cruise suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed for private groups of up to two people, making it ideal for couples or very small parties.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers the 1.5-hour private cruise, a private driver, history explanations, boat decorations, soft drinks, one bottle of wine or Prosecco, a charcuterie platter with dietary options, a customizable letter board, Bluetooth speaker, and a selfie stick.
Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the charcuterie platter includes vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Do I need to arrange transport to the marina?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrive at the designated departure point ahead of time.
What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing is fine, but consider bringing a jacket or blanket if it’s a cooler day or evening.
Can I book this experience last minute?
Availability varies, so it’s best to check calendar dates early. You can reserve now and pay later, which adds flexibility to your planning.
This private cruise offers a wonderful blend of scenic views, personalized service, and relaxed luxury—perfectly suited to those looking to celebrate or simply enjoy Malta’s stunning harbors in style.
You can check availability for your dates here: