Crete Pirate Ship Cruise with the Black Rose to Stalis and Malia

This review explores the well-loved Crete Pirate Ship Cruise aboard the Black Rose, departing from Hersonissos. With a solid 4-star rating from nearly 100 reviews, this experience offers a unique way to see part of Crete’s coastline and enjoy some fun in the sun. While some guests have encountered issues, many praise the friendly crew, delicious food, and stunning swimming spots.

What we love about this trip? First, the pirate-themed atmosphere adds a playful, memorable vibe that kids and adults alike appreciate. Second, the swimming and snorkeling opportunities at beautiful beaches and caves are a major highlight. Third, the authentic BBQ lunch served on board consistently receives positive remarks.

However, a potential drawback is that some travelers find the itinerary limited or feel the trip is too short for the value paid, especially if expectations aren’t aligned with the actual experience. This cruise caters best to those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly outing with lots of swimming and fun.

If you enjoy boat trips with a lively crew, good food, and scenic coastlines, this excursion could be just right. It’s especially suited for families, solo travelers looking for a social vibe, or anyone wanting a lighthearted, half-day escape from land-based touring.

Key Points

• Authentic Pirate Atmosphere: Themed decor and lively crew create a fun, engaging experience.
• Great Swimming & Snorkeling: Multiple stops at beaches and caves offer refreshing water activities.
• Delicious BBQ Lunch: The onboard meal is consistently praised for its quality and flavor.
• Flexible & Relaxed Schedule: About 4.5 hours from start to finish, with time allocated for swimming and sightseeing.
• Limited Island Exploration: The trip focuses mainly on coastal stops without visiting inland landmarks or islands.
• Mixed Reviews on Value: While many find it a good deal, some feel it’s overpriced for the limited itinerary.

A Detailed Look at the Crete Pirate Ship Experience

The Departure Point and Booking

Starting at Hersonissos Port, the Black Rose departs promptly at 11:00 am. You’ll find the vessel docked at Agias Paraskevis 125, Limenas Chersonisou. Booking well in advance—about 3 weeks on average—ensures you secure your spot, as the trip is popular. Be prepared to provide full names, birthdates, and ID or passport numbers upon booking, and remember to bring your documents—either on paper or a photo on your phone.

The check-in process is straightforward, and the crew is friendly and approachable. Since there’s no hotel pickup included, you’ll need to make your own way to the port. The group size can be up to 120 travelers, but reviews suggest it still feels intimate enough to interact with the crew and fellow passengers.

The Boat and Crew

The Black Rose is a traditional-style pirate ship, complete with wood finishes and a lively deck. The crew members are praised for their friendliness, humor, and interactive approach. Several reviewers mentioned staff making a noticeable effort to include solo travelers and making the atmosphere light and fun, often joking and dancing with guests.

One reviewer even mentioned how the staff noticed that they were traveling alone and took time to chat, making the experience more personal. The crew’s enthusiasm is a significant factor in creating a memorable day, especially for families and kids.

Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Departure and First Stop: St. Georges Bay

Once at sea, you’ll cruise along the coast, enjoying excellent views of the shoreline. The first major stop is St. Georges Bay, famous for its clear waters and great snorkeling conditions. Reviewers rave about the beauty for swimming and snorkeling here, often quoting how “St. Georges Bay was beautiful for swimming and snorkelling” and how the water’s clarity made for an excellent underwater experience.

You can expect to spend about an hour here, with crew members assisting in getting everyone safely in and out of the water. Buoyancy aids are available, but some reviews mention a shortage for children, so if you’re traveling with little ones, pack extra floatation devices if possible.

Second Stop: Beaches of Malia and Stalis

The boat then sails eastward to Malia and Stalis bays—two popular seaside towns. From the water, you’ll have multiple opportunities to jump into the sea, relax on the deck, or explore nearby caves and coves. Several guests noted how the crew always kept a watchful eye, making sure everyone was safe and comfortable during swims.

One reviewer said, “there is plenty of time for a nice swim and even food is provided,” emphasizing that the stops are long enough to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. The trip’s pace is relaxed, allowing you to truly unwind and soak up the sun.

Snorkeling and Cave Exploration

Beyond swimming, snorkelers can enjoy the caves and underwater scenery. The water is described as refreshing and clear, perfect for spotting marine life like dolphins or sea turtles, although no guarantees are made. Guests have seen dolphins along the coast, adding an element of surprise and delight.

The Food: BBQ Lunch on Board

A highlight for many is the onboard BBQ, which reviewers consistently praise for its taste and hearty portions. The menu typically includes grilled steak, fresh salads, tzatziki, and bread—simple yet satisfying. Several reviews mention how the food exceeded expectations, with comments like “food was delicious” and “the BBQ was great.”

The BBQ lunch is served during or after the swimming stops, giving everyone a chance to refuel. Drinks are available for purchase on board; however, the cruise itself doesn’t include drinks in the package, so you’ll need to buy your beverages separately.

The Return and Overall Atmosphere

As the cruise winds down, the ship heads back to Hersonissos. Many guests describe the crew’s lively personality as a defining feature, with jokes, music, and dancing making the journey back just as fun as the day out. Some reviews highlight the “great vibe” and playful pirate theme, which really adds to the experience.

Authentic Experiences from Guest Reviews

• Solo travelers appreciated the crew’s efforts to include them in the fun, making it more social.
• Families found the experience ideal for kids—jumping off the boat, helming the ship, or just splashing around.
• Food lovers enjoyed the BBQ, often remarking on its quality and generous portions.
• Water enthusiasts loved the chance to snorkel and swim in beautiful bays, often describing the water as “beautiful” and “crystal clear.”

What Could Be Better?

Some guests expressed disappointment over the short duration—about 4.5 hours from start to finish—and felt the trip was limited in scope, especially if expecting to explore further or visit inland locations. A few reviews also mentioned issues like insufficient flotation aids for children or feeling the experience was overpriced relative to the limited stops.

On top of that, a handful of guests were surprised to find that the itinerary doesn’t include a visit to Dia Island as some promotional materials suggest. Instead, the boat mostly cruises along the coast with a focus on swimming and relaxing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for families with children, as the pirate theme and water activities appeal broadly. It also works well for solo travelers or groups of friends looking for a social, informal day out. If you love scenic coastal views, swimming in beautiful waters, and enjoying good food with a lively crew, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you’re expecting a full-day excursion or detailed island exploration, this might feel a bit limited. The experience is more about enjoying the sea, sun, and fun atmosphere than sightseeing land-based landmarks.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book early: The cruise is popular and tends to fill up at least three weeks in advance.
• Arrive prepared: Bring your ID or passport, swimsuits, towels, and extra flotation aids if needed.
• Bring cash or cards: Water, drinks, and souvenirs are sold onboard.
• Timing matters: The cruise departs at 11:00 am, so plan your arrival accordingly.
• No hotel transfers: You need to make your own way to the port as this does not include transfers.
• Weather considerations: The trip is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews highlight how kids enjoy the swimming, jumping, and even helming the boat. Just ensure flotation aids are available for younger children.

Does the cruise visit Dia Island?
Not according to recent reviews; the boat mainly sails along the coast with stops for swimming and snorkeling at bays and caves.

What should I bring?
Swimsuits, towels, sun protection, a hat, and a photo ID or passport. Extra floatation aids for children can be helpful.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase onboard, but the tour price covers the BBQ lunch.

How long is the cruise?
Approximately 4.5 hours, from departure at 11:00 am until return to Hersonissos.

Is there transportation to the port?
No, you need to get yourself to Agias Paraskevis 125 in Limenas Chersonisou, as transfers are not provided.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is canceled in poor weather conditions, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Crete Pirate Ship Cruise with the Black Rose offers a lively, scenic way to enjoy the coast of Crete. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed day of swimming, tasty food, and a fun pirate-themed adventure. The crew’s friendly, upbeat attitude really makes the difference—turning a simple boat trip into a memorable experience.

While it may not satisfy those seeking extensive island exploration or a fully structured tour, it delivers excellent value for those wanting to unwind, splash around, and enjoy some good Greek-style barbecue at sea. If that sounds like your kind of day, this cruise is well worth considering.

In summary, this experience shines brightest for families and water lovers who prioritize fun, good food, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s a laid-back, social excursion that makes for a great half-day escape—ideal for those wanting to mix sightseeing with relaxation on the sparkling waters of Crete.