From Panormo: Luxe All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

Taking to the water in Crete feels like a must-do for anyone wanting a taste of island life—especially when your journey is on a luxurious, all-inclusive catamaran heading to the stunning Bali Bay. The experience, curated by DanEri Yachts, promises a relaxing day filled with scenic views, water adventures, and a delicious Mediterranean feast.

While we haven’t personally sailed this vessel, reviews suggest it’s a well-balanced trip suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends seeking a mix of comfort and adventure. We love the attention to guest comfort, the variety of water activities, and the quality of the food. That said, it’s worth noting that the cruise doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to organize your own transport to Panormo port.

This experience is perfect for travelers craving a day of sunshine, scenic coastal views, and a taste of Crete’s maritime charm—all wrapped up in a semi-private setting that feels more intimate than a crowded tour boat.

Key Points

• Comfortable, spacious catamaran with all the comforts of a high-end vessel
• All-inclusive menu with a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including kid-friendly options
• Multiple water activities such as snorkeling, SUP, fishing, and inflatable flamingo fun
• Unbeatable coastal scenery with stops in Bali Bay and other scenic points
• Informative and friendly crew with positive reviews on professionalism and hospitality
• Flexible itinerary with multiple stops, swimming, and sightseeing opportunities

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Catamaran Cruise Stands Out

Crete is famed for its crystal-clear waters and rugged coastlines, and this cruise from Panormo offers a wonderful way to enjoy both. The ship itself is described as a luxurious, spacious vessel with plenty of deck space, shaded areas, and a stereo system to keep the vibe lively. The vessel’s crew, including guides with Red Cross certification, are praised for their attentiveness—making sure everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re lounging or splashing around.

What sets this cruise apart is its attention to detail. From the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted with coffee, tea, and pies—setting a relaxed tone for the day. Unlimited soft drinks, local wine, and beer are served throughout, allowing you to sip and chat as you take in the scenic coastline. Plus, free WiFi means you can share all your favorite moments instantly.

The itinerary includes a two-part sail with about 100 minutes on each leg, allowing ample time to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The highlight is the stop at Bali Bay, which boasts calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating. Guests can use snorkeling gear, SUP boards, or even try their luck fishing. An inflatable flamingo adds a splash of fun—something kids and adults alike will love, based on multiple reviews praising the water activities.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Start at Panormo: The cruise begins with a short safety briefing and welcome refreshments like local snacks, tea, or coffee. The meeting point is straightforward—just arrive 15 minutes early at Panormo port, where the vessel is marked with the DanEri flag. Convenient parking right in front makes it easy to access, and there’s no need for complicated transfers if you’re local.

Sail to Bali Bay: The first cruise segment lasts about 100 minutes, offering time to settle in, sunbathe, or listen to music. Reviewers mention the crew’s professionalism, with Mario noting that the captain “made you feel the owner of the boat,” which hints at the personalized service on offer.

Stop at Bali Bay: This is the main event—about three hours of pure relaxation. The boat anchors in the calm, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling (gear included), or just floating with a drink in hand. Guests can capture great photos, thanks to scenic vistas and the pristine setting.

Water activities and lunch: After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch. The menu is touted for its quality—seafood, tender meats, fresh vegetables, and fruit. Kids will appreciate the special kid-friendly options, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Multiple reviews praise the lunch as delicious and made with local ingredients, adding value to the experience.

Return sail: The second 100-minute sail offers more chances to relax, sunbathe, and take in the coastline. The crew continues to provide drinks and music, keeping the mood lively but laid-back.

Drop-off: The cruise ends back at Panormo with optional drop-off at various nearby locations, including Rethymno, Scaleta, Bali, and others, making it convenient to continue your day in Crete.

Water Activities: Fun for All Ages

Guests rave about the water activities, with snorkeling gear, SUP boards, fishing equipment, and inflatables available on board. Jade mentioned, “The boat is lovely and the food was great,” and appreciated the abundance of swimming gear and floats, which made the water fun even more accessible.

The inflatable flamingo, in particular, is a hit—adding a playful element that guarantees smiles. For those who love to explore beneath the surface, snorkeling in Bali Bay is a highlight, with clear waters being perfect for underwater sights.

The Food and Drink Experience

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the quality of the onboard dining experience. The Mediterranean lunch features seafood and meat options, prepared fresh on board, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request. Reviews highlight the freshness and flavor, with Mario praising the chef for the “many dishes made at the moment” with attention to allergies.

Unlimited soft drinks, local wine, and beer keep everyone refreshed. Several reviews mention the delicious lunch and the friendly, efficient service, making the meal part of the overall enjoyment rather than just a side note.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise appeals most to travelers who value a relaxing yet engaging day on the water. It’s ideal for families, especially since there’s a kid-friendly menu and toys to keep little ones entertained. Couples will enjoy the intimate, semi-private atmosphere, and groups of friends will find plenty of space for fun, music, and water activities.

It’s also perfect for those who want an authentic Cretan experience—great food, scenic vistas, and attentive hospitality—without the hassle of planning every detail. However, those who prefer to stay onshore or need hotel transfers will need to arrange their own transportation.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoyment

• Arrive 15 minutes early at Panormo port for check-in and safety briefing.
• Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID for check-in.
• The cruise lasts about 6.5 hours, so wear comfortable clothing and be ready for sun exposure.
• While hotel pickup isn’t included, parking is available right in front of Panormo port.
• The cruise is weather-dependent; bad weather might mean rescheduling or cancellation.
• For families or specific dietary needs, ask in advance about vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own transportation to Panormo port, though parking is available right in front.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, passport or ID, and any personal water gear you want to use for snorkeling or SUP.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, with about 100 minutes of sailing in each leg and a 3-hour stop at Bali Bay.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks, local white wine, and beer are included throughout the cruise, along with coffee and tea.

Is the food on board good?
Absolutely. The Mediterranean lunch features fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, with reviews praising the flavor and quality of the dishes.

Can children participate in water activities?
Yes, kids can enjoy the floats, inflatable flamingos, and snorkeling gear provided on board. There’s a kid-friendly menu available as well.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is subject to weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the trip may be rescheduled or canceled, and you will be notified in advance.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available so you can share your photos and stay connected during the trip.

Wrapping It Up

This all-inclusive catamaran cruise from Panormo offers a wonderful way to experience Crete’s coastlines in comfort and style. With a spacious vessel, knowledgeable crew, and a menu full of fresh Mediterranean flavors, it’s a great choice for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day at sea. The water activities, scenic stops, and quality food make it a standout among sea excursions.

It’s particularly well-suited for families, couples, and groups looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation without sacrificing comfort. The experience balances fun and tranquility, all while giving you a taste of authentic Cretan hospitality.

If you’re after a day of sunshine, stunning scenery, and good company, this cruise will likely tick all your boxes—and maybe even more.

Note: Always check current availability and weather conditions before booking, and consider arriving early to enjoy the full experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: