From Kos:A full day cruise in the newest luxury vessel!

Kos looks better from the water. This seven-hour cruise pairs a brand-new three-deck vessel with clear swimming spots, island views, and a Greek BBQ lunch. I like the cushioned sun decks and the lively crew, especially Ariel, whose humor and energy help keep the long day moving. The main catch is simple: this can feel like a loud party boat, and seating may be tight when the ship is full.

For $35, the value is strong if you want several island stops without arranging separate boats or ferries. You get lunch, swimming, sightseeing, and a bar onboard, but drinks cost extra. I would choose it for a sociable day in the Dodecanese, not for quiet sailing or long visits ashore.

The route includes Pserimos, Vathy on Kalymnos, a short dolphin-watching section near Kalymnos, Platy, and an additional surprise swimming stop. Bring swimwear, arrive ready for sun and music, and claim your preferred seat early.

Key things to know before boarding

• Captain Morgan is a very large new boat: Built in Greece in 2024, the 33-meter vessel carries up to 300 people across three decks.
• The day is built around swimming: Pserimos, Platy, and the extra stop give you time in the water, with swimming and snorkeling among the main activities.
• Ariel is a major part of the atmosphere: Her friendly, entertaining approach has made a strong impression on people who joined the cruise.
• The lunch is included, but drinks are not: The Greek BBQ adds useful value, while cocktails, soft drinks, and other bar purchases cost extra.
• This is a music-and-social cruise: It suits families, couples, and groups who enjoy an upbeat boat day, but the volume may bother anyone seeking peace.
• Early arrival matters: Some seats may be claimed quickly, especially after passengers return from a stop.

Boarding the 33-meter Captain Morgan in Kos

The meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts in Kos Town. Look for the pirate ship named Captain Morgan. The boat is hard to miss, and the size changes the feel of the trip from the start.

Captain Morgan was built in 2024 and is described as the largest sailing vessel in the Dodecanese. It has three decks, broad sunbathing areas, shaded places to sit, tables, and a modern bar. The padded sun decks are a real plus during a full day at sea. You can stretch out in the sun, move into shade, or sit at a table with a drink and a view.

The capacity is up to 300 people, so this is not an intimate sailing trip. On a full departure, finding a favorite seat may take some strategy. If you want a shaded table or a particular spot on deck, arrive early and keep your towel or belongings on your chair when you go swimming. That practical tip matters, since seats may not be waiting when you return.

The ship has enough room to spread out, but a full boat still feels full. One four-star account noted that there were not enough places for everyone. Keep that in mind if you dislike crowds or need a quiet corner. The boat itself is comfortable, clean, and modern, but the size also means a more organized, group-oriented experience.

The first cruise across the Dodecanese

The opening sailing lasts about 40 minutes. This is your chance to settle in, get a drink, check the decks, and watch Kos fade behind you.

The sea around Kos is the main attraction here. The boat gives you a broad view of the islands, and the trip feels like a moving day room with water on every side. The music and bar help create a holiday mood, though the sound level can be high. I would sit away from the speakers if you want to talk or simply enjoy the scenery.

The crew keeps the mood active, with announcements, entertainment, and plenty of encouragement to join the fun. The strongest praise goes to the staff, particularly Ariel, who combines information with a playful style. That helps the day feel more personal than a simple transfer between swimming stops.

You may also have a chance to watch dolphins during the Kalymnos section. The sighting is not something anyone can promise, but it has been a memorable part of some departures. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at the screen.

Pserimos: a gentle first island stop

Pserimos comes early, with about 45 minutes of free time and sightseeing. The island is known for attractive beaches and a small port atmosphere, making it a pleasant introduction to the route.

This is not a long village visit. Forty-five minutes gives you time to walk a little, take photographs, sit near the shore, or swim if conditions allow. The stop works best when you treat it as a taste of the island rather than a full tour.

The water is a major reason to bring swimwear. Several stops are planned around swimming, and Pserimos offers an easy chance to get into the sea before the day moves on. You may prefer to stay dry and enjoy the views, but the schedule is designed for people who want both sightseeing and water time.

Because the stop is short, watch the time. It is easy to wander along the shore, pause for photographs, and suddenly hear the call to return. Comfortable sandals, a towel, and a small waterproof bag will make this part easier, although the only item specifically required is swimwear.

Vathy Port and Rina on Kalymnos

The stop at Vathy Port, also referred to as Rina, lasts about an hour. It includes sightseeing, a photo stop, shopping, and swimming, so this is one of the more varied parts of the day.

Vathy gives you a closer look at Kalymnos beyond the open sea. The island is linked with sponge gathering, honey, and citrus, and the cruise introduces those local products during the visit. Orange juice is one of the named local treats, and the stop gives you a chance to look for regional items rather than spending the whole day only on the boat.

The port area also works well for photographs. You can take in the small waterfront setting, browse a little, and still leave time for a swim. The hour passes quickly, so you may need to choose between shopping and getting in the water.

There is one limitation to note. The boat stops on the other side of Kalymnos rather than taking you to the island’s main sights, so this is a brief port visit, not a full Kalymnos tour. If you want museums, a long village walk, or a broader look at the island, this cruise will not provide it. If you want a scenic stop with local flavor, a photo opportunity, and a quick swim, it fits the bill.

Dolphin watching near Kalymnos

After Vathy, the route includes a short 20-minute section for dolphin watching. The boat slows the sightseeing pace and gives you a chance to scan the water.

Dolphins are wild animals, so this is best treated as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed attraction. Some departures have seen them, and that can become one of the day’s most exciting moments. Stay alert during this stretch, especially if you are on an outer deck with a clear view.

The short time also shows the overall rhythm of the cruise. You are rarely in one place for a very long period. The day keeps moving between open-water sailing, a port, a swimming stop, and music back onboard. That variety is useful if you get bored on slow cruises, but less ideal if you want to linger at one island.

Platy: clear water and time to swim

Platy is one of the main swimming stops, with about 45 minutes of free time. Its appeal is the water, which is described as clear and calm, along with quiet beaches and a more relaxed setting.

This is where the cruise feels most like a classic Greek island boat day. You can swim, sunbathe, take photographs, or try some snorkeling. Cliff jumping may also be part of the fun, but only take part if it is clearly suitable and permitted at the stop.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. Keep your return time in mind and avoid assuming you can stay ashore. The schedule has several moving parts, and the boat needs to keep to its route.

Platy is also a good moment to step away from the loudest part of the day. Once you return to the vessel, the music and bar atmosphere resume. If you want a quieter break, use the swimming stops to enjoy the water rather than remaining onboard.

The surprise stop and the Greek BBQ

The cruise includes one additional stop selected as a surprise. The exact place is not specified in advance, which is part of the appeal. It gives the crew room to choose another spot for swimming or relaxing in the Dodecanese.

Do not expect a full guided visit at this stop. The focus is time by the sea, with the chance to swim, rest, and enjoy a change of scenery. Since the location can vary, the experience may depend on the day’s conditions and the captain’s choice.

Lunch is included in the price and comes in the form of a Greek BBQ. That is important for the value calculation. A seven-hour boat trip can become expensive once you add a meal, but here the main food is already covered. The meal is best viewed as practical, filling cruise food rather than a restaurant experience.

Drinks are not included. There is a bar with cocktails and other refreshments, and prices have been described as reasonable on some departures. Still, set aside extra money if you want several drinks. The bar is part of the experience, but you do not need to buy anything to enjoy the swimming and scenery.

How lively is this cruise?

Captain Morgan is marketed as a luxury vessel, but the atmosphere is more party cruise than quiet yacht. Music plays a major role, the bar stays central, and the crew encourages people to have fun.

That energy is exactly why many people choose it. Families, teenagers, couples, and groups can all find something to enjoy. The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, entertaining, and involved throughout the day. Ariel is often singled out for making the cruise fun while also sharing information about the route.

The tradeoff is volume. Some departures have felt less like a peaceful sailing trip and more like a floating bar that stops for swimming. The ship can also carry large hotel groups, which may shape the atmosphere and make the boat feel less personal.

My advice is to pick your expectations carefully. If you want music, cocktails, social energy, and several swim stops for a low price, this is a good match. If you want silence, a small group, or long stretches of unhurried sailing, choose a different kind of boat trip.

Is $35 good value for seven hours?

At $35 per person, this is a strong deal for a full day on the water. The price includes the boat, several island stops, swimming time, the surprise stop, and a Greek BBQ lunch. You also get access to a new, large vessel with shaded areas, sun decks, tables, and a bar.

The value becomes even clearer if you want to see several places without booking separate transport. Pserimos, Vathy, Platy, and the Kalymnos waters are combined in one day, with no need to plan the route yourself.

There are limits. Drinks cost extra, and the group can be large. The shore visits are short, so you are paying for variety rather than deep exploration of each island. Think of it as a social island-hopping day with swimming, not a detailed cultural tour.

The flexible booking terms also help. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Starting times depend on availability.

Who should book Captain Morgan?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• Several Greek island views in one day
• Plenty of swimming and sunbathing
• A modern boat with shade and comfortable deck areas
• Music, cocktails, and an outgoing crew
• A family-friendly day that also entertains teenagers
• A low-cost way to include lunch and multiple stops

I would think twice if you want:

• A quiet or romantic sailing trip
• A small boat with personal attention throughout
• Long visits on Kalymnos or Pserimos
• A calm meal away from music and crowds
• Guaranteed dolphin sightings
• Plenty of seating on a busy departure

The cruise is offered with live guiding in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. Bring swimwear, and consider adding a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof phone pouch. The official meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts, where you should look for the Captain Morgan pirate ship.

Should you book this Kos island cruise?

Book it if your ideal day includes clear water, music, a BBQ lunch, friendly crew, and several chances to swim. The ship is new, the route offers good variety, and $35 is hard to fault for seven hours when lunch is included.

Skip it if you are hoping for a quiet sailing experience or a detailed tour of Kalymnos. Captain Morgan is comfortable and attractive, but it is also large, lively, and sometimes crowded. Arrive early, choose your seat wisely, and treat the island stops as short scenic visits. With those expectations, this is one of the better-value ways to spend a full day around Kos.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise?

The cruise lasts seven hours, including the sailing time and stops around Pserimos, Kalymnos, Vathy, Platy, and the additional surprise stop.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Kos Cruise Experts in Kos. Look for the pirate ship named Captain Morgan at the stated meeting point.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, Vathy Port at Rina, and Platy. It also includes an additional surprise stop for swimming or relaxing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but the vessel has a bar serving cocktails and other refreshments.

Is swimming part of the cruise?

Yes. Swimming is offered at several stops, including Pserimos, Platy, and the additional stop. The route also includes swimming time at Vathy.

Can I see dolphins?

Dolphin watching is included during a 20-minute section near Kalymnos. Dolphins are wild, so sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.