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

Kos to nearby islands, with time to swim and laugh. What makes this cruise stand out is the mix of new-ship comfort and a true day-on-the-water schedule built around multiple water stops.

I particularly like the Captain Morgan setup: three decks, shaded hangout areas, and sundecks with comfy cushions so you are not stuck on the hard parts all day. I also love that the day is not just transport, you get real time at several islands, plus a Greek BBQ lunch that keeps things easy. One possible drawback to consider is the vibe, this can be loud and high-energy, so if you want quiet sightseeing, it may feel more like a floating party than a peaceful boat ride.

Key things to know before you go

• Brand new 2024 vessel with three decks and 300 passenger capacity, built for long, social days on the water
• Plenty of swim time across multiple islands, not just one quick dip
• A lively onboard feel, including energetic crew and fun entertainment such as Ariel the mermaid
• Kalymnos culture stop in Vathy, tied to sponges, honey, and local orange juice
• A dolphin-watching moment at Kalymnos when conditions allow
• One extra surprise stop where the captain adds another relaxation or swimming break

Captain Morgan from Kos: a 2024 sailing day that feels built for comfort

This is not an old-school wooden ferry. Captain Morgan is a brand new day cruiser built in Greece in 2024, and the ship’s size shows. It is about 33 meters long, has three decks, and can handle up to 300 people, which matters because it changes the whole feel of the day.

On board, you get sundecks with super comfy cushions, plus shaded relaxation areas where you can cool down when the sun gets too intense. There are also tables set up for enjoying drinks and hanging out while you sail. If you have ever done a boat day where everyone is packed shoulder-to-shoulder with nowhere to sit, this design helps.

The other thing you should know is how the day flows with motion and sound. One review described it as the loudest, fastest boat in Kos, which lines up with what I expect from a large day cruiser built for energy. Plan for music that can be loud at times, and for the day to feel social from start to finish.

Price and value: $35 for a full 7 hours plus lunch (and what to budget)

At around $35 per person for a 7-hour cruise, this is easy to compare to other Kos day trips. What makes it good value is that you are not paying only for transit, you are paying for a whole day on a large, purpose-built ship with several island stops, swim time, and a Greek BBQ lunch included.

What is not included is drinks. That is normal for cruises, but it helps to plan a simple budget so you do not get surprised at the bar. The onboard bar runs with cocktails and other drinks, and some people found prices reasonable. Also, there is an option for professional photos, with a low-cost per print, so you may want a few euros set aside if you think you’ll want a memory.

If you are traveling as a couple or small group and you value spending your day in the water instead of booking multiple separate activities, this price tends to make sense.

Where you meet the pirate ship, and how to get the best seats

Meeting is at Kos Cruise Experts, and you should look for the pirate ship called Captain Morgan. The location is shown on the map link provided by the operator, so give yourself a little time to walk there and find the right boarding line.

Here is a practical tip that matters on ships with 300 seats: get on board early if you want to keep your spot. During stop after stop, you might want the same chair when you return from swimming. One traveler also recommended leaving towels on your chair so you can find your spot again later.

Even if you are not the type to worry about seating, you will enjoy the day more if you start with a comfortable base. Bring swimwear, and think of your day as a sequence of short islands breaks where you will be repeating your routine, get settled, swim, return, repeat.

How the schedule works: sightseeing time plus real swim blocks

The day is paced like a classic island-hopping cruise, with sailing time between stops and scheduled windows where you can explore or swim. There are sightseeing cruises sprinkled throughout, and that means you get two types of moments: views from the boat and actual time on shore.

A big reason this can feel fun rather than rushed is the total blend of time. You get a short sightseeing cruise at the start, then longer stretches at the islands, with swim time included at the key water stops. You also get a final sail-back that is long enough to wind down rather than immediately jump into travel fatigue.

One more note: because it is a big ship, it can feel busy. At peak stops, you will be sharing decks and tender swim points with a full boat. If that sounds like your idea of chaos, consider the possibility that you may spend some time navigating crowds.

Pserimos Island: your first real taste of swim-and-chill island time

Pserimos Island is one of the anchors of the day, and you will get free time plus sightseeing around 45 minutes. That makes it ideal if you like a simple plan: step off, grab a quick look around, then spend the bulk of your time in the water.

This is also a good stop for snorkeling-style swimming, casual floating, and just enjoying the calm. The cruise experience is built around multiple water breaks, so Pserimos is where you get into that rhythm early.

A practical move here is to prioritize your swim window rather than trying to do everything on land. With limited time, you will enjoy yourself more if you pick one beach area and settle in.

Vathy, Kalymnos: culture stop with sponges, honey, and orange juice

Kalymnos is where the itinerary gets both fun and local. The boat spends time at Vathy Port, also labeled Rina on the schedule, with about an hour that includes a photo stop, shopping, sightseeing, and swimming.

Vathy is not just a pretty harbor. The cruise experience focuses on local products, and you get to learn about sponges, honey, and rejuvenating local orange juice. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, this kind of focused culture stop is a nice counterweight to the swimming-heavy parts of the day.

There is also dolphin watching at Kalymnos for a short window. Sometimes you get lucky with dolphins, and when you do, it becomes one of those “quick, look right now” moments that makes the day feel extra.

One consideration: if you are the kind of person who wants instant, postcard views the moment you step off the boat, you may be a bit limited by where the stop happens around the island. Still, the combination of harbor time plus the chance to swim makes this an efficient stop.

Plati Island: the main swim and relaxation stretch

Plati Island is one of the best parts of the itinerary for pure water time. You get around 45 minutes of free time with swimming, which is enough to do a proper loop, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the kind of crystal-clear water that makes you want to stay in longer than planned.

This stop is a strong match for anyone who came to Kos mainly for sea days. Plati tends to deliver the swim-and-sun payoff without requiring complicated logistics. Bring your swimwear and plan for quick towel life: dry off, reapply sunscreen if needed, then head back in.

If you are traveling with family or mixed ages, Plati is also flexible. People can swim at different paces, and you can regroup easily after each short break.

The surprise stop: another chance to relax or swim

The itinerary includes a surprise stop. You do not get specific details in the schedule beyond the idea that the captain takes you to another hidden corner of the Dodecanese for relaxation or swimming.

This is one of the reasons I like this style of cruise. Instead of locking you into a single scripted island plan, the ship adds a bit of spontaneity. It can also be a way to handle sea conditions, choosing the stop that best fits the day.

The tradeoff is you will not be able to pre-plan what you will see there. If you love research and hate uncertainty, that may bother you. If you are traveling for fun, the unknown can be part of the charm.

Food and drinks: Greek BBQ lunch included, cocktails on the side

The best news for your budget is that the Greek BBQ lunch is included. On a day like this, that matters because it saves you from hunting for food at each stop. You also get a meal that fits the local setting, not just a generic snack.

That said, the quality bar is what you would expect from a mass-day cruise. Some people found the food fine, others described it as more passable. Translation for you: it is satisfying enough to keep you going through swim time, but do not expect a gourmet restaurant lunch.

Drinks are not included. The bar is described as up-to-date and part of the onboard fun, with cocktails available and prices that some found reasonable. If cocktails are your thing, it can be a fun add-on. If you prefer staying dry or keeping costs low, you can keep it simple with water and maybe one drink.

One more practical perk: there are professional photo options, with a low-cost per print noted by a reviewer. If you want a clean memory shot without editing your own selfies, this is worth considering.

The onboard vibe: fun, loud music, and the Ariel factor

This cruise is not a quiet, reflective boat ride. One review called it very much a party boat cruise, with loud music and an emphasis on the bar. That matches what you should expect from a large day cruiser with a social crowd.

The upside is the energy. Multiple reviews praised the crew for being enthusiastic and helpful. People also singled out Ariel, a mermaid character on board, as a highlight. You can expect this to add a playful, family-friendly edge to an otherwise high-energy day.

For you, the best takeaway is to match your expectations. If your ideal vacation day includes dancing, loud tunes, and a lively atmosphere, you will likely love the energy. If you want quiet, you may feel annoyed by the noise at times and might find it hard to escape the party mood on deck.

Who should book this cruise from Kos, and who should pass

This is a great fit if:

• You want a 7-hour sea day with multiple swim stops and minimal planning
• You like social energy and do not mind music being loud at times
• You want a mix of local culture at Kalymnos plus beach time at places like Plati
• You value included lunch to keep the day simple

You might rethink it if:

• Quiet sightseeing is your main goal
• You hate crowded boats or want guaranteed personal space
• You are sensitive to loud music, especially during cruising segments

Also, keep in mind that a ship this size often mixes people in ways that can affect the vibe. Some groups from hotels can make the day feel more like a coordinated tour day than a slow, laid-back cruise.

Still, many people clearly have a great time, and the repeated themes are comfort for the ship type, fun crew energy, and strong swim stops.

Should you book Captain Morgan from Kos?

If you want a day that feels like island-hopping fun, with swim time on multiple stops, included lunch, and a brand-new ship layout that is comfortable, I think this is a smart booking. The price is low enough that you are not gambling heavily, and the day is long enough to justify it.

My simple decision rule: book it if you will enjoy a lively party atmosphere and you want to spend your time in the water. Skip it if you are chasing quiet views and peaceful pacing.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise from Kos?

The cruise duration is listed as 7 hours.

How many island stops and swim stops are included?

The experience includes stops for swimming and fun around Kos, with Platy Island, Pserimos Island, Kalymnos (Vathy Port), and a surprise stop.

What is included in the price?

Included are the main island stops for swimming and sightseeing, Greek BBQ lunch, and a live tour guide. Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included on board?

No. Drinks are not included, though the bar is available onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear.

What languages is the live tour guide available in?

The live tour guide is listed as available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.