A new ship and a full day of swims. On the Captain Morgan cruise from Kos, you bounce between the islands of the Dodecanese, with a brand-new 2024 boat that has the space (and soft seating) to actually enjoy the ride.

What I like most is the new vessel feel—three decks, comfy sundecks, and an onboard bar that’s actually modern—so the day doesn’t feel like a cattle run.

I also love how the schedule mixes water time with real island moments. You get a town stop on Kalymnos for local stories, plus multiple swim breaks including Plati, which is exactly the kind of calm, clear-water stop you hope for in Greece. Lunch is part of the package too, so you’re not hunting food after you’ve been in the sun all morning.

One heads-up: this is a party-boat style cruise. The music can be loud, the pace is fast, and when the boat is full, seating can feel tight at the exact time you want to relax.

Key things to know before you go

• 2024-built Captain Morgan: new-to-the-water, three decks, about 33 meters long, capacity around 300 passengers.
• Swim-focused day plan: several stops where your main job is sunscreen, swims, and getting back to the boat on time.
• Kalymnos culture stop in Vathy (Rina port): time for photos, shopping, sightseeing, and learning about sponges, honey, and local orange juice.
• A surprise extra stop: an additional relax-or-swim moment added to the day.
• Onboard vibe varies by person: fun and lively with staff energy, but not a quiet cruise.

Captain Morgan (2024): what the “luxury” boat feels like

This cruise starts with the ship. Captain Morgan is a new day cruiser built in Greece in 2024, and it shows right away. It’s designed for day-trippers who want open-air sun, shade when the heat hits, and an onboard bar that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Practically, the layout matters. You’ve got three decks, so you can usually find a spot to watch the water slide by, not just stand pressed against a rail. The sundecks have super comfy cushions, which is a big deal when you’re spending the day moving between islands. The shaded relaxation areas are also there for the moments you need to cool off and still stay in the fun.

And yes, there’s music and a social atmosphere. Reviews describe it as energetic—some people love that nonstop party pace, and some people wish it were quieter. You should know which category you’re in before you book.

How the 7-hour route works: timing and where your attention goes

You’re out of Kos Cruise Experts and back in about 7 hours. Most of your time isn’t spent in long, boring “travel” stretches. It’s broken up into sightseeing cruising and island stops, with the boat moving often enough that you feel like you’re doing something every hour.

Here’s the basic flow, in plain terms:

• You start with a sightseeing cruise around 40 minutes. This is your warm-up: you’re on the water, you get your bearings, and the crew starts the day’s rhythm.
• Then you hit island time, then cruising segments again, then more island time.
• The day keeps stacking swim opportunities, with at least one main swimming stop at Plati and another longer port-time moment at Vathy.

One way to think about it: the itinerary is built like a series of “mini-vacations,” not one long excursion. If you’re someone who likes structure, this works well. If you want the freedom to linger for hours in one place, the short island windows can feel busy.

Pserimos Island: 45 minutes of island time and beachy water

Pserimos is your first real break: about 45 minutes with free time plus sightseeing. This is where the day starts leaning into the water experience—people on board tend to treat it as a chance to swim, stretch out, and enjoy the coastline without needing to plan anything complicated.

What makes Pserimos special on this kind of cruise is the simple payoff. You can walk around a bit, look at the port area, then go back to the water when you’re ready. The time window is short enough that you won’t feel stranded, but long enough that you can actually enjoy the island rather than just pass by it.

A practical tip: plan your swim timing around boarding. The boat is the “home base,” so if you wait too long, you’ll be jogging for it. Bring your swimwear and get your towel setup early on board so you’re not scrambling later.

Kalymnos and Vathy (Rina port): the sponge-and-honey story break

This is the most “town” moment of the day. You get about 1 hour at the Vathy Port – Rina area, including a photo stop, shopping, sightseeing, and swimming.

The key value here isn’t just that you can stretch your legs. You’re also getting local storytelling from the crew about sponges, honey, and local orange juice. Kalymnos is known for its sponge tradition, and this stop turns that into something you can actually connect to while you’re standing right there.

If you like wandering with a purpose, this is a good stop. You’ll have just enough time to:

• grab a few photos from the port area
• browse small bits of shopping (quick and casual)
• swim if you want to keep the day’s main theme going

One consideration: your port time means you might not see the entire island. If you’re hoping for a full “Kalymnos tour,” this isn’t that. It’s a focused, time-efficient taste—perfect if you want context without losing your swim schedule.

Kalymnos from the water: dolphin spotting when conditions are right

Right after the Vathy stop, you get a short dolphin-watching period (about 20 minutes). This is one of those moments where the cruise tries to make it happen, but nature decides.

What you should take from this: don’t treat dolphin-watching as guaranteed. Treat it as a bonus. On some days, you’ll see them. On others, you’ll get calm sea views and a lot of “keep your eyes open” excitement instead.

Either way, this is also a nice pacing break. You’re not in a crowded port walkway again. You’re back out on the water with a short, focused mission—watch and enjoy.

Plati Island: the swim break people remember

Then comes the day’s big “water reset”: Plati Island with about 45 minutes free time and time for swimming. This is the stop people point to when they talk about clear water and serene beach vibes.

On a cruise day like this, Plati works because it’s not just sightseeing. You can actually spend time in the water and still have time to relax afterward. It’s the kind of stop where you’ll likely go in more than once—quick swim, towel time, another swim—before the boat calls you back.

If the boat is full (and it can be), plan how you’ll handle seating. One review tip that’s genuinely useful: get aboard early and set up your spot with your towel on your chair. Then you can leave the chair between stops without losing your place every time you return.

The sightseeing cruise segments: why they matter more than you think

You’ll notice several shorter “sightseeing cruise” stretches around 20–40 minutes. These aren’t random filler. They’re your scenic windows, and they help you enjoy the day without needing to be physically active the entire time.

Also, these stretches are where you can:

• enjoy the boat’s movement and views
• grab a drink if you want (drinks aren’t included, but the onboard bar is there)
• listen as the crew keeps the day moving with commentary and energy

If you’re sensitive to motion or you want to avoid sun, these cruising segments are the moment to retreat to shade or a less exposed deck.

The surprise stop: how to make room for the unknown

The cruise includes a surprise stop, meaning an additional extra moment where you can relax or swim at another stop during the day. The timing varies, but the concept is the same: it’s an unexpected bonus rather than a replacement for the main islands.

How to handle this mentally and practically:

• keep your swimwear accessible
• don’t empty your day bag too early
• stay flexible on what you do during the port windows

This kind of “extra” works best when you’re not trying to follow a strict checklist. If you’re in a relaxed mood, it feels like a win.

Food and bar: BBQ lunch is included, drinks are not

Your meal is Greek BBQ lunch, included in the price. That’s a big part of the value because you’re out on the water with multiple stops, and you don’t want to spend your time searching for a decent meal.

Now the honest bit: on day cruises, lunch is generally simple. One review describes it as ok and basically the same style of food you’ll find across similar boats. Another calls it an added bonus, which matches the reality: it’s not gourmet, but it’s there, and it saves you decision-making.

Drinks are not included. The bar is up to date and easy to use, and reviews mention cocktails with mixed reactions. Some people say the cocktails are unreal. Others say quality wasn’t great on their day. Either way, you can expect the bar to be part of the social atmosphere.

One more detail: onboard drinks pricing is described as reasonable in reviews, but your best “value” move is to drink like you’re on a boat—plan carefully between swims and sun exposure.

The onboard vibe: fun for families and party lovers, not for everyone

Captain Morgan seems built for energy. Staff energy is repeatedly mentioned, and one name stands out: Ariel. People describe Ariel as fun, knowledgeable, and a big reason the day feels special. Ariel also shows up in the day’s entertainment style described as mermaid-themed.

This matters because the crew isn’t just checking tickets. They’re shaping the mood and keeping the day moving. If you want an active, social experience—music, games, lots of interaction—this cruise is likely your speed.

If you want quiet, there’s the drawback. One review calls it the loudest and fastest boat in Kos. Another explains it as a party-boat cruise where the noise and bar vibe can overpower the day, especially if you’re not in the party mood.

So here’s my practical take: if you’re traveling with teens, or you like a lively group scene, you’ll probably have a blast. If you’re bringing older parents who want peace and quiet, or you’re nursing a need for calm, manage expectations.

Price and value: why $35 makes sense if you like swim time

At $35 per person for 7 hours, this cruise is priced like a value day. The math that makes it work:

• multiple island stops close together
• several chances to swim
• Greek BBQ lunch included
• a modern boat with cushioned sun areas

Drinks cost extra, and that can shift the final total if you plan to drink cocktails all day. Still, the included lunch and the number of swim windows are the core of why the price lands well.

Also, the ship itself is a selling point. A 2024 boat on a 33-meter frame with three decks means you’re not just paying for movement. You’re paying for comfort during movement.

Practical tips so you don’t lose your spot (or your schedule)

If you want your day to feel smooth, use these strategies:

• Board early to claim a seat you like. Leaving your towel on your chair between stops is an approach people use successfully.
• Pick your deck based on your personality. Sun-lovers go sundecks. You’ll want shade if you burn easily.
• Bring your swimwear and treat the first swim chances as serious. With multiple stops, it’s easy to forget you’ve only got minutes, not hours.
• If you care about photos, know there’s a professional photo option. Reviews mention prints around €5 per print, sold as optional keepsakes.
• Don’t overplan your island wandering on the short stops. You’re there for a mix: quick sightseeing plus water time.

Should you book Captain Morgan from Kos Cruise Experts?

I’d book it if you want a day that’s mostly about sun, swimming, and lively group fun. The new ship feel, the comfortable sundecks, the included BBQ lunch, and the mix of islands plus a surprise stop are a strong combination for a price that feels fair.

Skip it—or at least reconsider—if you’re hunting for a quiet, low-noise cruise. The party vibe is real, the music can be loud, and seating can get tight when the boat runs full.

If you’re in the middle—curious, flexible, and okay with an energetic day—this is one of the better ways to use your time in Kos without turning your holiday into a logistics project.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise from Kos?

The experience runs for 7 hours.

What islands or stops are included?

You’ll visit Pserimos Island, Vathy Port (Rina) on Kalymnos, Kalymnos for a dolphin-watching moment, Platy (Plati) Island, plus a surprise extra stop.

Is the BBQ lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but you can use the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Kos Cruise Experts and look for the pirate ship, Captain Morgan.

What languages are the live guides available in?

The live tour guide operates in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any photo service onboard?

There is an option for professional photos mentioned by guests, with prints sold on board (example mentioned: €5 per print).