Sunset, dinner, and sea air in one ride. This Protaras catamaran cruise pairs hotel pickup with a buffet dinner plus an open bar, then sends you to the deck for sunset photos along the Protaras coastline. I especially like two things: you get a full meal handled on board, and the sea time comes with swim stops instead of a quick pass-by. One possible drawback is that the transfer part can feel a bit more stressful than the actual cruise, and the sunset angle can depend on where the boat is headed that evening.

To get the most out of it, I’d go in expecting a fun, photo-friendly evening rather than a guaranteed perfectly clear open-sea horizon every time. Weather can also shift plans, so the cruise is best treated as a flexible plan for a relaxed Cyprus night—food, drinks, and views first.

Key takeaways before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Protaras and Ayia Napa makes this easy if you don’t want to coordinate transport.
• Buffet dinner + open bar means you don’t need to book dinner elsewhere.
• Sunset viewing from the deck is the main event, with plenty of places to take photos.
• Swim stops add real value beyond just sailing.
• Free Wi-Fi is available on board, helpful for sharing photos quickly.
• Up to 100 people keeps it from feeling tiny, but still large enough for an energetic vibe.

Price and value: what $70.89 really buys you

At about $70.89 per person for roughly 4 hours, this cruise can look pricey at first glance—until you add up what’s included. You’re not just paying for a seat on a boat. You’re getting pickup and drop-off, a buffet dinner, unlimited drinks (open bar), seasonal fruit and dessert, plus swim time and even free Wi-Fi.

That matters because dinner prices and drinks add up fast in Cyprus—especially during peak season. If you were already planning to eat out that evening and have a drink or two, this cruise often becomes better value than it seems. The open bar also changes the feel of the trip: you’re not rationing your budget or timing drinks around your wallet.

Still, treat it like a shared-group sunset cruise. With a maximum of 100 travelers, it won’t feel like a private sailing charter. You’ll get energy and social atmosphere, but you won’t get that quiet, exclusive feel.

If you want a straightforward evening that combines food, drinks, and a sea sunset, this is priced in a way that supports that plan.

Getting to the catamaran: pickup windows and the East Coast Cruises meeting point

The schedule is built around an afternoon-to-early-evening sailing, with pickup starting between 15:00 and 15:45. That’s a wide window on purpose, since hotel pickups are staggered. If you’re the type who likes exact timing, you’ll want to build in a little buffer.

Your main meeting point is East Coast Cruises at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus. Pickup is offered from hotels or designated meeting points in Protaras and Ayia Napa. The cruise operator also notes that there are no pickups from private accommodations, including holiday villas. So if you’re staying off the usual routes, you’ll likely need to make your own way to the designated pickup spot.

One practical thing: you’ll receive pickup details by email at latest one day before the cruise. If you book late, use the emergency line to confirm pickup—this is especially important when your pickup depends on the final routing.

I like this setup because it reduces decision fatigue. You’re not hunting for a boat dock with a map and a deadline. You just show up, check in, and settle in.

On board the Ruby: buffet dinner, open bar, Wi-Fi, and a deck for photos

Once you’re on the catamaran Ruby, the vibe is simple: eat well, drink freely, and save your best efforts for the deck. The meal is a buffet dinner, which is ideal for a group cruise because nobody has to wait around for a plated course. You also get seasonal fresh fruit and dessert, which is a nice touch that keeps it from feeling like a bare-minimum “included meal.”

Then there’s the open bar. Unlimited drinks are part of the package, so you can relax without doing mental math every time you ask for a refill. It also makes the atmosphere feel like a genuine evening out, not a bland transport service.

Free Wi-Fi is listed as included. On a sunset cruise, that’s handy. You’ll likely want to upload photos quickly—especially if you’re traveling with family and want to share the view while it’s happening. Just don’t expect streaming-level speed; it’s still a boat in motion.

The real reason you’re here, though, is the deck. You’ll be able to watch and photograph the sunset from the boat. Bring sun protection even late in the day—Cyprus light can stay strong, and wind on the water doesn’t always feel as hot as the sun.

One more note: the cruise is in English, which helps if you want to follow what the crew is saying about the coastline and surroundings. In one account, a crew member named Scott stood out for friendly guidance and helpful notes during the trip. Even if you don’t hear the same exact commentary, the overall service style is reported as welcoming.

Green Bay Beach and swim stops: when “included” means you actually use it

A standout value point here is that the sailing isn’t only for views. You also get swim stops and a stop area tied to Green Bay Beach. That turns the evening from a passive experience into something you can feel—cooling off in the sea, stretching your legs, and making the cruise more than a photo session.

If you like ocean time, this is the kind of inclusion that genuinely changes your day. A lot of cruises say you can swim, but you only get a brief look. Here, the cruise duration is structured around the boat time with sea access built in.

Pack like you’ll actually get wet:

• Swimwear and a towel you’re comfortable drying later
• Water shoes or whatever grip footwear you trust
• A dry layer for after swimming, because wind can chill you once the sun drops

If you’re sensitive to choppy water, remember that catamarans usually ride smoothly, but sea conditions still vary. You’ll feel it more if you’re on the deck for long periods—so plan to alternate between deck and seating areas.

Also, don’t wait until the last minutes to swim. The best window is usually when the group is settled and the boat is stable. If you want photos, take them first, then swim.

Sailing the Protaras coast: coastline views toward Famagusta, Konnos Bay, and Cape Greco

The route is themed around the Protaras shoreline. You’ll sail past scenery connected to Protaras coastline, Famagusta, Konnos Bay, and/or Cape Greco (Blue Lagoon). That set of names tells you the cruise is designed for variety: different stretches of coast, different looks at coves, and a changing shoreline backdrop for sunset photos.

Why that matters: a sunset cruise can feel repetitive if the boat just loops in one spot. Here, the promise is movement along a scenic corridor. Even if the best light hits only for a short window, you’re likely to get multiple photo angles: wider coastline shots, closer water views, and perspectives from the deck.

One practical mindset shift: coastal viewpoints can be affected by cliffs, rocks, and the exact position of the boat. That’s why some people have perfect horizon moments and others end up with the sun partially blocked by shoreline features. If you’re chasing a model-perfect sunset shot, set your expectations to something more flexible and enjoy the overall evening—views plus sea time plus dinner.

It’s also worth noting that sunset planning on the coast is never fully controllable. The cruise depends on weather conditions and/or availability, and if conditions aren’t good, the operator can offer another date or a full refund.

Sunset expectations: brilliant deck photos, but not always a perfect horizon

This cruise is clearly built around the sunset. The description calls out deck sunset viewing, and the whole timing feels designed for that golden hour window. When it works, it’s exactly what you want: a changing sky, warm light over the water, and a relaxed evening rhythm with dinner and drinks in the background.

But the coastline isn’t flat. Depending on where the boat turns, the sun can appear behind hills, rocks, or shoreline edges. One experience highlighted that the sunset wasn’t fully visible because it was blocked by landforms. Another account mentioned a similar mismatch between the ideal sunset setup and the actual view.

So here’s how I’d frame it for your planning:

• Treat sunset as the star attraction, but not as a guaranteed open-sea line.
• Focus on the whole picture: sky color, coastline light, and the mood of being on the water.
• If you’re extremely sensitive to view perfection, you might want to pair this cruise with another land-based sunset spot on your own schedule.

Even when the horizon isn’t perfect, the deck setting usually delivers a great atmosphere. The included dinner and drinks mean you’re not stuck waiting around with nothing else to do.

English-speaking crew and the vibe onboard

The cruise includes English. That matters because it helps you follow what’s happening and what the crew is pointing out around the coastline and sea areas.

Service style seems to be a strong point. In one German-language account, the crew—including someone named Scott—was described as doing a great job and providing lots of food and drinks, plus interesting notes about the surroundings. The takeaway for you: the cruise isn’t just hands-off logistics. There’s an effort to keep things friendly and moving.

Group size also supports the vibe. With a maximum of 100 people, you’ll be surrounded enough to feel the social energy, but not so packed that you can’t find your spot on deck.

For most people, the sweet spot is this: show up ready for a fun evening, eat when the buffet is set out, enjoy your drink without rushing, then step outside as the sunset starts to build.

Who should book this cruise (and who might prefer another plan)

I’d put this cruise on your shortlist if you want:

• One-ticket convenience: pickup, dinner, drinks, and sea time all included
• A low-stress evening in Protaras/Ayia Napa without planning dinner after
• Deck time for photos and a reason to be outside during sunset hour
• The option to swim rather than only watch water from a distance

It’s also a good fit for couples who want something romantic but not complicated, and for groups of friends who want an easy shared activity.

On the other hand, consider a different kind of cruise or plan if:

• You need a perfectly unobstructed horizon sunset photo every time
• You hate any uncertainty in timing and routing (since pickup is scheduled in a window and sea-view details can vary)
• You’re very bothered by longer transfers before boarding. Some people found the journey to and from the catamaran less enjoyable than the cruise itself.

In short: this is for people who prioritize the whole package—food, open bar, deck time, and the chance to swim.

Should you book the Catamaran Ruby Sunset Cruise from Protaras?

I think this is a strong value buy if you like eating on board, having a drink, and using the deck for sunset photos. The combination of buffet dinner + unlimited drinks + hotel pickup is what makes it work. You’re not paying only for views—you’re paying for an entire evening plan.

Book it if:

• You’re staying in Protaras or Ayia Napa and can use the pickup
• You want a simple alternative to planning dinner and transport
• You’ll actually swim during the included stops

Skip or rethink if:

• Your priority is a guaranteed open-sea sunset with no shoreline blocking
• You’re coming from a place without pickup access (especially private villas), since you may need to get to the meeting point yourself

If you want a “do it once and stop thinking” kind of evening, this cruise fits that role nicely.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Catamaran Ruby Sunset Cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The price is listed as $70.89 per person.

Do they offer hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels or designated meeting points in Protaras and Ayia Napa.

Where is the meeting point if I don’t get picked up from my hotel?

The meeting point is East Coast Cruises at 2329+2C2, Famagusta, Cyprus.

Is dinner included?

Yes. There is a buffet dinner included on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes an open bar with unlimited drinks.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included on board.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. Swim stops are included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather can also affect the cruise, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

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