
Anyone who travels with two preschoolers knows this: The best vacation experiences are the ones where the whole family has fun together. Our two children are five and six years old, and they could hardly wait when they spotted the big pirate ship at the dock of the Familienhotel Post. “Mom, we’re going on that, right?” I didn’t even have to answer that question—the adventure was about to begin.
A real pirate ship on Lake Millstatt
Just the sight of the pirate ship—over eight meters long—sparked immense excitement. Armed with pirate swords and telescopes, our two children immediately transformed into brave buccaneers. The children’s imaginations were sparked from the very first minute.
What makes the pirate cruise special is that the children don’t just ride along—they become part of the story themselves. Together with the crew, they set off on a treasure hunt along the unspoiled southern shore of Lake Millstatt. Using a treasure map, they chart the right course, solve pirate puzzles, and, of course, keep an eye out for the hidden treasure.

Get involved instead of just watching
This experience is perfect, especially for preschool-aged children. Our five-year-old was absolutely thrilled and was constantly scanning the horizon with her telescope, looking for clues. Our six-year-old wanted nothing more than to be the captain himself and explained to us adults in great detail exactly where the ship should sail next.
As parents, we especially loved that the children are actively involved. There’s laughter, searching, and solving puzzles together. The pirate cruise thrives on the imagination of the young guests and creates exactly the kind of family experience that will be remembered for a long time.
When the Kids Suddenly Take Command
One special detail had everyone in stitches: We parents were allowed to come along, too—but only if we listened to our little pirates. Anyone who didn’t follow the orders had to expect to end up as a prisoner or walk the plank.
Our kids, of course, thought it was great. For once, they got to call the shots, while we adults obediently followed their instructions. It’s exactly these playful moments that make the outing so special for the whole family.
Safety and Peace of Mind for Parents
As a mother, it’s important to me that adventure and safety go hand in hand. Even before the ship set sail, the crew carefully checked to make sure every child was wearing a properly fitting life jacket. Throughout the entire trip, we felt well taken care of and were able to relax and enjoy the adventure.

Family Vacation at Lake Millstatt with a Special Experience
The Pirate Cruise is the perfect way to spend a vacation on Lake Millstatt. As the boat glides peacefully across the crystal-clear water, you can enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and Carinthia’s beautiful natural scenery. For the kids, it’s an exciting treasure hunt; for us parents, it’s a relaxing break.
What we especially liked: The pirate cruise combines physical activity, nature, imagination, and shared experiences. It’s not about checking off as many attractions as possible, but about spending time together and creating memories.
Our Tips for the Pirate Cruise
- Plan the Pirate Day right at the start of your vacation—your kids will probably want to go again.
- Don’t forget your sun hats and sunscreen, because the sun often shines especially brightly out on the water.
- Have your camera or smartphone ready—those proud pirate poses make for wonderful vacation memories.
- Embrace the adventure and join in the fun. Especially when parents participate, the treasure hunt becomes an unforgettable experience for the kids.
Conclusion by Ramona (mother of Nora (6) and Leon (5))
The Pirate Cruise is much more than just a boat tour on Lake Millstatt. It’s a lovingly staged family adventure where children become little heroes and parents get to experience their excitement firsthand. For us, it was definitely the highlight of our vacation at the Familienhotel Post.

