Covering the mainland and island ports between Opatija and Dubrovnik, Small Ship Cruises Croatia organizes various magical trips that let you discover Croatia intimately. Crystal-clear waters, historic towns, scenic beaches, and comfortable boat amenities will make your holidays unforgettable.
Small boat cruises around Croatia are all about giving you as much comfort as gigantic cruisers in a more private setting with an emphasis on little details and interpersonal relations. You will have an excellent opportunity to build new friendships and connections.
With our ships calling in at various ports, you receive just the right amount of time to explore the surroundings. Most of our small cruises in Croatia include different walking tours, wine tastings, and entrance fees for national parks, guaranteeing you will make the most of your time on the Adriatic coast.
We even regularly stop at secluded swimming spots to give you a chance to enjoy the sun and turquoise Croatian waters.
From the moment you get in touch with us, you will receive our absolute attention in helping you find the ideal cruise. We will find the most suitable dates, book your preferred cabin, and ensure that you will feel fully satisfied during your time with us.
Does that sound like your dream holiday?
We are sure it will be hard to settle on one amid our selection of the best Croatia small ship cruises, but we will help you find the perfect fit! Send us an inquiry, and we will be in touch with you.
Our fleet consists of motor vessels constructed from either wood or steel, and they are available in various sizes, shapes, and categories. Even though some are more than a hundred years old, they have undergone several renovations to adapt them for tourism. In the past, these boats were primarily used for cargo transportation. However, most of the steel or iron yachts we offer are either brand new or have been constructed recently.
Although our vessels are occasionally called sailing ships, they are primarily powered by engines. It’s essential to note that several of our steel boats do not possess masts and sails at all.
If privacy, luxury, and comfort are essential to you, you may want to consider selecting a vessel from the Premium Superior or Premium categories. Alternatively, the Traditional Ensuite vessels would be more suitable for younger passengers, including friends or special interest groups like alpinists or bikers, who are comfortable sharing small spaces and bathrooms for an extended period. However, it’s important to note that Traditional Ensuite vessels typically do not have air-conditioned cabins, and most have bunk beds.
The number of passengers per vessel can range from 20 to 40 individuals, depending on the size of the boat.
The electrical outlets found in the cabins of our vessels in Croatia are standard Type F sockets, which have two pins and are grounded. These outlets are compatible with plug types C, E, and F and can deliver a power output of 16 A and 220 V. Some newer vessels may also feature USB sockets.
Fishing equipment is not provided on the boat, but passengers are welcome to bring their own gear. However, it’s crucial to note that obtaining special permission for fishing is required from specialized agencies in harbors.
Snorkeling equipment may not always be available on the ship. It is recommended to bring your own gear if you plan to go snorkeling.
All vessels are equipped with life-saving boats and life jackets found in designated wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under beds in the cabins. If you cannot swim, you need to inform the crew and captain. Additionally, passengers must be mindful of the following safety guidelines while on board:
While the tap water on the ships is of good quality, it is not advised to drink it. A water dispenser is available, complete with reusable glasses. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refillable bottles. Use the available water on board wisely.
The primary currency accepted on the ship and throughout Croatia is the Euro, but it is advisable to exchange money at a bank or withdraw cash from an ATM where possible. The local currency is required for drinks onboard and all additional services such as transfers, excursions, and accommodation. Premium and Premium Superior vessels offer credit card payment options.
While ATMs linked to international networks are available in major towns and islands like Opatija, Dubrovnik, and Split, smaller ones may not have ATM facilities. Most tourist areas accept major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, but it is recommended to have some cash on hand if you plan to travel off the beaten path.
Tips are not included in the tour price, and they are discretionary. They are usually given to show appreciation for good service and satisfaction with the crew, guide, and overall tour. If you choose to tip, it is recommended to use your own currency or Euro, and the crew gratuities are equally distributed among all members.
The sea temperature typically averages 24.5°C during July and August, while the air temperature during the same period averages 28°C. For spring and autumn departures, it is advisable to pack some warmer clothes, such as a sports-fitting windbreaker, to prepare for cooler evenings.
Cabins on Premium Superior and Premium ships come with either twin or double beds, and some can accommodate up to three people with an additional bed above or beside the double bed. However, it’s important to note that bed availability is limited, and we cannot guarantee a specific type. We do, however, aim to assign cabins based on guest preferences and requests, so please let us know your bed preference when booking, and we will try our best to accommodate it.
Cabins on Premium and Premium Superior ships come with either twin or double beds, with twin beds measuring approximately 90/100 cm x 190/200 cm and double beds measuring around 150/160 cm x 190/200 cm. Traditional Ensuite cabins often have bunk beds, but twin or double beds may also be available on some vessels. Double beds in these cabins are typically 130/140 cm x 190/200 cm, while bunk beds are about 80/90 cm x 190/200 cm in size.
The ship’s cabins are distributed on two levels, the deck and the lower deck. The on-deck ones can be found either on the main or upper deck, while below-deck cabins are in the ship’s hull. Rooms on the deck provide the advantage of direct access to the sea and better ventilation, while cabins below the deck may be quieter since only passengers who booked lower deck cabins pass by. These cabins are also comfortable due to their location at sea level, which keeps them naturally cool, and the below-deck hallways are typically air-conditioned, affecting the temperature. Lower-deck cabins usually come with small portholes.
Lower deck cabins are located in the boat’s hull and usually have a small porthole, but Croatian law and vessel regulations require them to be closed while sailing to prevent water from entering the cabin. The portholes can be opened when the boat is docked. However, on newer ships like those in the Premium Superior and Premium categories, which have air-conditioned cabins and steel hulls, the portholes are fixed and cannot be opened.
The frequency of cabin cleaning depends on the vessel category. On Premium Superior and Premium vessels, the cabin service is daily. You’ll also receive fresh bed linen when you arrive. However, on Traditional Ensuite category vessels, you’ll be responsible for keeping your room clean because the staff won’t enter your room during the cruise. The crew only cleans the commonly used toilets and bathrooms, and they provide two towels per person. You may request cabin cleaning during the cruise for an extra fee.
Air conditioning is available in Premium Superior and Premium cabins, except for times with limited access to electricity. Traditional Ensuite cabins do not have air conditioning, but lower deck hallways and salons typically do. Air conditioning is only operational when the motor or generator is running, or the vessel is connected to shore power while docked at the harbor. In certain smaller fishing harbors without electricity, air conditioning may be turned off to maintain a tranquil environment.
If you plan to sleep on the deck and enjoy the stars, it is suggested to bring a sleeping bag, as removing mattresses, pillows, and sheets from cabins is prohibited.
The boats have limited capacities for electricity and water. While there is a generator on board for generating electricity, it is not operational during the night or while the boat is in a quiet bay to prevent noise pollution. The water tanks on board have sufficient capacity to match the number of cabins and beds, and they are always filled with enough water, provided that everyone uses water conservatively. Moreover, the vessels are fitted with central heating systems that offer hot water.
During your cruise, you can enjoy meals that feature typical Croatian cuisine. The Premium Superior and Premium vessels offer a breakfast buffet, while the Traditional Ensuite boats serve a continental breakfast with tea, coffee, fruit juice, bread, butter, jam, and sometimes ham and cheese. You can request an English breakfast when booking or upon arrival. Lunch is a three-course meal with a salad bar and cheese plate on deluxe ships and three-course lunch on premium and traditional vessels. The cruise company recommends that passengers explore local restaurants for dinner, which is not included.
The “captain’s dinner” is a weekly event hosted by the captain, where guests and crew can socialize while having an optional fish or meat dinner. It is included in the deluxe and premium vessel categories. However, if you are on a Traditional Ensuite or Traditional vessel, you can arrange and pay for the dinner during booking or at the event. The dress code for the “Captain’s dinner” is Elegant/Smart Casual.
As our onboard kitchen has limited space, we may not be able to prepare special meals for individuals with specific dietary needs, like vegetarians. However, if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us during the booking process, and our onboard chef will make arrangements to accommodate your needs to the best of their ability.
It is not allowed to bring and consume your own drinks on the ship. However, you can buy various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the vessel’s salon, which functions as a restaurant, living room, and bar. In case the drink of your preference is not available at the moment, kindly notify the crew, and they will try their best to procure it for you at the next stop.
The onboard bar accepts payments for drinks made in Euros. At the end of the trip, guests will receive a report showing the total amount spent on drinks, which can be settled during the checkout process. For guests on deluxe and premium vessels, credit card payments are also accepted.
