If you’re interested in booking one of Croatia cruises to explore the country, this blog post is for you!

Exploring Croatia by cruise is a fantastic idea, since Croatia’s stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and charming islands are the perfect recipe for a wonderful adventure.

This blog post explains when you should go on a cruise in Croatia, what you’ll do, what kind of cruises exist and where should you stop along the way. Keep reading if this is a topic for you!

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WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO CRUISE AROUND CROATIA?

Croatia’s Adriatic coast is stunning most of the year, but due to weather, some months are better for Croatia cruises than others. The best time also depends on what you want to get from this cruise.

I would say that the best time to go on one of Croatia cruises is from June to September. This is the summer season in Croatia, so these are the peak months for cruising in Croatia, offering warm weather and calm seas.

July and August are the busiest, and also most expensive, but have the best weather. If you don’t like hordes of tourists in your ports, consider June or September for fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures. It’s still warm enough for a swim, especially in September.

CROATIA CRUISES: WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO ON A CRUISE?

What you can do on a cruise really depends on the type of cruise you pick. It’s not the same if you’re cruising on a proper cruise ship such as MSC cruises, or if you’re on a more private sail boat. If you haven’t been on a cruise before, or if you just want to know what you can do in Croatian ports, here’s a short overview.

Historical Tours will be the most common activity in Croatia. Croatia has many stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites you really need to explore. Some of the most popular Old Towns in Croatia are in Zadar, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. There are many others, but these towns are usually always included in cruise itineraries.

Second most common activity will definitely be water activities, especially if you’re cruising on a smaller, more local cruise. Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are some of the most magical experiences while you’re cruising the Adriatic and have regular stops is stunning bays around the coast.

You will often have nature excursions. Croatia has breathtaking nature, some of it on islands and some inland. Most cruises include or offer additional tours to beautiful places like the Krka National Park, Blue cave near Hvar, or Mljet island, where you can hike, swim, and enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Finally, wine and food tours are also something you shouldn’t miss out on, and are often included in the cruise itinerary. Whether you’re visiting Istria or Dalmatia, you have to taste local Croatian wines and indulge in regional specialties such as fresh seafood, truffles, and olive oil. The most popular destination for these tours is Pelješac, where you can try delicious Dingac wine and incredible fresh oysters in Ston.

ADDITIONAL TIPS WHILE CRUISING CROATIAN COAST

Firstly, if you’re sure in your choice, make sure you book early. Summer cruises can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your cruise well in advance. Some of them are already booked a year in advance, and even if they’re not, the sooner you book the better the price. Make sure you do your research and book your cruise of choice as soon as possible.

Secondly, pack accordingly. While yes, some nice clothes are needed for dinners on the cruise or lovely evening walks in the town, it’s not a priority. You need to first and foremost, bring comfortable walking shoes, and light, breathable clothing because Croatia is extremely hot. Along with that, the Old Towns are often full of uneven cobblestone streets, so make sure you’re comfortable. Moreover, bring swimwear and sunscreen, because enjoying the Adriatic Sea will be the priority and the best part of your cruise.

Next, always have some cash in the right currency. Croatia uses the Euro, so make sure to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips. Tips on a cruise ship are really important, but each cruise will give you specific instructions on that topic. In Croatia, many things can be paid by card, but it’s safer to always have some cash on you.

PICK THE BEST CRUISE FOR YOU

The rest of this blog will give you an overview of what kind of cruises you can find in Croatia, and according to that, you’ll pick the best one for yourself.

I separated them in 2 categories, those who only sail/cruise in Croatia and those who explore the Mediterranean and have Croatia in their cruise itineraries.

CROATIA CRUISES: CRUISING ONLY CROATIA

If you want to explore Croatia in detail, you should choose one of many cruises that cruise through the majority of the Croatian coast. Depending on your budget you can pick between luxury cruises, or boutique cruises which are intimate but a bit more modest and affordable.

Luxury Cruises

Luxury Croatia Cruises offer incredible vessels with tons of amenities, gorgeous rooms and amazing itineraries. Their boats are new and modern, and you feel the luxury throughout the whole cruise. You can check out their cruises here. You can even check out their early bird prices for spring 2025.

Boutique Cruises

For a boutique experience, you should pick small ship cruises or yacht cruises like Katarina Line and Sail Croatia. These are equally intimate as the luxury cruises, but are a bit more modest and affordable.

Katarina Line is one of the most used and well-known cruise companies in Croatia. They have various types of ships, some of which are quite simple and inexpensive, and others which are deluxe/superior and go for much higher prices. They usually have detailed and packed itineraries so you’ll get to see a lot. You can check out their website here.

Sail Croatia is probably the most popular sailing company in Croatia, and they have thousands of happy customers. They have various types of cruises, depending on your age and preferences. If you’re into the party scene, you can choose a party cruise. If you prefer adventure, you can book their adventure cruise or a hiking cruise. Their itineraries are incredible, and they often have cruises on sale. You can check them out here.

CROATIA CRUISES: CRUISE LINES WHICH INCLUDE CROATIAN PORTS

If you want to explore the Mediterranean and see Croatia along the way, that’s also an option. You can book a cruise on one of the more popular cruise lines such as MSC, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O and many more.

These companies cruise all over the Mediterranean, from Spain to Greece, and offer itineraries that include Croatian ports. Some of the most common Croatian ports are Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split. If these towns are enough for you, you can explore them and several other cities in Europe in one cruise.

white ship
Photo by Maurício Mascaro on Pexels.com

Here are some of the cruises you could book in 2025 which include Croatian ports:

CROATIA CRUISES: WHAT DESTINATIONS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE IN YOUR ITINERARY

Dubrovnik

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and stunning old town. It’s the most popular cruise port in Croatia and it’s definitely going to be in your cruise itinerary.

Here’s how to spend 1 day in Dubrovnik (for cruisers specifically)

Split

Split is Croatia’s second most popular town, and it’s a well-known cruise port. It is home to the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, which is the city’s main landmark and a place you must visit. It is a lively city with a mix of history and modernity, so you’ll marvel at the Old Town and then sit down at some of the most modern restaurants with delicious food.

Here’s a 1-day Split itinerary perfect for cruisers!

Hvar

Hvar is the most popular island in Croatia, and if you’re doing a cruise of Croatia, this island will definitely be on that itinerary. This trendy island is known for its nightlife, lavender fields, and beautiful beaches. Make sure you visit the Fortica Fortress and have some delicious fresh sea food while your there.

Korčula

Korčula is my personal favourite when it comes to islands in Croatia. It has stunning crystal-clear beaches, and a gorgeous Old Town. You’ll have a great time here, and from Korcula you’ll probably venture to the Pelješac peninsula to try Croatian wines and oysters.

Here’s what to do on Korcula while you’re there!

Zadar

Zadar is a small yet beautiful city in Dalmatia. It’s home to many Roman and Venetian ruins which will enchant any history buff. Zadar also has unique attractions like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. These attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world, so make sure you explore them fully.

Here’s how to spend a great day in Zadar!

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2 Comments

  2. We’ve looked into sailing in Croatia but hadn’t thought of doing cruises yet. These go to some of our favorite spots in Croatia though, like Korcula and Hvar.

    Reply

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