Croatia small ship cruising - Frequently asked questions.
14/03/2026
How far is Trogir from Split Airport?
- Trogir is 4-5 miles from Split Airport (Much closer than Split is).
What temperature is the sea in Croatia?
- The sea is at its warmest in September. In mid to late June, July and August the sea will be very pleasant. In May and October the sea is fine for swimming but you need to keep moving as it will be ‘fresh’!
When is the best time to travel to Croatia?
- These cruises in Croatia run from late April to mid October. The weather should be sunny for most of that time though there will be occasional rain at some point during that season. July and August will be hot, while June and September will be very pleasant. In May and October you will need a light jacket/jumper for the evenings, and the sea will be a little cooler.
Are Croatia small ship cruises suitable for families?
- Yes, we get families with children of all ages on our small ships in Croatia every summer, and it especially appeals to teenagers. Swimming every day, chatting to the captain while he navigates, exploring the towns in the evenings.
What is the difference between cruising in the North and South of Croatia?
- Southern Croatia is much more popular and much more accessible as there are many flights to Split and Dubrovnik. Split and Dubrovnik themselves are very popular destinations (quite rightly so) and Hvar and Mljet are not far behind.
- Northern Croatia is much less visited and there are fewer cruises, but it is no less beautiful. It is a little harder to get to - cruises often start from Opatija or Zadar which have very limited flights. Northern Croatia is often the choice for someone's second Croatia cruise.
Are Port Fees paid at every port in Croatia
- No, port fees are a one off payment that covers your whole cruise
Can I have my evening meal on board the ship in Croatia?
- In theory yes, but the crew will need some notice, and the meal is not covered in the cost of your holiday. With so many lovely restaurants a stone's throw away, it is very easy to go and eat ashore, and the food is excellent.
Is there a drinks package on small ships in Croatia?
- There is no drinks package available on our small ship cruises in Croatia. You are moored in port every night and you will be eating ashore so you won’t be on board the ship for most evenings. There is a bar on board that charges similar prices to those you will find ashore.
Is there snorkelling equipment onboard Croatia cruise ships?
- There is snorkelling equipment on board but please remember that it will have been used by other people during the season so we do not guarantee the condition or availability. If you are a keen snorkeller we recommend you take your own gear, or buy some in Croatia to use on board.
What is the expected tip on Croatia cruises?
- Tipping is entirely at your discretion. Suggested amounts vary a little depending on the level of ship you are travelling on, but 10-20 Euros per person per day depending on the level of ship and how well you feel you were looked after.
Are drinks included on small ships in Croatia?
- Most small ships in Croatia do not offer complimentary wine with meals - though you may get a glass or two at the captains dinner. There is a bar on board and you will be eating ashore on most evenings.
Is there WIFI on board cruise ships in Croatia?
- All the ships in Croatia have wifi but the quality varies greatly. It is usually OK if you want to check your messages but please don’t expect to be able to stream videos reliably as it depends on the ship’s location, the weather and how many other people are using the wifi at any one time. We hope that there is so much to do that you don’t need to stream films anyway!
- The wifi isn’t always available in every cabin, but sometimes only in the communal areas, it varies from ship to ship. Please check with us if this is important to you.
What’s the age range on Croatian small ship cruises?
- Most of our clients are between the ages of 35 and 75. In school holidays (late July and August) we may get a few families with children on some cruises, but not usually on the luxury cruises – You can always ask us if there are any families on board. o We also do get some older clients occasionally. As long as you are reasonably mobile there is no age barrier, our oldest client last year was 94.
Do you have single cabins for single passengers on small ships in Croatia?
- Most small ships in Croatia do not offer single cabins, and the few ships that do ( Nautilus, Admiral, Adriatica, Ban and My Way.) tend to sell out very fast.
- Single supplements range from 50-80% for passnegers who want a cabin for single occupancy.
Can you recommend hotels to stay in in Split and Dubrovnik?
- Yes, of course. There are many excellent hotels in both Dubrovnik and Split and we are happy to share recommendations based on the style of hotel you prefer.
- In Split we usually recommend hotels with the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. This area covers the whole of the middle of Split and is pedestrianised, and only a short distance from the port in Split that the small ships use. The whole area is a thriving hub of shops, restaurants, houses, ruins, churches, bars, museums, open spaces, ancient buildings and cafes.
- In Dubrovnik most hotels are not in the old town, but nearby in the Lapad area a short distance away. Some of these hotels provide more of a resort feel with swimming pools, tennis courts and beaches.
How much are transfers from Split or Dubrovnik Airport to the port?
- There are good bus services from Split Airport to Split Harbour every half hour from outside the Split Airport Terminal. They take approximately 35 minutes and costs 8-10 Euros (2026).
- There is a similar shuttle bus from Dubrovnik Airport to the harbour. Tickets cost 10 Euros and can be purchased on board. The small ships in Dubrovnik leave from different areas in the port (the port is over 1 mile long) so you may still need a taxi from the bus stop tot he ship location. We are not told the ship's location in advance as they are allocated a berth by the harbourmaster when they arrive in Dubrovnik.
- Transfers and taxis from either airport will cost 50-90 Euros depending on the time of day, whether they are pre-booked and which month you are travelling.
What are the nationalities onboard small ship cruises in Croatia?
- There is usually a healthy mix of nationalities, and experience tells us that the more of a mix of nationalities the better. The cruises are run in English and most passengers will be from the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand, but we do also get passengers from South Africa, Europe and random countries such as Mexico, Singapore, Argentina, India, Turkey and Thailand.
What meals are included on small ships in Croatia?
- Your breakfasts and lunches are included, while for most evening meals you are free to go ashore and try the many fine restaurants that line the ports and harbours that we visit during the cruise. There will usually be 1-2 evening meals provided on board during your weeks cruise.
Can small cruise ships in Croatia accommodate different dietary requirements?
- Yes, the small ships in Croatia can accommodate almost any dietary requirement, but please make sure you let us know in advance.
How far do small cruise ships in Croatia cruise each day?
- We usually start cruising around Breakfast time. The chips will often stop in a small bay somewhere in the morning so our passengers can go for a swim, or just admire the scenery. They will cruise a little more, and lunch will be provided on board. We will arrive in ouyr destination for the day after lunch and we will moor in port (no tenders required). You are free to come and go during the rest of the day and evening. The ship will stay in port overnight every night.
Do small ships in Croatia cruise at night?
- No, the ship will stay in port from the moment it arrives in the afternoon until the next morning.
Do Croatia cruise ships use tenders to go ashore?
- No, the ship will be moored in port at every port of call - No tenders are used.
Is there opportunities for swimming during the cruises in Croatia?
- Yes, our small ships in Croatia usually stop every day in a small bay for a swim for around an hour or so. You can snorkel in many places, some snorkel equipment is usually available on board. It is also possible to swim in the lakes at Mljet.
How active are the small ship cruises in Croatia?
- You will have plenty of opportunity for some great activity during our small ship cruises in Croatia. There is usually a swim stop every morning and in the afternoons you are mostly free to explore the towns and ports where we spend each evening. Cruises that visit Mljet have options for cycling, kayaking and walking, and bikes and kayaks are available to rent at some other locations too. Some cruises visit Krka National Park which offers plenty of walking.
Are Croatia small ship cruises ok for single passengers?
- Yes, single passengers are very welcome and the cruises are very sociable. Free seating at tables for breakfast and lunch ensure that passengers mix, and often life-long friendships are made.
