It’s a hard question to answer as the “value” will depend on what you want to experience and how you like to travel.
Generally, the price of a cruise varies according to the age of the ship, the inclusions, the departure date and the cabin category. Cruise Croatia offer the largest range of small ship cruises in Croatia we have options to suit most budgets. Our team are experts in Croatia Cruising, it’s what they do all day, so please reach out and let us know what you are looking for – tell us your preferences and budget, and in-turn we can advise the best value cruises to suit your requirements.
We offer small ship cruises in three main categories with various price points in each category:
DELUXE CRUISES:
These are generally the newest ships with the most inclusions and highest level of comfort on-board. All cabins offer air-conditioning, all cabins are end-suite and a few deluxe small ships in Croatia offer cabins with private balconies. Most often there will be extra inclusions such as arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing (with headsets), captains dinners etc. included in the price. These ships also offer the best facilities many with on-board spa’s (Jacuzzi) and some with small plunge pools on deck.
FIRST CLASS CRUISES:
One category down from the deluxe cruises, these ships are a little older and not as modern but still very comfortable and priced accordingly. Within the first class category there are lots of price points and cruise types. In this category cabins will be air-conditioned and have private en-suites, other facilities and inclusions vary considerably between the ships – the team can give you great advice so again, reach out and let us know what you need.
TRADITIONAL CRUISES:
The lowest priced cruises in Croatia, this is where the small ship Cruise Croatia concept started decades ago. These are generally the oldest ships offering great prices and a very laid back simple cruise-style. Given they include accommodation, transport and some meals these cruises are often the cheapest way to experience Croatia and they attract a range of budget conscious travellers. Not all cabins have en-suites or air-conditioning in this category so be sure to check if that’s important to you.
Plenty, when compared to big ocean going ships. Never more than 49m in length – they are large enough to be relevant but small enough to get into all the ports, inlets and great swimming spots. With less than 40 guests you receive personal attention and get to know your fellow travellers very quickly. More emphasis is placed on the unique destinations, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage listed, and by getting up close and personal with your mooring spots, you are never more than minutes from the heart of what you have come to see.
A typical cruising day will be setting sail after breakfast, a morning swim stop and/ or an afternoon visit to an island or secluded bay for relaxing and swimming. You will be moored in port by around 4.00pm for the night, giving plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and planning your dinner arrangements. With the exception of a couple of the international cruises, all evenings and nights are spent in port.
Generally there is no limit, but you should keep in mind that the space in the cabins is restricted. If you hate packing, no worries, you only need to bring a bathing suit and couple of pairs of shorts and T-shirts on your cruise – don’t over-pack.
Yes it is, and without doubt can be a great experience for children with the right attitude! There are of course limited facilities for entertaining children and certainly no water slides or dodgem cars on-board, and due to the special conditions of ship life we recommend children should be at least of school age and able to swim.
Definitely not!
We are Croatia experts, it’s what we do and what we are passionate about!
We are at your service with a great selection of hotels and sightseeing as well as transfers (to and from the airport or hotel to the boat), escorted tours, self-drive, travel insurance and stopovers or surrounding destinations.
Whether it be a side trip to Slovenia or Montenegro, a self-drive package through Bosnia or a night in a boutique hotel in the heart of Split & Dubrovnik’s historic centres – the Team know the area and have you covered!
To see our other destinations visit: www.beyondtravel.com.au
These cruises are generally family owned and operated and the ship owners are mostly the Captains to whom this job is a part of a centuries long family seafaring tradition!
This a big part of the charm of small ship Croatia cruising; its authentic, unique to Croatia and it is common that the crew members are part of one family or one family is owner of few ships.
Depending on the size most ships have between 5 and 7 crew. This is usually the Captain, chef, couple of wait staff, chambermaid and 2 sailors.
YES
We strongly recommend you purchase appropriate international travel insurance, with cruise cover, at the time you pay deposit. Cancellation and refund conditions are strictly enforced; therefore, we recommend that you carry comprehensive travel insurance which covers cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances or those beyond your control. Ask your Cruise Croatia consultant for a choice of policies.
No, sorry we do not book flights.
The team are Croatia small ship cruise experts, that’s what they specialise in. They can assist with some general advice on airlines however they cannot book flights for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need some suggestions.
Don’t forget we can book pre & post cruise accommodation, sightseeing, car hire and transfers!
Many ships now have the technology and most provide this free of charge although the strength may be lessened during cruising hours. Please check your itinerary, as this will be featured under INCLUSIONS.
Cabins below deck are quieter and provide more privacy, they are usually slightly larger as well and generally have one or two port holes.
Cabins on and above deck are the most popular by far and are brighter with larger windows and/or a door opening to the deck. Some offer small private balconies as well. Cabins on or above deck are airy, with windows and/or doors that open to the outside but can be a bit noisier.
Given the ships are most often individually family owned and operated the cabins vary and you can see cabin images on the SHIP pages and cruise itinerary pages on this site or ask your friendly Cruise Croatia expert for further advice.
No these are small ships so there isn’t a ship doctor on-board but basic first aid is available and ships can be re-routed to the nearest port in an emergency. You are advised to bring enough of your personal medication, which may not be readily available overseas.
Almost no. The vast majority of our cruises sail only during daylight hours and are usually in port by 4.00pm, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and dinner arrangements. The International Cruises on the MS Panorama and Istria cruises do sail through the night on some days, and these are clearly marked on the itineraries.
Although they’re called sailing ships, they usually cruise using their engines so that they can keep to their scheduled itinerary. However most will endeavour to raise their sails at least once a week (depending on weather conditions) and provide some great photo opportunities. Please note that most of the Deluxe and First Class fleet do not have masts and sails.
The number of passengers on ship varies from 20 to around 40, depending on the size of the ship. Each ship has a detailed description, specifications and images. Click the SHIPS tab in the header.
There is usually a mix of ages and nationalities on all cruises, except for a few cruises promoted as “Young & Fun” which are designed for the 18-35’s only!
Due to the specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, ships are moored side by side, making it necessary to cross from one ship to another with gaps in between, to get to the shore. In such cases guests need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it but cruises are not recommended for clients in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Tipping in Croatia is customary, but not compulsory.
Tips will be welcomed by service staff aboard cruises including Cruise Managers, boat crew and local guides (if used). Envelopes may be left in your cabin on the last day, so that you can leave your tip anonymously or hand to the staff. When booking with us we will provide you with a tipping guideline as part of your documentation pack prior to travel.
Smoking in the restaurant area and in the cabins is not allowed. There will be designated area’s outside (on deck) for smokers away from the general entertaining areas. Passengers must not throw cigarette butts in the sea.
No – generally not unfortunately.
These are small ships and space is at a premium so its generally not possible to do laundry on-board. If you do need assistance to get some washing done let the crew now and they’ll try to assist.
There is generally a designated area to hang and dry your swimmers and towels.