The Best Small ships for… Croatia
The azure blue meandering waterways of the Dalmatia Coast lend themselves to small ships in a unique way. Not only are the some of the ports hard to reach for large ships, many are downright impossible! Here is our list of the best small ships in Croatia (in no particular order).
1. Windstar Cruises
A little tip with this cruise line – if the ship name starts with a ‘Wind’ then it has sails. If it starts with a “Star” then it does not. Windstar Cruises is a quietly elegant cruise line, with guests enjoying personalised experiences onboard. The size of their vessels allows you to visit many ports, but also enjoy plenty of onboard facilities.
- Suits ages: 55-85
- Average size: 300 guests
- Dates: April to October
- Inclusions *All meals in all venues *All non-alcoholic beverages *Welcome Cocktail at reception *Fresh fruit and flowers in stateroom *All onboard entertainment *Use of fitness facility *Use of water sports equipment *Port lectures and briefings *Transportation to most shore excursions * Port taxes
2. Ponant
The sexy French Ponant ships are beautiful inside and out. Whilst not as small as some of the others listed here, the inclusion of an open bar and more entertainment onboard make them well worth a look in.
- Suits ages: 40 – 80
- Average size: 180-260 guests
- Dates: May to October
- Inclusions: *All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation) * Captain`s welcome cocktail and gala dinner onboard * Open Bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands) during cruise * Evening entertainment and events * Room service 24h (special selection) * Port taxes
3. Star Clippers
For the real sailors out there, there is nothing like cruising the coastline of Croatia aboard a tall ship with mighty sails billowing out atop. For those who aren’t quite so ‘salty’, this is still a wonderfully unique way to see the wonders of Croatia.
- Suits ages: 20-70
- Average size: up to 227 guests
- Dates: June to September
- Inclusions: * All shipboard main meals * Onboard entertainment * Nautical events and activities * Complimentary watersports activities available and include snorkeling, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and kayaking (if permitted by the local authorities and according to local conditions). * Prepaid ships gratuities * Port taxes
4. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages add that little something extra to their cruises, whether it be an Epicurian focus, a special cultural event or a nice surprise onboard, this cruise line has beautiful ships and exceptional itineraries.
- Suits ages: 40-90
- Average size: 198 guests
- Dates: April – September
- Inclusions: *All meals onboard * Unlimited free beverages including wines, spirits and craft beers * Tea/Coffee * Ships gratuities * Use of walking sticks/binoculars onboard * One cultural immersion * Port taxes
5. Azamara Cruises
The Azamara small ships can host around 710 guests on jaunts to the Adriatic region. While they are the biggest in this list, to many people, any ship under 900 guests is considered small – so we have included it here. Many cruises are punctuated by 1 and 2 night stays in various ports, Azamara has a growing number of devotees and offers all the extras of the big ship brands like casinos and shows.
- Suits ages: 45-90
- Average size: 710 guests
- Dates: May – October
- Inclusions: * Complimentary AzAmazing EveningsSM event (on most voyages) * Select standard spirits, international beers and wines * Gratuities * Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas * Self-service laundry * Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available * Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations * Port taxes
