From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the lavender fields of Hvar, discover why a small ship cruise is the finest way to explore Croatia's thousand islands and the stunning Dalmatian coast.
There's a moment on every Adriatic cruise when Croatia's magic truly hits you. Perhaps it's sailing into Dubrovnik at sunset, the ancient walls glowing amber against the deepening blue of the sea. Or anchoring in a secluded bay off Vis, swimming in water so clear you can count the pebbles on the seabed. It might be wandering the marble streets of Korčula at dusk, or watching the Blue Cave on Biševo illuminate with an otherworldly light.
Croatia's Dalmatian coast is blessed with over a thousand islands, medieval towns that rival Venice, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. A small ship cruise is the perfect way to experience it all – accessing intimate harbours and hidden coves that larger vessels simply cannot reach, while you enjoy the luxury of unpacking just once and waking each morning to a new paradise.
At Diamond Star Experience, we've been crafting Adriatic cruise holidays for 30 years. We've personally inspected every ship, sailed every route, and built relationships with the captains and crews who make these voyages so special. This guide shares everything we've learned about choosing the perfect Croatian cruise.
Why Choose a Small Ship Cruise in Croatia?
The Adriatic is made for small ship cruising. While massive cruise liners dock at busy commercial ports, our intimate vessels slip into the historic harbours of Hvar, Korčula, and Vis – tying up right in the heart of these charming towns. You'll step off the gangway and straight into centuries of history, not a shuttle bus queue.
With typically 36 to 40 passengers (compared to thousands on larger ships), small vessels create an intimate, personalised experience. Flexible itineraries allow access to smaller ports and hidden coves. Personal service means attentive crew who remember your preferences. Privacy comes naturally when you're not competing with crowds. And there's an environmental benefit too – small ships use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
Best of all, you enjoy sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear bays, and visiting charming island towns – all without the hassle of packing and changing hotels. Your floating boutique hotel takes you to a new destination each day, while the crew handles everything from navigation to cooking.
Our Adriatic Cruise Collection
We offer a carefully curated selection of Croatian cruises, from classic Dalmatian island-hopping to multi-country adventures spanning Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Italy. Whether you prefer one-way voyages between Split and Dubrovnik or round-trip itineraries, there's a cruise to match your interests.
K260 – Split/Trogir to Dubrovnik (One Way)
This classic 8-day voyage aboard Supreme category ships like MS Prestige takes you from medieval Trogir to magnificent Dubrovnik, exploring Croatia's most captivating islands along the way. Highlights include UNESCO-listed Split and Diocletian's Palace, the traditional harbour of Milna on Brač, the military history of Vis (closed to visitors until 1989), the ethereal Blue Cave on Biševo, glamorous Hvar with its fortress views, medieval Korčula (birthplace of Marco Polo), the tranquil saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, oyster tasting in Ston, and finally Dubrovnik's spectacular Old Town.
Prices start from £1,998 per person (Lower Deck, May), including return flights, private transfers, half-board meals, and all guided tours. Late availability discounts of up to 30% make this exceptional value.
View K260 Split to Dubrovnik itinerary and dates →
K270 – Dubrovnik to Split/Trogir (One Way)
The reverse journey offers a different perspective, beginning with Dubrovnik's Old Town walking tour before sailing north through the Elaphiti Islands to Slano for oyster tasting, onwards to Mljet's national park, medieval Korčula, vibrant Hvar, the Blue Cave, authentic Vis, traditional Brač, and finally Split's remarkable Diocletian's Palace.
Starting from just £1,820 per person (Lower Deck, May), this is our most affordable Adriatic cruise – with late availability discounts of up to 40%, it represents outstanding value for a week exploring Croatia's finest destinations.
View K270 Dubrovnik to Split itinerary and dates →
K200 – Trogir Round Trip (via Dubrovnik)
Perfect for those who prefer returning to their starting point, this 8-day round trip aboard MS Desire or MS Bella sails from Trogir to Dubrovnik and back. You'll experience Hvar's famous nightlife and fortress views, the serenity of Mljet National Park, Dubrovnik's city walls, wine tasting in Korčula, the stonemasonry traditions of Pučišća on Brač, and Split's Roman heritage.
Prices start from £1,958 per person (Lower Deck, May), with late availability discounts of up to 30%. This route also offers Upper Deck cabins with private balconies for those seeking extra comfort.
View K200 Trogir round trip itinerary and dates →
K145 – Trogir Round Trip (Superior Category)
Aboard the elegant MS Princess Aloha, this 8-day journey offers a slightly different itinerary focusing on the central and southern Adriatic. From Trogir, sail to the stonemasonry village of Pučišća, the forests and lakes of Mljet, magnificent Dubrovnik, medieval Korčula, historic Stari Grad (a UNESCO site), glamorous Hvar, and back to Trogir's Venetian architecture.
Prices start from £1,998 per person, with exceptional late availability discounts of up to 40% – making luxury Adriatic cruising remarkably accessible.
View K145 itinerary and dates →
K210 – Trogir to Zadar (Northern Dalmatia)
For something different, this 8-day cruise aboard MS Stella Maris explores northern Dalmatia's natural wonders. Highlights include a guided visit to Krka National Park with its spectacular waterfalls, the Renaissance cathedral of Šibenik, wine tasting in historic Zadar (home to the famous Sea Organ), sailing through the lunar landscapes of Kornati and Telašćica Nature Parks, charming Primošten, UNESCO-listed Stari Grad, and glamorous Hvar.
This full-board cruise starts from £2,398 per person (July departures), with late availability discounts of up to 20%. It's ideal for nature lovers and those who've already explored southern Dalmatia.
View K210 Zadar cruise itinerary and dates →
Catamaran Naya Lagoon 46 – Boutique Sailing
For the most intimate Adriatic experience, the brand-new Catamaran Naya offers just 4 cabins for a maximum of 8 guests. Based in Dubrovnik's ACI Marina, this elegant 14-metre Lagoon 46 combines modern design with exceptional comfort. Two routes are available: Croatia & Montenegro or Croatia-focused, both featuring chef-prepared meals, complimentary water sports equipment, and a professional skipper and chef/steward dedicated to your group.
Prices start from £2,298 per person (May), including flights, transfers, and half-board. Late availability discounts of up to 25% offer remarkable value for this boutique experience.
MS San Spirito – Private Charter
For groups seeking exclusivity, the MS San Spirito offers private charter of an entire deluxe vessel. Launched in 2021, this 42-metre ship features 18 cabins for up to 36 guests, a rooftop jacuzzi, spacious sun deck, and elegant salon. Operating the classic Split-Dubrovnik routes, private charter starts from £54,500 per week – ideal for family celebrations, corporate retreats, or groups of friends.
Multi-Country Adriatic Adventures
Adriatic Jewels: Dubrovnik to Venice
This extraordinary 8-day voyage aboard the M/Y Callisto spans three countries – Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy. From Dubrovnik, sail to medieval Kotor in Montenegro's dramatic bay, wine-producing Korčula, historic Split and Diocletian's Palace, Renaissance Šibenik, the ancient town of Senj (gateway to Plitvice Lakes), charming Rovinj with its truffle-hunting excursions, and finally Venice's enchanting canals.
This full-board cruise starts from £2,948 per person (Category C), offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diversity of the Adriatic in one seamless voyage.
View Dubrovnik to Venice itinerary and dates →
Croatia, Albania & Montenegro
Another M/Y Callisto voyage, this 8-day round trip from Dubrovnik explores three Balkan nations. Discover charming Korčula and authentic Vis in Croatia, the Albanian Riviera towns of Vlora and Durres (with optional excursion to Tirana), and Montenegro's spectacular Bay of Kotor. It's a fascinating journey through countries with intertwined histories and distinctive cultures.
Starting from £2,556 per person (Category C) on a full-board basis, this cruise offers exceptional value for a multi-country adventure.
View Croatia, Albania & Montenegro itinerary and dates →
Adriatic Cruise & Stay Holidays
Many guests find that combining a cruise with a land-based stay creates the perfect Croatian holiday. We offer flexible cruise and stay packages that pair your Adriatic cruise with time in Dubrovnik, Split, or nearby islands – allowing you to explore at your own pace before or after your voyage.
7-Night Cruise + 3-Night Stay (10 Nights Total)
Our most popular combination pairs a week-long Adriatic cruise with three nights at a 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik or Split. One-way cruises work beautifully here – sail from Split to Dubrovnik, then extend your stay in the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' to explore its walls, museums, and nearby islands at leisure.
Prices start from £2,898 per person (Lower Deck, May), including flights, all transfers, half-board cruise, and bed & breakfast hotel accommodation. Late availability discounts of up to 30% apply.
View Cruise & Stay options →
Mini Cruise & Stay (7 Nights Total)
For those with limited time, our Mini Cruise & Stay combines a 4-night cruise with a 3-night hotel stay. Sail from Dubrovnik to Trogir, visiting Korčula, Brač, and Split along the way, then extend your stay in Split or Trogir to explore further.
Starting from £2,498 per person, this 7-night package includes flights, transfers, half-board cruise, and bed & breakfast accommodation – perfect for a shorter but equally rewarding Adriatic escape.
Slovenia, Croatia & Adriatic Cruise (15 Days)
For the ultimate Adriatic experience, our 15-day land and sea journey combines Slovenia's highlights with a full Croatian cruise. Begin in Zagreb, continue to Ljubljana and fairy-tale Lake Bled, explore Postojna Cave, coastal Opatija, and the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes before joining your 7-night cruise from Dubrovnik to Trogir. Visit Mljet, Korčula, Vis, the Blue Cave, Hvar, and Brač – experiencing the very best of both countries.
This comprehensive package starts from £3,998 per person (May), including flights, first-class hotels, touring by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees, and your Supreme category cruise. Late availability discounts of up to 20% apply.
What's Included in Your Adriatic Cruise
Our Adriatic cruise packages are designed to be comprehensive and stress-free. Standard inclusions cover return flights, private airport transfers, accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities and TV, daily buffet breakfast, six three-course lunches with salad bar, welcome dinner and Captain's dinner with live entertainment, complimentary water, coffee, tea, and fresh fruit throughout, a professional English-speaking cruise manager, whisper technology for all guided tours, daily cabin service with fresh linens mid-week, luggage handling, one beach towel per person, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Guided walking tours of major destinations (Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korčula, and Trogir) are included, along with entrance to Mljet National Park on most itineraries. Port taxes (typically €60-70 per person) are payable locally. Drinks onboard (except water) and optional excursions such as the Blue Cave visit are additional.
Planning Your Adriatic Cruise
When to Go
The Adriatic cruise season runs from late April through October. Peak summer (July and August) brings temperatures of 36-38°C and the liveliest atmosphere, but also higher prices. We particularly recommend May, June, and September – still excellent conditions with better availability and a more relaxed pace. Late season cruises in October offer pleasant weather and significant savings.
One-Way vs Round Trip
One-way cruises between Split and Dubrovnik let you experience both cities without backtracking – ideal if you're adding hotel stays. Round-trip cruises offer the convenience of flying into and out of the same airport. Both options cover similar highlights; it's simply a matter of preference.
Late Availability Savings
Significant savings are available for flexible travellers. Late availability discounts of up to 40% on selected departures make luxury Adriatic cruising remarkably accessible. If your dates are flexible, ask about last-minute offers when you call.
Why Book Your Adriatic Cruise with Diamond Star Experience
Croatian cruising is one of our specialities. We've built relationships with ship operators over three decades, which means we can offer expert advice, competitive prices, and access to cabins that might not be available elsewhere. Our team has personally sailed these routes and can recommend the right cruise for your interests.
When you speak with our specialist Akin on 0333 252 0230, you're getting advice from someone with extensive personal experience of these cruises. He can tell you which ships suit different types of traveller, which itineraries offer the best value, and which departures still have availability. That expertise – combined with our 100% financial protection and ATOL-bonded packages – is why our guests return year after year.
What Our Guests Say
"A week's trip on Perla del Mar turned out to be the best family holiday we had ever booked. The crew went out of their way to assist us at every opportunity. A holiday found by Google, sold to us by Akin who took the trouble to explain everything, turned out to be beyond the dreams of all of us."
– Christine, May 2025
Start Planning Your Adriatic Adventure
Whether you're drawn to the classic Dalmatian island-hopping routes, the multi-country adventures to Montenegro and beyond, or a combined cruise and stay holiday, we're here to help you find the perfect Adriatic experience. With cruises starting from £1,820 and discounts of up to 40% on late availability, there's never been a better time to explore Croatia by sea.
Browse our full range of Adriatic cruises on our website, or speak directly with Akin on 0333 252 0230 to discuss your requirements. You can also reach us by email or WhatsApp – we'll respond promptly and personally.
The Dalmatian coast is calling. Let Diamond Star Experience help you answer.
Related: Split to Dubrovnik Cruise | Dubrovnik to Venice | Croatia Cruise & Stay | Dalmatian Islands | Montenegro Cruises | Croatia Gulet Holidays
