17 of the best cruises in Croatia

Croatia is one of Europe's best cruise destinations. Once you have stepped foot on its pine-backed beaches, swum in sparkling blue coves and toured its terracotta-topped fishing villages you'll understand why. There are more than 1,000 islands to explore as well as adventures inland for forest hikes and winery visits. When it comes to bustling centres, there's no need to limit yourself to Dubrovnik's walls. Cruising allows visits to the palaces and cathedrals of ancient waterfront cities such as Split and Zadar, while sampling the seafood restaurants, snorkelling and sunsets of the glittering Adriatic. Whether you prefer to sail on a large cruise ship packed with facilities or a glamorous yacht, these are some of the best cruises in Croatia.
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Explora Journeys was launched by MSC Cruises in 2023 and the ships feel a cut above your average cruise line. Expect chic suites with walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling windows, and lavish all-inclusive packages that cover everything from thermal spa access to fine wines. Children over six months are welcome on board, but only those over six can use the excellent Nautilus Club with its games consoles,digital library and pool table. Croatian itineraries include seven-night cruises between Athens and Fusina, near Venice, calling at Zadar and the picturesque town of Rovinj, with its cobbled streets, busy fishing port and baroque church.
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Sea days will sail by on a Seabourn cruise thanks to a generous all-inclusive fare that includes servings of caviar and champagne, a bespoke in-suite bar and wi-fi powered by Starlink. There are several Croatia itineraries, including a 14-day sailing from Dubrovnik to Istanbul and a seven-day round-trip from Dubrovnik tracing the Dalmatian coast, with stops in some of the country's prettiest ports. Optional activities along the way include a winery tour in Korcula, a Dalmatian cookery class in Zadar and brandy tasting in Opatija, a seaside resort often likened to the French Riviera.
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This holiday company, catering to UK travellers, has a ten-day Venice, Split and Treasures of the North yacht itinerary. You'll glide through Croatia's crystal-clear waters on the comfortable 36-passenger MS Stella Maris and visit islands such as Losinj and Rab, with plenty of time to explore. Shore excursions include a land-train trip to see the natural beauty of Brijuni National Park. Riviera offers flights from regional airports and you can upgrade for a stress-free home pick-up service, too.
Built in response to the growing interest in small-ship cruising, river line Emerald Cruises launched a pair of 100-passenger superyachts — Azzurra and Sakara — which both offer Croatian itineraries. Almost 90 per cent of the cabins, which go up to the two-room 110 sq m Owner's Suites, have balconies and terraces with unimpeded views. Shore excursions are geared around authentic experiences, including visits to island towns like Korcula where you can sample its white wines amid the medieval walls and towers; and contrasting outcrops from bustling Hvar to far-flung Vis. Back on board there's a spa and a water sports platform for paddleboarding and snorkelling.
You'll find plenty of quirky shore excursions designed to showcase the many facets of Croatia on a Celebrity cruise. Swim, cycle and kayak in and around Dubrovnik, and explore big-name TV and film locations from a tuk-tuk at Split. Trips to coastal towns, such as the tree-lined Cavtat, the southernmost Croatian resort, show a sleepier side to the country. On board, splash out on the Retreat suite, giving you access to an exclusive restaurant plus a clubhouse-style lounge open 24/7. Little ones will be equally happy in the Fun Factory area, or taking part in Camp at Sea activities adapted to suit four age groups.
Renowned for its friendly, smaller ships that attract a loyal band of repeat guests, Fred Olsen has round-trip cruises to Croatia from Newcastle, Southampton and Liverpool on ships including the Balmoral and Bolette. It also runs one-way cruises from the UK to Dubrovnik. Your itinerary might include basking next to waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, scouring Roman ruins in Zadar and Split, or delving into Dalmatia's beloved red wines. Some sailings also slip into the fjord-like waters of the Bay of Kotor in neighbouring Montenegro. An onboard art studio means that you can join classes to capture highlights of your voyage on canvas.
Get under the skin of Croatia with Azamara Cruises, focused on showcasing local life and culture. You'll have more time to explore with a different port of call each day and late-night departures on the line's immersive cruises of varying lengths. Your cruise could call at Pula, which was picked by the Romans as an administrative base and has a magnificent amphitheatre. Insightful excursions include discovering truffles in Istria, sampling local wines at vineyards in the Konavle Valley, and seeing a silk-weaving workshop outside Dubrovnik.Five ships in Silversea Cruise's all-inclusive luxury fleet sail to Croatia, including Silver Nova, one of the newest vessels. Active passengers can set off on hiking tours in national parks while there are lots of gentler options such as wine tasting and visiting an intriguing salt museum and salt pan in Zadar. Back on the ship, Silversea places a big emphasis on regional dining experiences in the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) restaurant, along with cookery classes to learn how to create local specialities. You'll also be extremely pampered because all suites on Silversea come with personal butler service.Take a fly-cruise to Croatia on the 3,100-passenger Azura, one of the larger ships in P&O's fleet. Sailings visit the headline cities of Dubrovnik, Spilt and Zadar. A walk along the walls of the old city of Dubrovnik in the morning or when the sun goes down will give one of the best views across the red-roofed city. In Split, Diocletian's Palace, one of Europe's best-preserved Roman palaces, is another highlight. Among the many excursions P&O offers in Croatia, you could be visiting the Unesco-listed old town of Trogir, or foodie corners such as Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia. Families can schedule sailings to coincide with school holidays.
Built for shoreline cruising, CroisiEurope's sea-going vessel MV La Belle de l'Adriatique spends much of its time sailing in Croatia and provides a comfortable floating home from which to explore a string of coastal towns. Carrying 197 guests, the small but sturdy vessel reaches ports that are inaccessible to larger ships; itineraries include a round-trip cruise from Dubrovnik. Meals reflect the line's French heritage and lunch is always a proper sit-down affair. Sailings will appeal to active types looking to hike through Krka National Park or set out on a bike tour on the island of Vis.
Resembling a swish private yacht, the 36-passenger Lady Eleganza was custom-built for cruising up the Croatian coast and provides an intimate setting for Adriatic exploration. It offers a selection of sailings, up to 14 days. This ship is small enough to moor beside islands such as Rab, where the namesake town's perfectly preserved medieval buildings are squeezed onto a narrow peninsula, as well as the seaside city of Zadar, studded with Roman and Renaissance architecture. On board, relax in the air-conditioned lounge or take the plunge and leap straight into the Adriatic from the swimming deck.From buzzing race tracks to scented spas, there's something to float everyone's boat on Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative ships. The headline port of call on Adriatic sailings is Dubrovnik, where the tender to shore provides inviting views of the city and its trove of historic buildings. Upgrade your sailing with a stay in the Haven zone: a ship-within-a-ship complex that comes with spacious top-deck cabins and 24-hour butlers plus an exclusive restaurant, lounge and sundeck. If you have little ones, look out for the family cabins close to the action of the kids' clubs and nursery catering for mini-mariners as young as six months.Young sailors can expect to be kept busy aboard MSC's fleet of colourful, glitzy vessels. There are five children's clubs for all ages (over six months), including complimentary babysitting. This gives parents plenty of time to scale the city walls that encircle Dubrovnik, explore Unesco-listed Diocletian's Palace in Split or relax on a beach, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having fun with their shipmates. MSC has a long Italian sailing heritage and offers a choice of departure points such as Venice, Trieste and Bari, bound for Istria and the Dalmatian coast.Sail the Adriatic Scandi-style aboard Viking's adults-only ships — the line has several Mediterranean cruises that include Croatia. There are plenty of staterooms to choose from: those on deck seven are closest to the panoramic Explorer's Lounge. This deck is also home to the incredible 134 sq m Owner's Suite, which has a sauna, if you want to splash out. Expect plenty of nature-focused shore excursions to keep you entertained, including the chance to head to Krka National Park or visit the Dubrava Falconry Centre that cares for endangered birds of prey.Luxury cruising comes to the fore on these elegant all-suite ships, which offer multiple shore excursions along the way. Game of Thrones fans can visit the real-life location of the fictional city of Meereen, which is actually Klis Fortress just outside Split. Or you can go on a leisurely drive through the countryside to find out how flour is produced at a 15th-century mill — rounding things off with a wine tasting. The line does welcome children, but you'll find families are in the minority outside school holidays.Embark on a small-ship sailing adventure with the over-50 specialist firm Saga. You'll sail with 40 passengers or fewer, and discover highlights of the Dalmatian coast, including lesser-known islands, national parks and ancient walled cities. Interesting shore excursions include a visit to a stonemasonry workshop in Pucisca, and as the ships moor overnight you can wander ashore to explore in the evening. These cruises come with Saga perks including an open bar and door-to-door chauffeured transfers.
Classy Ponant reflects its Gallic roots by embracing the French art of living, which, happily, means a big accent on fine food and drink, with an open bar to boot. Croatia-focused sailings take in the island of Korcula, said by locals to be the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, as well as stops at Split and Dubrovnik. Continuing the gastronomic theme, excursions include oyster and mussel tasting and a visit to a winery to learn about the local malvazija grape. Youngsters are allowed in limited numbers and can practise their French at the kids' club.
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Travelling with tiny tots is tricky so view this as a scenery change rather than a holiday per se – albeit one made easier by the 'It's A Small World' nursery (from six months, extra cost) and outstanding kids clubs including the Oceaneer Club for three to 10-year-olds. Insider tip From the port of Livorno, Pisa with its Leaning Tower is just 30 minutes away (as opposed to 90 minutes to Florence). A major bonus that parents of small children will appreciate is the tower's location on the Campo dei Miracoli, featuring swathes of soft manicured lawn for crawling and wobbly walking. How to do it The 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona costs from £5,134 for a family of four; departs July 19. Includes meals, kids clubs, onboard entertainment and character interactions (0800 171 2317; Disney Cruise). About the expert Thanks to my great grandfather Frank Hurley (photographer on Shackleton's Endurance expedition), my first cruise was to icy Antarctica tracing his voyage. I've since sailed on big ships, little ships, expedition ships and develop full-blown Greek ferry crushes during Cyclades salty summers.