FAQ & Information - Luxury Croatia Cruise 2026 | Small Ship Dalmatian Coast | Max 28 Guests

Booking and Payment

Simply go to our reservations page and find the dates you desire. Major credit cards are accepted.

We never know how fast things will fill. Some trips fill up more than a year in advance, and some closer to the sail date.

All pricing, deposits and cancelation terms are listed in the Dates 7 Prices section on the cruise information page. They may change depending on sail date.

Sadly, we cannot. However, if you cannot put it on a credit card, please contact us.

We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Since we visit remote islands, having coverage for emergency transport is particularly important.

Full Ship Charters

Yes. We generally require 12-18 months advance notice to block a full charter because dates begin to fill early.

There are 16 available cabins, so with all at double occupancy, the actual maximum is 32. However we max out our scheduled trips at 28.

Yes., and we can arrange meetings on board, as well as private meeting space. We will happily take care of your entire event.

Yes! We can go anywhere up and down the Croatia coast.

The season runs from late April until late October. Generally the shoulder seasons are the most comfortable (May and June and September and October)

Understanding the Investment

The premium cruise lines that advertise "small ship" experiences still carry 200-600+ passengers on ships that are 10-50 times larger than ours. While they offer excellent service and luxury amenities, you're still in a formal cruise environment with structured entertainment, assigned dining times, and ports packed with other cruise ships.

Their "small" is still massive compared to our maximum of 28 guests. You'll never have a personal relationship with their crew, you'll never be welcomed into local families' homes, and you'll never anchor in secluded bays because their ships are too large.

While other cruise ships fight for dock space in crowded tourist ports, we anchor overnight in private Croatian bays with no other vessels in sight. You wake up in pristine paradise, not surrounded by tour buses and souvenir shops.

Luxury cruise lines offer excellent shore excursions and cultural presentations, but they're still tourist experiences designed for hundreds of people. Our Croatian families don't welcome tour groups - they welcome our small family of up to 28 into their actual homes for genuine cultural exchange.

The difference is between watching a folk dance performance versus dancing with the band at a family celebration in someone's backyard.

Let's be honest about what you're actually paying for versus what you get with cheaper alternatives. Most Croatia cruises advertise around $2,200-$3,200 per person, but then you discover drinks cost $12-18 each, excursions are $75-150 extra per person per day, specialty dining costs more, gratuities add $15-20 per day, and you're crammed with 45+ people into crowded tourist ports eating basic food.

By the time you're done, you've spent $5,500+ per person for a basic mediocre experience. Meanwhile, our $6,595 includes absolutely everything - premium alcohol, gourmet food, every excursion, all water sports, intimate group size, private bay access, and authentic cultural experiences that literally don't exist for other tourists. Is is like comparing first class flight to basic economy.

Ask yourself: Do you want luxury amenities with formal service among hundreds of passengers visiting tourist destinations? Or do you want intimate family experiences in private locations with premium everything included and friendships that change your life?

Both are exceptional experiences - just completely different ones.

Honestly, no. What we offer doesn't exist elsewhere at any price. You could spend less and get a very basic cruise that is little more than transportation with extra charges, or you could spend more on a luxury ship with formal service but no authentic cultural access. What we provide - intimate Croatian family immersion with ultra-premium amenities and total inclusion - is completely unique to CDV. This is why we say "forget everything you think you know about cruises"

Getting There and Transportation

You'll fly into Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia for the northbound routes, and Split Airport for the Southbound routes. We provide transfers from the airport and the city to our departure point and to the city or airport from our arrive point. We strongly urge you to arrive a few days early to fully enjoy the trip.

We monitor all guest flights and adjust accordingly. Since we control our own schedule, we can accommodate some reasonable delays. If we have to leave before you arrive, we will do everything in our power to help you get to the ship.

All non EU citizens need a valid passport. No visa is required for stays under 90 days for most countries.

We provide comfortable transfers from to our departure point from the airport and city center. This is included in the cruise price.

Ship and Accommodation Details

Our ship is 160 feet long and accommodates a maximum of 28 guests, making it truly intimate compared to cruise ships that carry thousands, and even the other Croatia small ships that carry 45.

Main Deck - Inside Access (Cabins 13-18): Interior corridor access with windows and portholes for scenic views.

Main Deck - Outside Access (Cabins 9-12): Direct deck entry for easy outdoor access.

Lower Deck (Cabins 1-8): Cooler, quieter accommodations with portholes and dual ventilation for maximum comfort.

Yes! In all except our final arrival port. While other ships crowd into tourist ports, we anchor in secluded bays and use tender boats to reach shore. This gives you private paradise settings that other cruise passengers never experience. Note that anchoring is contingent on weather. If sea conditions or weather do not permit, we will dock.

The ship is equipped with Starlink Internet, with speeds typically around 60mbps to 100mbps throughout the ship. There is no charge for internet.

The ship features sun decks, a jacuzzi, sauna, mini gym, dining areas, a jet ski, and all water sports equipment. Everything is designed for our intimate group size.

Food and Dining

Everything. All meals, all snacks, all alcohol, all cocktails, all wine pairings. You'll never see a bill for food or drinks. Ever. That said, if you want that special bottle that we don't have on board, youa re more than welcome to purchase it on your own and bring it.

Our chef prepares gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients and recipes shared by the Croatian families you'll meet. This isn't cruise ship buffet food - it's restaurant-quality and home-quality cuisine.

We handle most dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. We need advance notice and a positive attitude since variety may be limited in remote locations.

Yes. Beyond scheduled meals, snacks, the "drink of the day", there is also an open bar. The bar is also open until 11PM (often later) for anything you want.

Activities and Excursions

These families don't run tourist businesses-- they're our genuine friends who invite only our small group to their real celebrations. You'll be the only tourists these families have ever welcomed to their dinner tables..

Stand-up paddleboards, jet ski, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and more. Everything is included and always available.

You should be comfortable swimming in open water. Much of our experience involves swimming from the ship, water sports, and beach activities. Life jackets are available, but comfort in water is important.

Everything is optional. Want to skip an excursion and relax on the ship? No problem. Want to join just part of a day? We'll arrange tender service. The ship's amenities are always available.

What's Included vs. What's Not

Everything essential: ship accommodation, all meals and alcohol, all excursions, all cultural experiences, all water sports equipment, tender service, airport transfers, and access to experiences that don't exist for other tourists.

Personal shopping, specific wines or spirits you might want that we don't stock, and anything you choose to purchase independently.

Gratuities are not required or automatically added, but most guests choose to show their appreciation for excellent service. Any gratuities are shared among the hosts, crew, and key people on the ground after the trip.

Money and Expenses

Croatia uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns, but bring some cash for small purchases and tips.

We recommend €200-400 for personal shopping, souvenirs, and any independent purchases. Most expenses are included, so you won't need much.

Credit cards work in main towns, but many local family experiences are in remote areas where there is nothing to purchase. That is part of the experience. It is about connection much of the time, not shopping.

Packing and What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, casual clothes for dinners, sun protection, something white for the White Night Party, and pajamas for the Rakija Mixology Party. We'll provide a detailed packing list upon booking.

This is a casual, family-style experience. No formal wear needed. Think "dinner with Croatian friends" not "cruise ship formal night."

Yes, for rocky beaches and sea urchin protection. Also bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the pristine waters we'll visit.

Health and Safety

We carry emergency medical supplies and can reach medical facilities quickly if needed. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Absolutely. Our ship meets all international safety standards, carries all required safety equipment, and is operated by experienced Croatian mariners who know these waters intimately.

The Adriatic is generally calm, and we anchor in protected bays. However, sensitive guests should bring seasickness medication. Our routes minimize exposure to rough seas.

Group Dynamics and Experience

Absolutely! Solo travelers often have the best time because they're most open to new friendships and experiences. You'll never feel alone.

With a small group of guests, group chemistry matters. We carefully screen guests to ensure everyone embraces the family atmosphere. Most guests form lifelong friendships.

If you're excited about becoming part of a Croatian family, swimming in pristine waters, celebrating with local musicians, and forming lasting friendships with other adventurous people, this is absolutely for you.

Special Circumstances

Absolutely! Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals - we love celebrating with family. Let us know in advance.

Many guests do! We can help with recommendations for extending your visit. You may also want an enhance Croatian trip with one of our immersive land tours around Split and Dubrovnik. This is why we don't do those major cities on the cruise. Additionally, if you would like to extend your trip to any of our others across Europe, we will help you organize everything.

Our guests tell us this experience becomes the standard by which they measure all future travel. When you factor in everything that's included plus access to authentic experiences that money can't usually buy, most guests say it's the best value in travel.