Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Cruise (Split) | Croatia
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set sail along one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines on the Adriatic Cruise – Dalmatian Riviera, a seven-night small-ship journey roundtrip from Split. With just 18 cabins, a rooftop sundeck and Half Board dining, you’ll hop between storybook harbour towns, pine-fringed coves and two unforgettable national parks – all with a dedicated cruise manager to smooth the way.
Think sunrise coffees on deck, swimming stops in jewel-bright coves and evenings wandering honey-stone old towns. This intimate 4⭐ small ship glides between Split, Šibenik, Zadar, Hvar, Trogir and the islands in between, with time built in for Krka and Kornati National Parks. With only 18 cabins and a friendly cruise manager on board, it feels more like travelling on a boutique yacht than a conventional cruise.
For couples seeking Croatia’s coastal charm without unpacking more than once, Adriatic Cruise – Dalmatian Riviera delivers exactly that: seven destinations in seven days, swimming stops and medieval harbours – all from your floating boutique base. It’s around 30 minutes from Split (SPU) airport to the harbour. See more Croatia holidays.
Hotel Overview | Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Highlights
🛳️ Saturday sailings on a 4⭐ small ship (approx. 18 cabins)
🌞 Rooftop sundeck with loungers for sea-breeze sunbathing
🗺️ Explore 7 destinations in 7 days along the Dalmatian Riviera
🏞️ Visit Krka and Kornati National Parks, islands, coves and harbours
💑 Perfect for a romantic escape or sociable small-group feel
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: Half Board (breakfast & lunch)
Minimum guest age: 16+ (adults-orientated cruise)
Ship facts (typical):
• Approx. 18 cabins • 3 decks • No lifts
• Dedicated on-board Cruise Manager
Location | Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Location
This cruise is all about the journey. You’ll join your small ship in Split harbour, beneath the walls of UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, then sail north and south along the Dalmatian coast.
Across seven nights you’ll typically call at:
- Split – Roman history and palm-fringed Riva promenade
- Šibenik – medieval alleys and St James’ Cathedral
- Krka National Park – river canyons and waterfall viewpoints
- Zadar – Sea Organ, sunsets and Roman forum
- Kornati & Telašćica Nature Parks – scattered islands and cliffs
- Primošten – a pretty peninsula town ringed by beaches
- Hvar – palm-lined harbour with boutiques and bars
- Trogir – tiny island old town of lanes and loggias
Itineraries are based on the previous season and may be adjusted for sea conditions and local events, keeping safety and experience front of mind.
Distances and Transfers
Start/finish port: Split harbour
Typical call points over 7 nights:
• Split (embarkation & disembarkation)
• Šibenik
• Krka National Park
• Zadar
• Kornati & Telašćica Nature Parks
• Primošten
• Hvar
• Trogir
Approx. transfer time from airport: 30 minutes from Split (SPU) to Split harbour.
Map
Cruise departure from Split Harbour, Split and Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Facilities and Rooms | Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Restaurants and Bars
Life on board is relaxed and sociable, centred around the light-filled restaurant and bar area – many ships feature this on the upper or sun deck for maximum sea views.
Dining
- Buffet breakfast each morning, with continental and some hot options.
- Set-menu lunch daily, often featuring fresh local produce and regional flavours.
- Welcome dinner with a welcome drink on the first evening so you can get to know fellow guests.
- Captain’s dinner on one evening of the cruise, a highlight of the week.
Evenings on most days are free for you to dine ashore in different towns – a brilliant way to sample konobas, waterfront tavernas and wine bars.
Bar
- On-board bar, typically on or close to the sundeck.
- Serving a range of local and selected international drinks (payable locally).
- Complimentary still water, tea and coffee available throughout the day.
Please note: smart-casual dress is recommended at mealtimes (no beachwear). Specific layouts and opening dates are based on the ship allocated and the operating season; details are subject to change.
Pool Areas and Beach
There’s no swimming pool on board – the Adriatic itself is your pool.
- Rooftop sundeck with sun loungers, ideal for tanning, reading or watching the coastline drift by.
- Frequent swim stops (weather and route permitting) in clear coves, where you can dive straight off the platform into the sea.
- Regular calls at bays and beaches around the Dalmatian coast for paddling, strolling or café-hopping.
Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, water shoes if you prefer, and a lightweight cover-up for walking between the sundeck and indoor areas.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
This is a small-ship, exploration-focused cruise, so facilities are intentionally simple and low-key:
- Rooftop sundeck with loungers and shaded areas.
- Indoor lounge / saloon with bar and seating.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the vessel (signal can vary at sea or in remote bays).
- Dedicated Cruise Manager travelling with you, on hand for advice, daily briefings and local tips.
- Occasional informal onboard talks about ports and national parks.
There’s no gym or spa – the emphasis is on time ashore, walking historic towns, taking boat trips inside the national parks and simply slowing down on deck as you sail.
Rooms
Cabins are compact yet comfortable – closer to a modern river cruise ship than a big ocean liner. All are air-conditioned and include daily cleaning.
Main Deck Cabin
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Main Deck cabins are located closer to the main deck facilities with easy access to the outdoor areas. They feature windows (some may open vertically; others may be fixed).
Room facilities typically include:
- Television
- Wi‑Fi
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Private bathroom with shower
- Air conditioning
- Daily room cleaning service
Main Deck Cabin for Sole Use
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 1
All the advantages of a Main Deck cabin, reserved just for you – ideal for solo travellers wanting natural light and quick access to the sundeck. Some have sea views, depending on allocation.
Lower Deck Cabin
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Lower Deck cabins are accessed by internal stairs and have round porthole windows that do not open. These cabins tend to be quieter and at a slightly lower price point than Main Deck options.
Facilities mirror those on Main Deck:
- Television
- Wi‑Fi
- Safety deposit box
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom with shower
- Air conditioning
- Daily cleaning
Lower Deck Cabin for Sole Use
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 1
Perfect if you’re travelling alone and happy to be on a lower deck with porthole windows.
Please note: images are examples of a typical 4⭐ boat – your exact ship and cabin layout may vary. View, configuration and size may differ from any illustrative photographs.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🚶 Guided walking tours in selected ports (e.g. Šibenik, Zadar, Hvar, Split – when included on your chosen sailing)
🏞️ Excursions to Krka National Park for waterfalls and viewpoints
⛰️ Boat trips into Kornati & Telašćica Nature Parks (where included)
🌊 Sea swims directly from the ship during scheduled swim stops
🏙️ Evenings free to explore harbours, cafés and wine bars at your own pace
Most onshore activities beyond the included programme are organised and payable locally; your cruise manager will brief you daily on options for the following day.
Guest Services
🛎️ Dedicated on-board Cruise Manager throughout your voyage
📶 Free Wi‑Fi on board (signal may vary at sea)
🧳 Assistance with luggage on embarkation and disembarkation where possible
🚐 Transfers to and from the harbour typically included in Travelisto packages
ℹ️ Daily briefings on the next day’s port, timings and excursion options
💬 English-speaking crew and cruise staff
Note: there are no lifts on these small ships. Access between decks is via stairs and you may occasionally board via another moored vessel and a short plank between ships – good mobility and sure-footedness are essential.
Practical Info
Good to know before you sail
- Duration: 7-night cruise, usually Saturday–Saturday.
- Airport: Split (SPU); approx. 30 minutes to the harbour.
- Board basis: Half Board – buffet breakfast, set-menu lunch, welcome dinner with drink, one captain’s dinner; other dinners taken ashore.
- Payments on board: Extras (e.g. bar drinks, some excursions) are added to your cabin account and paid in cash (Euros) at the end of the cruise. Cards are not accepted.
- Age policy: Minimum age 16 years.
- Luggage: Soft bags are easier to stow in compact cabins than large hard suitcases.
- Mobility: Not suitable for guests with significantly reduced mobility due to steps on board and between moored ships.
- Sustainability: Many vessels used on this route follow recognised sustainability standards; your cruise manager can advise on current practices on board.
- Itinerary changes: Routes are based on the previous season and can be adjusted for weather or local events; your cruise manager will keep you updated.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Croatia advice.
Prices and Book | Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Adriatic Cruise – Dalmatian Riviera Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and the latest offers on this Dalmatian Riviera small-ship cruise. Book with low deposits and full ATOL protection when you package flights with Travelisto.
FAQs | Adriatic Cruise - Dalmatian Riviera
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the typical itinerary on the Adriatic Cruise – Dalmatian Riviera?
The cruise usually runs for seven nights, roundtrip from Split. Ports of call typically include Šibenik, Krka National Park, Zadar, Kornati and Telašćica Nature Parks, Primošten, Hvar and Trogir. Exact timings and the order of ports can change depending on weather and local conditions; your cruise manager will confirm the daily plan on board.
2. Is this cruise suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. There are dedicated cabins for sole use on both Main and Lower Decks, and the small-ship style makes it easy to meet people on the sundeck, at mealtimes and on excursions. With a minimum age of 16, the atmosphere tends to be relaxed and sociable rather than raucous.
3. What is included in the Half Board package?
Half Board on this cruise includes buffet-style breakfast and set-menu lunch each day, plus a welcome dinner with drink on the first night and a captain’s dinner on one evening. Tea, coffee and drinking water are typically available all day. Other drinks and any meals taken ashore are extra and payable locally.
4. Are excursions and national park entrance fees included?
Selected sailings include city tours in ports such as Šibenik, Zadar, Hvar and Split, plus guided visits and entrance fees for Krka National Park, Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park, and sometimes a wine tasting in Zadar. Any activities not listed as included are payable locally. In all cases, the most up-to-date inclusions will be confirmed on your Travelisto quote and your cruise manager will advise on optional extras once on board.
5. Do I need to be fit to join this cruise?
Guests should be reasonably mobile. There are no lifts on board and stairs connect the decks and cabins. At some ports the ship may berth alongside other vessels, requiring you to step across a small plank or another ship to reach the quay. If you have limited mobility or are unsure, speak to a Travelisto specialist before booking so we can assess suitability.
6. What should I pack for an Adriatic small-ship cruise?
Opt for light, casual clothing, swimwear, a hat and sunglasses, plus comfortable walking shoes for exploring towns and national parks. A light jacket or shawl is useful for breezier evenings on deck. Soft luggage is easier to store in compact cabins than large hard suitcases. Don’t forget reef-friendly sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
7. Is Wi‑Fi available on board?
Yes, free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the ship, including cabins and public areas. Coverage and speeds can dip while the ship is sailing or when anchored in more remote bays, so we recommend downloading any essential content in advance.













