Why Croatia is Best Explored by Small Ship
Croatia is one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations, and there is no better way to explore it than on a small ship cruise with 25–30 passengers. Sailing along the sunny Adriatic Coast, you’ll discover charming ports of call such as Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Bol, Korčula, Trstenik, Mljet, and Pučišća.
Professor Steve Solosky, owner of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, has taken his groups on more than a dozen of these cruises. According to Steve, this style of travel is “amazing and unlike any cruise most people have been on.”
What Makes a Small Ship Cruise in Croatia Different
Unlike large cruise ships, a deluxe chartered vessel is reserved exclusively for the group. A smaller ship allows passengers to visit smaller towns and villages that big ships cannot reach.
Imagine docking in Bol, a quiet village of a few thousand residents, with no crowds, and enjoying locally made wines, strolling through a food market, or relaxing on a pure white beach.
The experience is intimate, personal, and far from touristy. Activities such as kayaking, wind sailing, or swimming in a secluded cove add to the charm.
As Steve explains, “Every day the captain pulls the ship into a secluded bay, drops anchor, and we swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.”
Comfort and Style Onboard
Even though it’s a smaller vessel, these ships are fully equipped. Cabins are elegantly designed with private baths, showers, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and TV. There’s ample deck space to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea breeze.
With smooth sailing along the Croatian coastline and short daily journeys of no more than four hours, passengers enjoy maximum time ashore and onboard relaxation.
A Culinary Journey: Fresh and Local Croatian Cuisine
One of the highlights of a Croatia small ship cruise is the food. Passengers are often surprised by the variety and quality of meals prepared in the ship’s galley. The chef shops daily in local markets, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients to create authentic dishes that reflect the region’s traditions.
For vegan travelers, the experience is especially rewarding. Some favorites include:
- Roasted Vegetables – bursting with flavor thanks to fresh produce from local markets.
- Punjene Paprike (Stuffed Peppers) – a Croatian classic filled with rice and vegetables.
- Vegan Cevapi – a plant-based take on the traditional grilled sausage.
- Rizi Bizi – creamy risotto with peas.
- Soparnik – a savory chard pie, often called the Croatian pizza, prepared in a special way for our small group tours.
These dishes showcase Croatia’s culinary creativity and cultural authenticity in every bite.
The Perfect Way to See Croatia
A small ship cruise is more than just a way to travel—it’s an immersive cultural experience. With daily stops at new islands, opportunities to taste authentic food, and the joy of swimming in pristine waters, this journey offers travelers a true sense of discovery.
There is simply no better way to explore Croatia than by island-hopping along the Adriatic Sea on a small ship cruise.
