Small Ship Cruise Croatia: Explore the Adriatic in Style
Experience the breathtaking Adriatic coastline on a small ship cruise Croatia adventure unlike any other. Our intimate vessels provide access to secluded bays and charming ports that larger ships simply cannot reach. With a maximum of just 40 passengers, these journeys deliver personalized service and an authentic experience of Croatia’s stunning island archipelago. Indeed, many travelers consider these small ship experiences the ideal way to explore this magnificent coastline.
Discover the Best Small Ship Croatia Cruises
Our fleet features various luxury small ship cruises Croatia options to match your travel style and budget. From elegant balcony suites to comfortable standard cabins, we offer the perfect small ship cruise Croatia experience for every traveler. Moreover, our vessels combine modern amenities with traditional charm for an unforgettable journey.








Understanding Your Small Ship Cruise Croatia Options
Ship Categories and Features
All vessels in our small ship cruise Croatia fleet accommodate a maximum of around 40 passengers. This intimate setting creates a personalized experience unlike the massive commercial cruise ships. Not only can our smaller vessels navigate narrow channels, but they can also dock in charming ports inaccessible to larger ships. Above all, you’ll enjoy personalized service from a dedicated crew throughout your journey.
Please note that luxury small ship cruises Croatia experiences aren’t automatically covered under all travel insurance policies. Therefore, we recommend checking with your insurer about special cruise coverage before booking.
Useful Resources for Your Croatia Small Ship Cruise
Visit our ‘Croatia Cruise FAQ’ page for comprehensive information about what to bring, meals onboard, laundry services, tipping guidelines, and other practical aspects of your small ship cruise Croatia adventure.
Cabin Types and Deck Levels on Croatia Small Ship Cruises
Most vessels in our best small ship Croatia cruises fleet feature passenger cabins on two primary decks:
1. Main Deck Cabins – These cabins feature opening windows and/or external doors for fresh airflow in most accommodations
2. Lower Deck ‘Porthole’ Cabins – Located in the hull with small porthole windows that don’t open but allow natural light, accessed via an internal door
In spite of these different configurations, both options provide comfortable accommodations for your journey. Moreover, your choice might depend on your preference for natural ventilation versus a quieter location.
Some luxury small ship cruises Croatia vessels offer balcony cabins on the upper deck instead of main deck cabins. However, most ships feature only main and lower deck accommodations without balcony options.
Small Ship Cruise Croatia Vessel Categories
Our fleet includes four main types of small ship cruise Croatia vessels:
1. Luxury Ships with Balcony Deck – View Our LUX Cruises
These premium vessels feature:
– Balcony Deck Cabins (instead of ‘Main Deck’ cabins)
– Lower Deck ‘Porthole’ Cabins
Indeed, these luxury vessels represent our highest category of small ship cruise Croatia experiences. Nevertheless, even our more economical options provide exceptional quality and comfort. Notably, the balcony cabins are highly sought after for honeymoons and special celebrations.
2. Deluxe & Deluxe Superior Ships
These elegant vessels include:
– Main Deck Cabins
– Lower Deck ‘Porthole’ Cabins
– No balcony cabins available on these ships
3. Premium & Premium Superior Ships
These comfortable vessels offer:
– Main Deck Cabins
– Lower Deck ‘Porthole’ Cabins
– No balcony cabins available on these ships
4. Vintage Ships
These traditional vessels provide:
– Main Deck Cabins
– Lower Deck ‘Porthole’ Cabins
– No balcony cabins available on these ships
Luxury and Deluxe Category Ships
Luxury Balcony Ships
Our Luxury Balcony Ship (LUX) cruises operate on specific named vessels. Only ‘Balcony Deck’ cabins on these luxury small ship cruises Croatia vessels feature private balconies. Meanwhile, the ‘Lower Deck’ accommodations are porthole cabins with the same onboard amenities and inclusions but at a more economical price point.
Balcony cabins have limited availability and require advance booking. June and September departures are especially popular and often sell out more than a year ahead. Therefore, early reservation is essential for these premium small ship cruise Croatia experiences.
Deluxe Category Ships
Our Deluxe Superior (DLX SUP) and Deluxe (DLX) cruises operate on specific named vessels. Although these ships don’t offer balcony cabins, they provide similar amenities and vessel size to our Luxury category ships. Many travelers actually prefer these options for their excellent balance of comfort and value.
Premium and Vintage Category Ships
Premium Superior Ships
Premium Superior Ship (PRM SUP) cruises operate on specific named vessels. These ships don’t offer balcony cabins but provide excellent comfort and amenities.
Vintage Category Ships
Vintage Premium Ship (PREM) and Vintage Ensuite Ships (ENS) cruises don’t specify the vessel name in advance. You’ll discover your ship upon arrival for your small ship cruise Croatia adventure.
Understanding Ship Deck Layouts
Croatia small ship cruises typically feature a maximum of four decks:
4. Sun Deck
The topmost deck serves as a public area with sunbeds for all passengers to enjoy the panoramic views during your small ship cruise Croatia journey. As a result, you’ll have plenty of space to relax and soak in the stunning Adriatic vistas.
3. Upper Deck
Most vessels locate the restaurant/salon on this deck, except Luxury Balcony ships which feature balcony cabins here instead.
2. Main Deck
This deck typically accommodates passenger cabins, with some vessels positioning the restaurant/salon here as well.
1. Lower Deck
This area houses porthole cabins, crew quarters, and the engine room. Crew cabins usually create a buffer zone between passenger accommodations and the engine area. For your comfort, the vessels don’t sail at night during your small ship cruise Croatia experience, which means you’ll never sleep with the engines running. Consequently, you can enjoy peaceful nights at anchor in scenic bays or docked in charming port towns.
Cabin Types Explained
Balcony Deck Cabins
Available on select luxury small ship cruises Croatia vessels, these premium accommodations feature:
– Private balconies for two people
– Located primarily on the Upper Deck
– Limited availability requiring early booking
– Entrance from the inside corridor


Main Deck / Upper Deck Cabins
These non-balcony accommodations on croatia small ship cruises feature:
– External opening windows and/or doors
– Some with doors on the inside corridor
– Access to public walkways around the vessel
Therefore, you’ll still enjoy fresh sea breezes and natural light throughout your journey. Additionally, these cabins offer excellent value while maintaining comfort and convenience.


Porthole / Lower Deck Cabins
Located in the hull of best small ship Croatia cruises, these accommodations feature:
– Small porthole windows just above the waterline
– Access via inside stairwells
– No opening windows for safety reasons
– Enhanced privacy and quieter environment, especially in busy ports
Despite their lower positioning, these cabins offer excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. In addition, many guests prefer these accommodations specifically for their quieter nature, particularly in lively port towns. Surprisingly, these lower deck cabins often become the preferred choice for repeat cruisers who value peaceful nights over sea views.


Accessibility Considerations
If you have mobility limitations, please consider the following aspects of small ship cruise Croatia vessels:
– Steep stairs connect different decks throughout the vessel
– Noticeable gaps often exist between ships when docked in port
– Independent navigation of these areas is essential for full enjoyment
Due to these characteristics, passengers with severe mobility restrictions may find certain aspects of the cruise challenging. However, with proper preparation and realistic expectations, most travelers with mild mobility issues can still enjoy these experiences.

Bed Types and Passenger Capacity
Important note about beds: ‘Double’ beds on Luxury, Deluxe, and Premium ships may feature ‘flex-beds’ with two single mattresses positioned together on a combined base. European ‘double’ beds often provide separate duvets for each side, which is common practice throughout the region. To clarify your preferences, you can request specific bed configurations when booking your small ship cruise Croatia experience.
The maximum passenger capacity on any small ship cruise Croatia vessel is typically 40 people (excluding crew), with a maximum of 21 passenger cabins. Consequently, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere throughout your journey. Furthermore, crew members occupy separate quarters not shown on deck plans.
Fleet Photos and Additional Information
Browse our complete Croatia small ship cruises fleet photos here:

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Terms and Conditions
If you’re considering a private yacht or gulet charter, please visit our Charter a Yacht or Gulet in Croatia page for specialized small ship cruise Croatia options.