Sailing the Croatian Coast: A Week Aboard a Small Ship

If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Croatian coast — its sparkling waters, ancient towns and sun-soaked islands — but balked at the idea of doing it aboard a mega cruise ship, let me introduce you to a better way: a small ship coastal cruise with Always Croatia.

Always Croatia is a U.S.-based company run by Croatian-Americans who leverage their deep local roots and relationships to craft unforgettable experiences. With a fleet of more than 20 small ships — many available for private charter — they offer itineraries that combine comfort, authenticity and a refreshing level of freedom.

We chose a one-week itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik, with nightly stops in charming island villages and historic coastal towns. Here's what made this trip so special — and so different from the typical cruise experience.

Enjoying the sun deck and the view!

Comfort without the crowds

Our ship had just 38 guests, and every stateroom included an en-suite bathroom and (in most cases) a petite private balcony — just big enough for two chairs and a side table. There was daily housekeeping, a cozy indoor lounge and bar, a sunny top-deck with lounge chairs and even a hot tub for relaxing under the stars. Meals were served in an open-seating dining room, and the vibe felt more like an upscale guesthouse at sea than a cruise ship.

A perfect blend of freedom and guidance

One of the highlights? Dinner was on your own most nights. This allowed us to hop off the ship and wander each town in search of our next great meal —a favorite travel ritual. Breakfast (buffet) and lunch (plated) were served onboard while cruising, and each day struck a nice balance between relaxation and exploration.

Krka National Park

Docking in town, not near it

Unlike large cruise ships that often anchor far from city centers and require tender boats, our small ship pulled right up to the dock — usually just steps from the heart of town. This meant easy access to your stateroom throughout the day and the freedom to explore at your own pace. (In some busy ports, you may cross through neighboring ships to reach the dock, which adds a touch of nautical charm to the experience.)

Immersive Adriatic scenery

Oyster farm and tasting

Daytime cruising let us soak in the beauty of the Dalmatian coast — turquoise bays, hidden beaches and striking cliffs. Daily swim stops let us dive right into the crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched afternoons on deck were some of the most peaceful moments of the trip.

Local guides & unique excursions

Small ships stacked in port

Each stop included an optional walking tour led by knowledgeable local guides. But what really set this trip apart were the excursions that would be impossible to offer to a crowd of thousands:

• A visit to a family-run prosciutto and brandy producer, with local music and tastings.

• An intimate boat ride to a floating oyster farm, where we sampled oysters and mussels fresh from the sea paired with local wines.

• Optional excursions like Krka National Park with its stunning waterfalls or a boat trip through the magical Blue Cave

Final thoughts

This wasn’t just a cruise — it was a deeply personal, flexible and culturally rich experience. If you’re craving a more intimate way to explore the Croatian coast, I’d highly recommend a small ship journey with Always Croatia.
Interested in something similar? Let’s talk. I’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary — or charter your own boat with friends or family.

Old Town Split

Dubrovnik & getting there - what you should know:

Let’s start with a confession: I’ve never watched Game of Thrones. So, while many visitors arrive in Dubrovnik thrilled to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters, I came in with different expectations — and left with mixed feelings.

Dubrovnik is undeniably beautiful, with its dramatic clifftop setting and imposing medieval walls. But it was also crowded, touristy and, unfortunately during our visit… rainy. Unlike the charming small ports where we docked right in town, our ship had to berth in Dubrovnik’s commercial port alongside massive cruise liners. Getting to the Old City required a shuttle bus ride (and a taxi to return), which took some of the spontaneity out of exploring.

That said, if Game of Thrones is your thing — or you’ve dreamed of seeing Dubrovnik’s iconic skyline — you’ll likely love it. And to the city’s credit, change is coming: starting in 2025, Dubrovnik will follow Venice’s lead in capping the number of tour buses and cruise ship passengers allowed daily, a much-needed move to ease overcrowding and preserve the city’s character.

A smart way to start (or end) your trip:

Since our flight landed in Dubrovnik three days before our cruise departed from Split, we chose to decompress at the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera, a relaxed seaside resort just a few miles outside the city. It was the perfect landing spot — beautiful pools, a peaceful bayfront setting and a palm-lined promenade with plenty of restaurants to ease into vacation mode.

Before our cruise aboard the MS Premier, we overnighted at the AC Hotel in Split — comfortable, modern and reasonably priced. Always Croatia coordinated smooth, semi-private transfers between the airport, hotels, and ship, which made logistics simple and stress-free.

Bonus: A wine country detour

Rather than rush from Dubrovnik to Split, we turned the 2-hour drive into a mini wine-tasting road trip. With a private driver (so we could fully enjoy the tastings), we visited a few standout wineries along the way. It was a fun and flavorful way to bridge the gap between destinations — and something I’d be happy to help arrange for anyone interested.

A final tip: Let Phil be your guide
If you’re like us and love “restaurant shopping,” we highly recommend watching the Croatia episode of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix before your trip. Phil Rosenthal’s food adventures helped us discover a few gems — and even led to some well-placed reservations.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Croatia page.