Welcome to the Small Ship Cruise Croatia Booking Page!
May 31, 2025 - June 7, 2025
This enchanting island-hopping cruise sails from medieval Dubrovnik to ancient Split, visiting some of the most alluring Croatian destinations along the way. Marvel at magnificent scenery throughout, including cascading waterfalls, photogenic beaches, and lush greenery. You’ll discover centuries-old landmarks and majestic architecture while learning about the country’s rich past. Look forward to plenty of mouthwatering cuisine both on board and off, with opportunities to sample the authentic local fare in port. Intriguing tours led by local guides, unique tastings, and an elegant vessel with luxurious facilities, an expert crew, and spacious cabins that ensure a peaceful night’s sleep cap it all off.
What's included in this trip:
Transfer to/from the ship
Daily breakfast buffet
Daily three course lunch
Welcome dinner and Captains dinner
Complimentary tea, coffee and daily afternoon tea and biscuit
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
A choice of one drink with your lunches and dinners on board (wine, beer or soft drink)
Excursions at each port
Experienced captain and English-speaking crew
Professional English-speaking Cruise Director
Optional on board lectures on Croatian history
Complimentary use of water sports including SUP's and Sea Kayaks
Complimentary WIFI on-board
Luggage handling and porterage
Excursions
Wine tasting experience on the Island of Hvar
Oyster farm visit and tasting experience in Ston
Entrance to the Mljet National Park
Guided tour and entrance to the Krka National Park and Waterfalls
Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with a local expert
Expert guided tour of Korcula Old Town with a local expert
Guided tour of Split's Diocletian Palace with a local expert
What's not included:
Gratuities for the crew
Croatian port taxes of EUR70 per person, for the full cruise
Entrance to the Blue Cave (approx EUR25pp)
Any other meals or drinks not mentioned on the itinerary
International Airfare
Travel Protection Insurance
Pre and/or Post Cruise hotels
MV Bellissima Overview
MV Bellissima is a 53m (170 ft) long, 8.6m (28 ft) wide Signature cruise ship built in 2020/2021 and features the latest equipment and amenities. The ship has a maximum capacity of 38 passengers in 19 twin or double cabins, ensuring exceptional personal service. The ships main deck features a spacious air-conditioned dining room and bar area, with an LCD TV, a corner buffet breakfast table and an outdoor covered lounge area.
MV Bellissima Cabins
The ship features 19 modern air-conditioned cabins with 11 upper deck cabins, each with private balconies and 8 lower deck cabins. Each cabin measures approximately 15 to 17m2. The balcony cabins are best used between 8am to 4pm daily when the ship is sailing between islands. Once you arrive in port in the late afternoon, you will have an excursion followed by dinner on shore with time to further explore the beautiful Old Towns at your leisure. As the ship will be docked alongside other vessels in the evenings, the balconies will not be as convenient to use as they are during the day when the ship is sailing.
All cabins are fully equipped and include a safety deposit box, fire alarm, emergency lights and internal communication for announcements by the Cruise Director or Captain. The cabins all have individually controlled air conditioning units. The bathrooms on board the ship are fitted with a toilet, shower, sink and hair dryer.
Facilities & Public Areas
The MV Bellissima offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space for guests to enjoy with a spacious restaurant and bar area on the main deck with LCD TV, accompanied by a covered outdoor lounge area with sofas. On the upper deck you will find plenty of sun-loungers for passengers to sunbath, a shaded area and a Jacuzzi. The ship also features a splash pool at the rear of the vessel with ladders for easy access to dip in the sea. Free WIFI is available on board the ship.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Saturday, May 31 (Dubrovnik):
Transfer from Dubrovnik Hotel / Airport to Gruz Harbor; Check in to MV Bellissima starting at 1400 hrs.
You can relax in your luxury cabin before joining a guided tour of the UNESCO listed Old Town of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik has an abundance of ancient historical buildings that date back to the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic. After admiring the classic Renaissance architecture you will return to the boat and enjoy the evening with a three course welcome dinner and speech from the crew where they will go through the plan for your week on board.
Day 2 - Sunday, June 1 (Slano/Ston):
Today we will sail to the charming village of Slano, situated on the mainland. You can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, as we cruise around Dubrovnik’s city walls before heading in the direction of the Elaphiti islands for a swim stop. Afternoon arrival in charming Slano, this traditional fisherman’s village was once fortified and is famous for its oysters.
From Slano we head towards Ston a sought after seaside town which is known for its oyster production. You will take a small boat out into the middle of the estuary and enjoy sampling fresh oysters directly from the sea with a dash of lime and some locally produced wine. This very unique experience is one of our clients favorites!
Return to Slano after the oyster tasting for the captain's dinner.
Day 3 - Monday, June 2 (Korcula):
Today we depart early to visit the tranquil and stunning Mljet National Park. On arrival, our cruise director will take you for a stroll to visit the famous salt lakes, situated in the heart of the park. We then sail on to the island of Korula, which is best known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Relax and admire the stunning secluded bays on route. We will have a guided walking tour of the charming Old Town. The picturesque fortified town, ruled by Venetians in the past, has an ingenious layout in the shape of a fishbone.
Day 4 - Tuesday, June 3 (Vis):
We depart from Korcula and sail on towards the peaceful island of Vis enjoying an extended swim stop on route. Vis was once a strategic Yugoslav naval base and off limits to visitors. Due to the island's seclusion and isolation, Vis has retained a very unique charm that typifies 'the Mediterranean as it once was'. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring the picturesque town of Vis with its charming sea front cafes and labyrinth of quaint streets. If you are feeling energetic take a walk up to Fort George which enjoys breath taking views over Vis and is a gorgeous spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset .
Day 5 - Wednesday, June 4 (Hvar): Today we continue to the stunning island of Hvar which is renowned for its stunning and fragrant fields of lavender fields. On route, we stop at Bisevo Island to explore the breath-taking Blue Cave. This is truly a natural marvel, a sea grotto of illuminated light. Enjoy a guided boat tour within the cave to experience this beautiful phenomenon.
Please note that entry to the Blue Cave is subject to weather and sea conditions and therefore the entry fee of EUR25pp is payable on the day.
After a delicious lunch on board, we continue to the peaceful port of Stari Grad in Hvar. On arrival, enjoy a wine tasting tour at a very sought-after family winery, followed by free time to explore the beautiful town of Hvar at your leisure. You can choose to remain in Hvar Town which is known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene or return to Stari Grad and enjoy a more tranquil alfresco dining experience.
Day 6 - Thursday, June 5 (Trogir):
The charming medieval town of Trogir is our next destination today. This UNESCO listed gem with its pristine marina is often compared to a mini-Venice. On route our captain will take us for a scenic sail past one of the most famous beaches in the world, the gorgeous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach). We will have a short swim stop shortly before we arrive in Trogir.
Once we are docked in Trogir, we have a fabulous guided tour of the stunning Krka Waterfalls National Park planned. Enjoy the afternoon admiring the beautiful waterfalls whilst you take a leisurely stroll along pathways winding through the lush flora.
We will return to Trogir in the early evening, where you have the evening on your own to enjoy dinner and explore the labyrinth of backstreets and medieval alleyways in this hidden gem.
Day 7 - Friday, June 6 (Split):
On the final day of your Signature Cruise, we make an early departure from the old medieval town of Trogir and head towards Split. On route you will enjoy a refreshing morning swim stop prior to arriving at your final destination.
You will arrive in Split harbour shortly after lunch and set off for a guided walking tour of the beautiful Old Town. Split is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts an abundance of classic Roman architecture, which includes the splendid Diocletian Palace. Our expert local guide will take you on a fascinating tour of this wonderfully preserved Old Town.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore the famous Riva Promenade at your leisure. This evening you can sample the excellent restaurants in the Old Town on your final evening.
Day 8 - Saturday, June 7 (Split):
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew and to all of your new friends. Check out by 09:00 hrs with an onward private transfer.
Cruise Itinerary Changes due to Poor Weather or Operational Reasons Please note that with any cruise, the captain of the vessel reserves the right to amend the itinerary if there is poor weather or an operational reason, which could result in clients being put at danger. Should this happen, we and the crew on the ship will do our utmost to accommodate you but we will not offer any compensation for necessary changes we make to protect our guests safety.
Payment Information:
25% payment is due at time of registration. Final payment is due 90 days before sail date.
Payment may be made through Visa or Mastercard. (American Express is not accepted).
All cabins are based on double occupancy.
(Roommate matching may be available, please contact Nancy K if interested.)
The Travel Planning Fee is a separate fee and may be paid through Zelle or Venmo. If you need to pay by Credit Card, please contact Nancy
Your travel with us is governed by our booking conditions and cancellation terms which can be found here:
Travel While You Can...with Nancy K Travel Planning Fee is Non Refundable
Cancellation Charge based on Days Prior to Trip Departure
Greater than 120 days Non-refundable services, plus 10% of total cost of the itinerary
Greater than 90-119 days Non-refundable services, plus 25% of total cost of the itinerary
Greater than 60-89 days Non-refundable services, plus 50% of total cost of the itinerary
Greater than 31-59 days Non-refundable services, plus 75% of total cost of the itinerary
Greater than 0-30 days 100% of the total cost of the itinerary
Please note: Certain travel arrangements cannot be changed once they have been confirmed. Any non-refundable services will be outlined in our quote prior to booking and may incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of the total cost of itinerary.
The reason for your cancellation may be covered under the terms of your travel insurance, so it is important to check your policy as you may be able to reclaim applicable charges through your provider.
All cabins are fully equipped and include a safety deposit box, fire alarm, emergency lights and internal communication for announcements by the Cruise Director or Captain. The cabins all have individually controlled air conditioning units. The bathrooms on board the ship are fitted with a toilet, shower, sink and hair dryer.
All cabins are fully equipped and include a safety deposit box, fire alarm, emergency lights and internal communication for announcements by the Cruise Director or Captain. The cabins all have individually controlled air conditioning units. The bathrooms on board the ship are fitted with a toilet, shower, sink and hair dryer.