Why charter a small cruise ship in Croatia?
Based in Split, with many years of experience in Croatian yacht tourism, our team regularly inspects the vessels we list and works directly with owners and captains. Every ship on this page has been selected for safety, service, and overall guest experience, so you can focus on planning the perfect small cruise ship charter while we take care of the details.
Croatia is one of the best places in the world to charter a small cruise ship. The Dalmatian coast offers a rare combination of:
- Hundreds of islands within short sailing distances
- Calm summer seas and reliable weather
- Historic ports such as Split and Dubrovnik
- Beautiful bays for swimming and water sports
A small cruise ship charter in Croatia gives you:
- Privacy and exclusivity
You charter the whole ship for your private group. There are no strangers on board, no fixed entertainment schedule, and no crowded buffet lines. Your group decides the pace of each day.
- Hotel-style comfort at sea
Cabins with private bathrooms, spacious indoor and outdoor lounges, shaded decks, sunbathing areas, and a professional crew. Many small cruise ships also include jacuzzis, water toys, and high-quality sound systems.
- Flexible itineraries
Instead of following a fixed route, you can shape your own small cruise. Stay longer in the places you love, arrive early in popular towns before the crowds, and include quieter anchorages that large ships cannot reach.
- Great value per person for larger groups
When the total charter fee is divided among 20 to 40 or more guests, chartering a small cruise ship in Croatia can be surprisingly cost-effective compared with booking multiple hotel rooms and land transfers.
Where you can cruise Croatia, the Mediterranean, and beyond
Although most of our small cruise ships are based in Croatia, many vessels can also operate in other parts of the Mediterranean and selected nearby regions. Our team will help you choose the best ship and route for your plans.
Croatia and the Adriatic
Most guests choose to charter a small cruise ship along Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Popular routes include:
- Split to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Split
- Round trip starting and ending in Split
- Itineraries that include Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, Mljet, Šibenik, Zadar, and nearby islands
A typical seven-night cruise might combine historic towns, quiet bays, wine tastings, local restaurants, and plenty of swim stops.
Wider Mediterranean
Some ships in our fleet are available for:
- Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor
- Selected Greek islands
- Other Adriatic and Mediterranean regions, depending on the vessel and season
If you are interested in itineraries outside Croatia, let us know your preferred dates, group size, and interests. We will recommend suitable small cruise ships and routes in the wider Mediterranean.
Other destinations
A small number of larger vessels listed here may also cruise beyond the Mediterranean, such as the Red Sea or Indian Ocean, usually on a custom-request basis. Availability depends on the ship, the time of year, and the repositioning schedule. Our consultants will check current options for you.
Is a small cruise ship the right choice for your group
Small cruise ships are ideal when you want everyone together on one vessel with plenty of space. Typical groups include:
Multi-family and friends holidays
If you are travelling with several families or a large group of friends, a small cruise ship lets you:
- Keep everyone on one floating base instead of spreading across multiple hotels
- Balance private cabin space with shared lounges and decks
- Make the most of activities for different ages, from swimming and snorkelling to exploring towns and nightlife
Weddings and special celebrations
A private Croatia small cruise ship charter is a memorable setting for:
- Weddings and vow renewals
- Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
- Family reunions and graduation trips
You can hold the main celebration on board, use the ship as a base for a ceremony ashore, or both, depending on your plans and local regulations.
Corporate events and retreats
For incentive trips, small conferences, or team building:
- Meeting spaces can often be set up in the saloon or on deck
- The ship becomes a private venue where your team can focus without distractions
- Activities such as wine tastings, cultural tours, kayaking, or hiking can be tailored to your objectives
If your group is smaller or you prefer a more intimate setting, our team can also recommend crewed yachts and gulets that may better suit your needs. We will help you compare all options.
How much does it cost to charter a small cruise ship?
Prices for chartering a small cruise ship in Croatia vary depending on:
- Size and category of the ship
- Number of guests and cabins
- Time of year and length of charter
- Catering package and drinks options
- Additional services such as activities, guides, and transfers
As a general rule, you should expect a total budget of tens of thousands of euros per week for a private small cruise ship charter, split across your entire group. The price of each vessel on this page is clearly displayed as a starting weekly charter rate, and our team will provide a detailed cost breakdown for your specific dates and preferences.
To help you plan your budget, your consultant can:
- Compare several ships for your group size and comfort level
- Explain what is included in the charter fee
- Estimate typical extra costs such as fuel, port fees, and gratuities
- Suggest ways to optimise your itinerary and menu choices
How to charter a small cruise ship in Croatia, step by step
Booking a small cruise ship in Croatia, the Mediterranean, and beyond with us is a straightforward process.
1. Share your plans
Tell us:
- Preferred travel dates and flexibility
- Departure and arrival ports, for example, Split, Dubrovnik, or others
- Approximate number of guests and cabin requirements
- Type of trip you have in mind, from a relaxed family holiday to an active island-hopping cruise, or a formal event
You can send an inquiry directly from any ship page or contact us by phone or email.
2. Receive personalised ship recommendations
Based on your plans, our specialists will:
- Recommend suitable small cruise ships and similar vessels
- Check real-time availability and current charter rates
- Highlight the differences between ships, including layout, style, and included services
We can arrange a video call if you prefer to discuss options face to face.
3. Refine your route and onboard experience
Once you have a shortlist of ships, we help you:
- Shape a draft itinerary day by day
- Choose catering style and special menus
- Plan celebrations, excursions, and activities
- Coordinate embarkation and disembarkation times with your flights
Our team is based locally, so we can advise on realistic sailing distances, quiet anchorages, restaurant recommendations, and seasonal considerations.
4. Confirm your booking
When you are ready to charter a small cruise ship in Croatia:
- You sign a charter contract that clearly sets out all details
- A deposit secures the ship for your dates
- The remaining balance is paid according to the agreed schedule
You receive full documentation and contact details for your dedicated consultant and, closer to departure, your captain or onboard representative.
5. Final preparations and support
In the weeks before your cruise, we help with:
- Cabin allocations and guest lists
- Dietary requirements and special requests
- Transfers and local arrangements before and after your cruise
During the charter, our office remains available if you or the captain needs any assistance.
FAQ about small cruise ships in Croatia
A small cruise ship is usually larger than a standard crewed yacht and is designed to carry a larger group, often 16 to 40 or more guests, in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. You still charter the whole ship for your private group, just like a yacht charter, but you have more cabins, more common areas, and hotel-style facilities. This makes small cruise ships ideal for larger family groups, celebrations, and corporate events.
Capacity depends on the ship, but most small cruise ships in Croatia can accommodate 16 to 40 guests, sometimes more, in double or twin cabins. Some vessels also offer triple or family cabins. When you inquire, please tell us your estimated group size, and we will recommend ships that fit comfortably and have enough cabins for your preferred setup.
Small cruise ships are popular, and there are fewer of them than standard yachts. For peak-season dates in June, July, and August, we recommend booking at least 9 to 12 months in advance, especially for larger groups or fixed event dates. For shoulder-season months in spring and autumn, there is sometimes good availability closer to departure, although more notice always gives you a better choice of ships and itineraries.
Yes. One of the main advantages of chartering a small cruise ship in Croatia is the flexibility to customise your route within safe and realistic sailing distances. Before your cruise, we will draft an itinerary based on your interests, then fine-tune it together. Once on board, the captain can adjust the plan within reason based on the weather and your preferences.
In most cases, the charter price includes the exclusive use of the ship for your group, the crew, standard equipment on board, and basic insurance. Depending on the vessel and package you choose, catering, drinks, fuel, port fees, and local taxes may be included or charged separately. Your consultant will send a detailed offer that clearly explains what is included and what is estimated as an extra cost.
Many families charter small cruise ships in Croatia because they offer a balance of comfort and safety with plenty of space. Internal staircases usually access cabins, and larger decks allow children to move around under supervision. If you are travelling with younger children or older guests, let us know so we can recommend ships with practical layouts and discuss any mobility considerations.
No. These ships are chartered on a fully crewed basis. The captain and crew handle all navigation, mooring, and safety on board. You can simply enjoy the cruise and focus on your guests. If anyone in your group is interested in sailing or navigation, many captains are happy to explain more and involve them safely and appropriately.