Cruises to the Adriatic Sea

Architecture spans the eras - from Romanesque to Modernist with Baroque, Neo-Classical and Gothic highlights. Cities surprise you with stunning coastal parks on their doorstep and harbours hold everything from humble wooden fishing boats to glitzy yachts. Diverse and dazzling, the one constant will be the turquoise of the Adriatic.

History & culture

Cruises around the Adriatic coast dock you in ports that could almost double as open-air museums. Mediaeval castles, towering fortifications, grand cathedrals and ancient cobbles perch on the Adriatic’s breathtaking coastline wait to be explored. One day you could be walking along the original streets of the Roman citadel in Split, and on another you might find yourself admiring the masterpieces displayed in galleries across Venice. Stepping back in time is all part of the Adriatic’s allure. But there are also places where trends are being set, fashion is pushing the boundaries and new artists are emerging.

Food & drink

Every port on an Adriatic cruise will have its own regional dishes to tantalise your taste buds. But you may find Italian influences creeping into almost every menu. Adriatic cuisine does share some themes, but do try each country’s signature dishes or ingredients when you can. Croatia’s meaty Cobanac is a must try for spice lovers. Priganice is Montenegro’s take on donuts and Matevž is Slovenia’s national dish of beans and potatoes. Pair your foodie experience with local wines for the full flavour experience. Croatia’s wine scene is brimming with unique tasting notes you’ll rarely find on wine lists outside the country.

Split, Croatia

Split is a port you’ll wish you had more than 8 hours to explore. You could spend a day or more in Diocletian’s Palace alone, before adding another to explore the rest of the city and another for the coastal greenery of Marjan Park. Tick off as many sights as your itinerary allows, and bookmark the rest for your next cruise around the Adriatic.

Venice, Italy

Riding in a Vaporetto (Venetian waterbus) past the marble palaces, basilicas, bridges and arches of Venice is an unforgettable experience. Truly a city like no other, every turn of the canals, every island and every lagoon holds a new, and beautiful, vista. Do hop onto land during your visit. The intricate work of the artisans creating original items of fashion, jewellery and art is another memorable sight to behold.

Kotor, Montenegro

Perching on the edge of the Adriatic, Kotor’s Old Town might feel familiar. Its charms are replicated across Europe. City walls lead you to one piazza after the next. Tempting scents of coffee and pastries drift out from cafes and daily life echoes through Kotor while you try to take in the marvel of its palaces, European architecture and fortifications.

Diocletian’s Palace - Split

Built in the 4th century, Diocletian’s Palace is a 30,000 square metre Roman wonder. Today, the palace dominates Split’s centre - forming a city within a city. 3,000 people live within the citadel, with shops, restaurants and more serving the residents and visitors alike. Free to enter, Diocletian’s Palace is one of the world’s best preserved Roman constructions.

San Giorgio Maggiore - Venice

Opt for a slightly different view of Venice by taking a water taxi over to the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Once there, head straight for San Giorgio Maggiore church and pay the small fee to ride the lift to the top of the Bell Tower. The views are superb - and, when you’re done, the marble church walls below hold works by Tintoretto and Ricci to admire.

Kotor Seafront Food Market - Kotor

While others take on the 1,300 step hike to the top of Kotor Fortress, unwind with a mooch around Kotor’s daily farmer’s market. The small market is a favourite among residents and just the spot to pick out some local cheeses for lunch or sample some regional wines.

Currency considerations

Most ports and countries on Adriatic cruises accept the Euro as their official currency. However, there are a couple of exceptions. For Adriatic cruises in 2022 that dock in Croatia, Albania or Bosnia, you’ll need Kuna, Lek or Bosnian Marks. From January 2023, Croatia’s official currency will also be the Euro.

Customs / traditions to be aware of 

In all countries on the Adriatic, dress conservatively if you’re planning to visit monasteries, churches or mosques. When it comes to photography, avoid taking pictures of any military or police buildings and vehicles. And, in Croatia, embrace the state of ‘fjaka’ - the art of slow living and being in the moment.

Making the most use of short durations in port

Dig in to the local public transport in each port. Some services - such as the  Bay of Kotor ferry in Montenegro are free for foot passengers. The five minute journey across the bay saves money - and time. The same journey by taxi (by land) takes 45 minutes.

Transport

Most towns and cities along the Adriatic have a reliable method of public transport. This does vary from country to country so be sure to do a little research before you sail. For example, Slovenia’s bus and train network are excellent, but Montenegro’s bus service is patchy.

• Venice
• Ravenna
• Dubrovnik
• Split
• Kotor

• Royal Caribbean cruises
• Princess Cruises

• Mediterranean cruises
• Greece cruises
• Venice cruises
• Italian cruises

• What liners cruise up the Adriatic?

Liners that cruise up the Adriatic include ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas.Cruise lines currently sailing to the Adriatic region include Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.

• Do Adriatic cruises stop in Croatia?

Yes, most Adriatic cruises stop in Croatia. The most popular Croatian port is Dubrovnik, on the southern coast of the country. Always double check your cruise itinerary before booking to ensure all the port stops you want to make in the Adriatic are listed. 

• What is the best time of year for an Adriatic cruise?

Early spring to early autumn is the best time of year for an Adriatic cruise. As the warmer weather arrives, the countries on the coast of the Adriatic open tourist sites to welcome visitors - and the sea is generally calmer. Temperatures, and attraction queues are highest in August. Cruise in late spring or early autumn for ideal conditions.

• Is the Adriatic sea rough?

The answer to whether the Adriatic sea is rough, depends entirely on the weather. In general, the Adriatic sea is calm. Waves typically peak at 1.5 metres from lows of 0.5 metres, ensuring smooth sailing for most cruise voyages in the region.