En route to Venice, Phoenicians, Greeks and all the maritime traders of the ancient world plied these waters, bringing wealth and culture to settlements all along the coast. Palaces, towers, churches and mighty walls bear testament to a memorable past, whilst the myriad lavender scented islands, pretty bays and secluded beaches make this the perfect cruising destination. Here is our guide to the best small ships visiting Croatia and the Adriatic:
1. SeaDream Yacht Club
The intimate SeaDream I and II, each with just 114 fortunate guests on board, offer a laid back, al fresco and inclusive yacht experience on a number of Adriatic itineraries throughout the summer months. These voyages often sell out, so book early to make sure you don't miss out.
2. Windstar Cruises
Windstar's magnificent five-masted flagship Wind Surf, with a complement of 342 guests, explores the Adriatic on an expanded programme of itineraries visiting Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Italy and Greece: relaxed and unpretentious, this is the perfect choice for easy-going exploration.
3. Ponant
Ponant's chic and elegant little Le Lyrial, with just 244 guests, brings a touch of ooh la la to the Dalmatian Coast. Various itineraries are on offer, and we particularly like the seven-night voyage beginning in Venice, with its itinerary including gems such as Rovinj and Kotor.
4. Silversea
One of Silversea's newest ships, Silver Nova, arrives this year, and the perfect opportunity to test her out will be on one of Silversea's August or September sailings to Athens, with lots of opportunity to explore ashore, and to get the measure of this lovely 728-guest vessel.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Last year Ritz-Carlton made its very first foray into cruising, bringing the same Ritz-Carlton land-based style to holidays at sea. Accommodating just 298 guests in spacious sea view suites, the intimate Evrima will be in the Adriatic this summer, the perfect combination of new ship and great itinerary.
6. Seabourn
Seabourn's sublime 604-guest Seabourn Encore sails between Athens and Venice on appealing seven-day itineraries. The company's close ties with UNESCO will make visits to the UNESCO sites along the way all the more exciting, and the ship itself is elegant, comfortable and relaxed.
7. Star Clippers
Romance abounds as you slide gracefully under full sail on the lovely 227-guest, five-masted Royal Clipper on a lovely 7-day Croatia and Montenegro itinerary. Pent-up demand means that voyages are filling up quickly, so book now for 2023. Heads will turn as you sail into the sunset as liberated as ever, with the salty sea breeze rushing through your hair.
8. Emerald Yacht Cruises
The newest in Emerald's fleet, the stylish 100-guest yacht Emerald Azzurra offers a range of intriguing itineraries visiting the Dalmatian Coast, the Venetian lagoon and beautiful Istria, a top destination for foodies in search of the tastiest local produce.
