Two years ago today, I embarked on an incredible Croatia cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. As I was solo travelling, I decided to book a cabin with the possibility of sharing with a stranger, to save on the single supplement charge. Because it was my first time doing a cruise of this kind, I played it safe and only booked three nights. Big mistake! I wish I’d booked much longer...

Go Croatia Sail Adriatic — Go Croatia Sail - Split

I was pleasantly surprised when checking in to find I’d been assigned a cabin to myself, as the ship wasn’t full (around 20 passengers). From the moment I boarded and began meeting the other passengers, everyone was so incredibly friendly and genuinely interested in getting to know you.

Our cabins were fairly basic but comfortable, each with an ensuite bathroom. Mine had twin single beds, and I was grateful for the spare bed to put my luggage on. It would have been quite tight for two people. If sailing solo again, I wouldn’t risk the possibility of sharing and definitely book my own cabin and pay the single supplement.

Because this was an all-ages cruise, we had a fantastic mix of people, from mid-twenties through to mid sixties. The couple in their sixties were more young-at-heart and adventurous than anyone else on board! Most passengers were from either Australia or the US, and every single one was lovely.

As a solo traveller and an introvert, I was worried about having to socialise day and night with a group of strangers without feeling overwhelmed at times. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After travelling solo for the previous six weeks, I loved spending time with this amazing group, especially a 26-year-old from Australia, a 40-year-old from the US, and the 60+ US couple. They were such a fun group.

Croatia Dalmatian coast sailing — View from my cabin door

Life on board was pure relaxation. Most days were spent stretched out on the top deck sunbeds: soaking up the sunshine, reading a good book and taking refreshing dips whenever we stopped for a swim, making the most of the fun aqua toys. Lunchtime was always a highlight, with our Croatian cook serving up mouth-watering home-made dishes that everyone devoured, and breakfast was just as impressive. The local crew couldn’t have been warmer or more welcoming, adding to the enjoyment of each day. In the evenings, we had the freedom to dine at our choice of restaurants in whichever port we were lucky enough to be docked.

Croatia’s beauty is almost impossible to put into words. Towering, rugged mountain ranges tumble dramatically into the Adriatic, where the water shimmers in shades of turquoise and azure blue so vivid they hardly seem real.

Makarska Croatia — Sailing towards Makarska for our first night

Our first port for the night was Makarska, a stunning coastal town tucked between the dramatic Biokovo Mountain range and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The town has a relaxed holiday vibe by day, with locals and visitors enjoying coffee at seaside cafés, strolling under palm-lined streets, and browsing colourful market stalls. By night, Makarska comes alive with waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, lively bars, and open-air music.

Our second overnight stop was Pomena, a charming harbour town on the island of Mljet. One of the quirky things about small-ship cruising is that at busy ports, the boats all tie up alongside each other. To reach the dock, you often have to walk across several other vessels. It’s a great chance to peek at different ships, say hello to fellow travellers, and sometimes even share a drink or a chat with passengers from other cruises.

We arrived in Pomena early in the afternoon, giving us plenty of time to hire bikes and explore the breathtaking Mljet National Park. I was relieved I’d chosen to upgrade to an e-bike, as the ride was long and often steep. Having not ridden in years, the gentle pedal assistance was a blessing. Cycling alone through the park was peaceful and beautiful, offering me some treasured time to reflect on the incredible adventure I was in the middle of. It reminded me, once again, of the amazing world we live in and just how much there is to see and experience.

After several hours of riding, it was bliss to return to town and stumble upon a little beach bar right on the water. I claimed a waterfront sunbed, ordered a cocktail, and watched the sun dip into the horizon. Pure perfection!

That evening, I met up with my group for a delicious local dinner, complete with generous glasses of wine. Afterwards, I suggested we go for a “bush walk.” My American friends burst out laughing, as they call it a “forest hike,” and I was quickly crowned the Bushy Queen. With a bright, star-filled sky above us and well-paved paths guiding the way, we wandered to the lake’s edge. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars in my life. It was one of those rare, pinch-me moments I’ll never forget.

Our final night was spent in Dubrovnik, moored in the large harbour rather than the famous Old Town. A short taxi ride whisked us into the heart of the old town, a place I had dreamed of visiting for years after falling in love with it on Game of Thrones. It was every bit as magical as I had imagined, and more. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with my new friends, then met up with the rest of our shipmates at a nearby bar to swap stories from our journey. By the end of the night, we all agreed on one thing - we wished the cruise had lasted longer.

Dubrovnik Old Town Game Of Thrones — The beautiful port of the old town Dubrovnik

The next morning, after breakfast and sad farewells, I headed to a nearby Airbnb. I wanted to soak up a little more of Dubrovnik before continuing on to Montenegro, and I’m so glad I did. Those extra two nights gave me the chance to wander deeper into the Old Town’s charming streets & historic buildings and enjoy some unforgettable water activities. Even better, a few of the friends I’d made on the cruise were also staying on, so we spent more time exploring, sharing meals, and making the most of our final days together.

On our last night, we discovered there was a local concert happening in the newer part of town, a Queen tribute band. It turned out to be an absolutely incredible and unexpected highlight. The band was fantastic, and the lead singer captured Freddie Mercury’s energy and charisma flawlessly.

We sang at the top of our lungs, danced like no one was watching, and soaked up every moment. It was the perfect finale to our unforgettable days and nights together.

Croatia exceeded every expectation I had, and I know I only experienced a small slice of its beauty. One day, I’ll be back for a longer cruise that also includes inland adventures to its breathtaking mountains and cascading waterfalls.

If you’ve been dreaming about a Croatia cruise, my advice is simple, go for it. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (or more, if you’re lucky enough to return).

As an accredited travel agent with access to a wide network of cruise specialists and industry partners, I can help you find and plan the perfect Croatian adventure. Get in touch and let’s start turning that dream into reality 😊

Croatia Cruising

Solo Travel

Matera, Italy