What are Explorer Cruises?
Explorer cruises are great for young professionals and young at heart travellers looking to experience the true beauty of Croatia. There is an emphasis on sightseeing and relaxing, whilst still giving you the opportunity to explore the nightlife in Croatia each evening should you wish to! If you’re looking for a different cruise experience, view our Croatia small ship cruises.
What time do cruises start/finish?
Ships depart the harbour at 13:00 on your departure day. If you’re unable to make it to check-in on time, you can easily catch up with your ship at your first destination. Please see FAQ: What if I can’t make the check-in time?
All ships arrive at their final destination one day before check-out, where you will spend the night onboard. Check-out the following morning is between 8am and 9am.
What if I can’t make the check-in time?
If you’re unable to arrive at your departure point for check-in, it’s easy to catch up with your ship at your first destination. See information on how to get to your first destination below:
- Split Return South / Split to Dubrovnik: your first night will be spent in the mainland town of Makarska, which is easily accessible by public bus from Split (1 hour & 15 minutes). You can find the bus timetable online here.
- Dubrovnik - Split: your first night will be spent on the island of Mljet, which is easily accessible via ferry from Dubrovnik (1 hour & 20 minutes). You can find ferry timetables online here and here.
If you need assistance planning your arrival, a member of our Sales Team will be happy to help you connect the dots! We are able to provide land based transfers if required, or our Operations Team are also able to assist you on the ground with logistics.
What are the cabin arrangements?
Our Explorer ships are equipped with either Twin beds or a Double bed, as well as a private ensuite bathroom and air-conditioning. Twin or Double bed cabins are confirmed during the booking stage, so please let us know your preference.
On some ships, we also have triple cabins available for guests that are travelling as a group of three and would like to share a cabin. Triple cabins consist of a double bed and a single bunk, and we provide a 10% discount per person for these cabin types. In some Triple cabins, the double bed may be slightly smaller to accommodate the additional single bed, meaning these cabins may not be suitable for travellers that require more space. If you would like to book a triple cabin please let us know and we can check availability when you enquire.
What is the difference between Above Deck and Lower Deck cabins?
At the booking stage, you will have the option to select a Lower Deck or an Above Deck cabin onboard the ship.
Above Deck cabins are located on the main deck of the ship and may have internal or external access. The Lower Deck cabins are situated in the hull of the ship and are accessed via stairs from the main deck down into the hull. The Lower Deck cabins are slightly more affordable than the Above Deck cabins, however they are usually slightly larger in size as there is no walk-way around the outside. They are also often cooler and quieter in the evenings. The main benefit with the Above Deck cabins is that they are on the main or upper deck, easily accessible without having to use the stairs!
Please note: Above Deck cabins are either equipped with a window or a port hole, some of these will be fixed and cannot be opened. Lower Deck cabins are equipped with a port hole which cannot be opened. Each ship is unique and therefore the layout does vary from ship to ship.
I am travelling by myself, is there a single supplement?
If you prefer to have your own cabin, you can pay a single supplement which is 50% of the per person website price. Please note single supplements are limited in their availability and are not applicable on special offers or discounted cruises. Alternatively, we can match you with another solo traveller of the same sex onboard the ship.
What age/nationality are the passengers?
Explorer Cruises attract a wide age range of guests onboard, and a typical cruise will usually have a mix of couples, young professionals and ‘young at heart' travellers from mid 20s to mid 60s onboard.
We recommend a minimum age of 15+ onboard Explorer Cruises, and we find this works well for all guests onboard the ship, as well as older teenagers who enjoy many aspects of the cruise. If you’d prefer to travel with other mature travellers, view our Elegance Croatia Cruises.
Mainly English-speaking travellers join us on our Explorer Cruises. Travellers are typically from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK & South Africa.
What food is included?
Breakfast and a 3-course lunch are included daily on our Explorer cruises. Breakfast is usually continental
style, with additional warm food such as eggs. Lunches are usually 3 courses, with a soup/salad starter, meat
or fish-based main course and fruit/cake for dessert, prepared by your onboard cook. A Captains Dinner is also
included in Explorer Cruises. All other evenings, we encourage our clients to explore the local towns,
experiencing local food and wine! Of course we can offer suggestions on the best places to go!
Can I bring food and drink onboard?
You cannot bring food and drink onboard the ship, except for items that fill specific dietary requirements.
Each boat has its own bar and drinks consumed onboard must be purchased from here. You have unlimited access
to the onboard water cooler during the salon opening times. We recommend bringing a re-usable water bottle
with you onboard, and filling this up before the salon closes for the evening.
Are there any local payments that I need to be aware of?
A local payment of 30 Euros per person is payable onboard your Sail Croatia Cruise. This payment incorporates
port fees and tourist taxes throughout the week and is subject to change.
What type of luggage should I bring?
If you’re joining us from within Europe, we highly recommend limiting your luggage to one suitcase; however,
we understand that this might not be possible for international travellers who are flying in just for the
cruise, or on extended trips. In most cabins, you will be able to store bags under the bed; however, in the
case of excess luggage, please ask check-in staff to give you additional information about possible storage.
Will I get to visit the Blue Cave as a part of my cruise?
The Blue Caves are a very popular attraction. A visit to the Blue Cave in Vis is dependant on your itinerary, the weather conditions and how busy the attraction is on the day. If conditions allow, an optional visit to the Blue Cave will be offered. This activity is not a part of your booking with us and therefore Sail Croatia shall not be deemed responsible for any damage, loss or dissatisfaction related to the Blue Cave visit.
Am I able to use the jacuzzi onboard 24/7?
You’re welcome to relax in the onboard jacuzzi throughout your cruise. Please note that the jacuzzi may not be
available at all times due to conditions such as electricity consumption, fresh water usage onboard and
weather conditions.
How does Sail Croatia contribute to sustainable tourism?
Sail Croatia is committed to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. To find out more on what we’ve
achieved so far and our goals for a sustainable future, check out our sustainability report here.
What other cruises do you operate?
Sail Croatia offer cruise and yacht experiences to suit every travel style, including luxury Croatia Cruises for mature travellers, Explorer Cruises between Split and Dubrovnik, Navigator Party Cruises, and Active Cruises on our Cycle Croatia and Hike Croatia Cruise experiences.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Yes, we highly recommend that you take out Travel Insurance that would cover cancellation, personal injury, medical expenses, personal
liability & loss of personal property before you travel with us. It’s also important to check that your insurance covers all of the
optional excursions you may be doing whilst onboard the cruise with us. Find out more about Travel Insurance here.
Please note: Once a booking is confirmed, there are fees applicable if you need to make a change to your booking or if you need to
cancel. All fees can be found on our Booking Terms. Whilst we are unable to offer refunds, we can provide a letter confirming your
cancellation with us which may aid your Travel Insurance claim, if required.