18 independent reviews for Dubrovnik to Split small ship cruise
Reviews for Dubrovnik to Split small ship cruise
Anonymous review 21 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful scenery and good fellow passengers on our small boat cruise2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check in detail the boat you choose as they differ considerably. We thoroughly enjoyed our circular cruise rather than the one way3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local crew and tour guide who was excellent. She recommended local places to eat. Linen only changed x1 in the week so helping the environment4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
First small ship cruise we have done as nervous re a cruise, but was a great success. Stress free and very enjoyable overallMike Jones review 20 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Captains dinner and dance party after2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
More info on getting to and from destination- eg taxi’s are extortionate but shuttle bus is just as quick and 10% of taxi fare3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Locals just wanted to be paid in cash!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
BrilliantKen Bell review 19 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The opportunity to visit small ports, enjoy informative guided tours - particularly "the Mistress" in Korcula (!) - all at a relaxed pace with a first-class onboard experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Personal preference - book a balcony cabin.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - small ship cruising is a world away from the mega ships with thousands of passengers.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Having cruised big ships many times, we wondered how small ship cruising (ROKO had only 32 guests) would suit us as three couples celebrating a reunion. Small ship cruising turned out to be delightful: - ROKO is a beautiful boat, incredibly well-equipped and extremely comfortable. The crew are very attentive and - as we sailed from Dubrovnik up the coast to Split, exploring ports on the way, each day’s routine established itself: - early morning coffee on the balcony (we had cabin 14) watching the coast float by, breakfast, sunbathe, stop at a cove for a swim, three-course lunch and then disembarking to explore the next port with a guide before finding a restaurant. This was a wonderful way to appreciate what this part of Croatia had to offer. Our cruise manager Sasa worked hard to make sure that all of the planned activities on the cruise were successful – his passion for Croatia shone through and he made a huge contribution to the success of the cruise. On our cruise there was a mix of nationalities and by the time we disembarked in Split everyone was talking to everyone, so we have really good memories of a friendly time onboard. We would certainly recommend ROKO and Sasa for a great small-ship experience and we will definitely seek them out when next we explore Croatia.Claire Ryley review 8 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking down Mount Srd above Dubrovnik. Wonderful views over the walled city, wild herbs and scents. Peaceful and good exercise!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Swim in the Adriatic whenever possible...clear and clean, beautiful. Visit the tourist info as soon as you arrive in port. They'll give you maps and tips on how to make the best of your time on land.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We had local guides for tours and had dinner, drinks and ices in port. We bought local craft items too and visited museums and churches, contributing to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Interesting mix of fellow passengers including a dozen South Americans. Good advice from the excellent Tatiana and plenty of free time to explore on land.Teresa Coffey review 30 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The visit to Kor?ula. And the party after the captain’s dinner. The group on the ship were really friendly and mixed well with each other!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t expect that this is a luxury cruise. The ship is clean and functional. The cabins are small but perfectly adequate. The crew work hard to keep everything shipshape!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly supported local people but can’t comment on the other points.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience with an excellent, friendly crew who went out of their way to please and a terrific group of travelers to share experiences with.Keith Walmsley review 24 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything! Fabulous ship, crew, other guests, locations, food, cabins.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with an open mind3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentJudy Magnussen review 4 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming from the boat or going in a smaller boat to a quiet cove to swim.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy every minute!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was wonderful and I really loved it. We had a great tour guide and all the crew were really kind and helpful. If I had to look for any improvements, I think I found the food very average and I think they could have done something to cheer the cabins up a bit. They were a bit grey and the bathrooms smelly.Lynn Frost review 6 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Stipe singing us in to lunch with his ukulele and swimming in crystal clear waters off the back of the boat.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax and go with the flow, itinerary is subject to weather so don’t get hung up on particular stopping points.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The on board dinners ( Captain’s & BBQ) took place in the quieter ports, which was a shame as we would have patronised the smaller restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good, had a great time, would do another in a different location.Rene Uys review 22 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything was fantastic2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do everything there is to do3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic!!!Christine Murray review 17 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All the locations we visited in Croatia were stunning! Most favorite was Korchula!!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to offer a tip to the staff & cruise director.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10+. We would do it again!!!Nicki Vance review 9 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting various islands, particularly Korchula and Hvar.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come ready for any weather!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We bought quite a few local meals and drinks; it was great we had a large water bottle to refill our own bottles so didn’t buy one plastic bottle (acknowledging the large bottles are plastic but assume are refilled).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good considering the poor weather. The guide, Ivana and crew of the boat were excellent. This was my first cruise and I would definitely look to do another small boat cruise again. Still not ready or want to travel on large cruise ships but small ones are good.Alex Atkinson review 4 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all memorable, every day was something different to look forward to. I loved Dubrovnik old town and was glad that we booked a couple of extra nights at the start of our vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take sea shoes / surf socks as most of the beaches are pebbled and rocky to enjoy a swim in the sea. Take a handful of pegs and a small bottle of hand wash to rinse out swim wear and light weight clothing, there are a few places on the top deck to hang items out. Extend your trip with extra nights at the beginning and end in a hotel or apartment.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Visiting the small islands supported the local economies. The drinking water is safe in Croatia so take a reusable drink bottle to refill when on land sight seeing.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great vacation, well organised, good food, lovely and knowledgable crew, relaxed and casual. We were also fortunate to have a super group of guests on board, a range of ages with families and couples from all over the world - Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, UK and France.Jenny Tizard review 19 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our tour guide was amazing. She was really interesting and very good at organising us and everything else. Local guides were first class. The boat was spacious, clean and well designed. The crew were friendly and helpful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you have any food allergies or intolerancies, communicate this when booking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All crew and guides were local.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We felt very looked after, but we also had lots of opportunities to go off on bikes and go walking on our own.Carol Martin review 3 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking through the islands visited with plenty of time to explore. Having overnights at port, also, provided not only some night life entertainment, but also an early morning walk before departure (for those later morning departures). The lectures by Stan, our cruise program director, were useful and informative. Actually, the whole staff were very friendly and approachable - a highlight for me.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't forget your bathing suit....like I did! Also, bring attire for any rain or sprinkles.... like I didn't! If you are challenged by up/down steps and uneven walking terrain, be sure to ask the tour/excursion director about conditions of the tour beforehand. If you like your salads at lunchtime, you'll have to be quick as not enough was presented for 40 paying passengers. This was a 'downer' for me.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the local economy was impacted, and having a small ship also cuts down on harmful impacts on marine life in the seas4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
3 out of 7 nights were spent on the mainland Croatia. I would have preferred those evenings in the islands to explore more there. Overall, I'd rate my 7 days/nights at 7 out of 10 (ten being excellent).Carol Stewart review 10 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The experience on MV Papa Prvi was great. The crew was friendly, accommodating and very professional; we were in good hands. It was my first cruise; the boat size (max 38) was just right.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Each night we ate locally; this was of benefit to the communities. The bigger ships had full board.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The cruise on the Papa Prvi was a definite 10/10!Amanda Fullerton review 3 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming in the amazing cool, clear, deep blue waters of the Adriatic off remote islands.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack quick drying clothes. It gets hot and it is nice to be able to rinse out items.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted local people. We bought meals and gifts while in port.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful! Nice guests on our cruise and a professional staff.Joan O review 16 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Loved visiting Dubrovnik & the islands2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light & take sea sickness tablets with you if you need to3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Used local restaurants & shops4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful - lovely mix of people & nationalities on the boatLouise Hiron review 28 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Loved being able to travel around Croatia while being completely looked after. Fantastic swimming stops, amazing places to visit. Loved it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your snorkels and inflatables to make those swimming stops extra fun.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes especially when we visited the smaller islands as it helps their economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
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