Private Cruise Ship Charter in Croatia

Charter an Entire Cruise Ship

Private cruise ship charter is a different proposition to booking cabins on a scheduled cruise. Instead of joining other passengers on a fixed itinerary, you charter the whole vessel exclusively for your group. The ship, the crew, the chef and the itinerary are all yours.

This is an increasingly popular option for milestone celebrations, family reunions, corporate retreats, wedding groups, and any occasion where a large group wants to travel together in comfort along the Croatian Adriatic.

How It Works

You charter the entire ship for a set period — typically one or two weeks. The itinerary is planned around your group's preferences, though the captain will advise on routing and timing based on weather, distances and port availability. Most cruises run between Trogir/Split and Dubrovnik, visiting the Dalmatian islands along the way.

The ship comes with a full crew including captain, deckhands, a chef and hospitality staff. Meals are prepared on board — typically breakfast and lunch, with dinners taken ashore at local restaurants so your group can experience Croatian coastal cuisine first-hand.

The Ships

The small cruise ships available for private charter in Croatia are purpose-built wooden or steel-hulled vessels, typically between 30 and 50 metres in length, with 10 to 20 en-suite cabins. They are a world away from the large ocean-going cruise liners — these are intimate, beautifully finished vessels designed for island-hopping and coastal cruising in the Adriatic.

Facilities typically include air-conditioned cabins and salons, outdoor dining areas, sun decks, swimming platforms, and water sports equipment such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Some ships also carry small tenders for shore excursions.

Group Size

Private cruise ship charters typically accommodate groups of 20 to 40 guests, depending on the vessel. This makes them ideal for mid-sized to large groups that are too big for a gulet (which typically tops out at around 30 guests) but want something far more personal than a large cruise line.

Popular Routes

The most popular charter routes follow the Dalmatian Coast between Trogir and Dubrovnik — either northbound or southbound — with stops at islands including Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula and Mljet. The Krka waterfalls and the Kornati Islands can also be included. Return cruises that loop through the islands and back to the departure point are available too.

Looking for a Cabin Instead?

If your group is smaller or you'd rather book individual cabins on a scheduled departure with a set itinerary, our main site Discover Croatia Holidays has a full range of small ship cruises with fixed itineraries and per-person pricing.